InDesign treating a placed .ai file as a pdf

[meagan_4896]

So this is a brand new MacBook Pro 15.1.1 (24B2091) with newly installed CC. 

I have multiple vector files placed that, upon export, come out really pixelated as if the links are missing (they're not). When I place them, this dialog box comes up as if I'm placing a pdf instead of an illustrator file. 
I tried resaving the vector files with "create pdf compatible file" unchecked, which had even worse results–no placed file that even displays in InDesign and just a message about how I should have saved it with the box checked. I've been using these programs a lot of years and haven't run into this before. I know the files are simple vector files and not raster, and all images are linked.

[leo.r]

First, InDesign treats and labels Illustrator files as "PDF" since like forever. I guess that's because they're internally the same for quite some time, but maybe others have a more detailed explanation for this.

As to your export problems: what format are you exporting to and what are the settings? Can you post screenshots of the original files vs. what you get when exporting?

[meagan_4896]

I guess in 20 years, I've never had this pdf image import dialog box appear when placing .ai

I'm exporting to a pdf x4a for print.

Also, maybe I should have restarted my machine before posting, because that seems to have resolved my pixelated export. 😑

[BobLevine]

You just never noticed it. Try saving an AI file without the default PDF portion. Then try placing that.

Edit: I see from the original post you already found out.

[Willi Adelberger]

If AI is PDF compatible it is a PDF. THAT IS WHY THE pdf dialogue comes up, nothing wrong.

In Indesign you should use PDF/X-4 or AI files with PDF compatibility. you can open any of thiose AI files in Acrobat pro, if it does nit work, change the extension from AI to PDF.