Many designers and creatives often find themselves in situations where they need to save an Adobe Illustrator (AI) file as a previous version. However, Adobe Illustrator doesn’t have a built-in feature to directly save a file as a previous version. This can be frustrating, especially when working with clients or colleagues who have older versions of the software. But fear not, there are a few workarounds to help you save an AI file as a previous version.
1. Export as PDF:
One of the simplest ways to save an AI file as a previous version is to export it as a PDF. Navigate to File > Save As and choose the PDF format. Then, open the exported PDF file in an older version of Illustrator and save it as an AI file. While this method may not preserve all the editable elements of your original file, it can still be a quick solution for sharing your work with those using older versions of Illustrator.
2. Packaging:
Another method to save an AI file as a previous version is by using the packaging feature in Adobe Illustrator. Packaging a file collects all linked files, fonts, and a report of the file, which can be opened in a different version of Illustrator. To do this, go to File > Package and follow the prompts to collect all the necessary files. Once packaged, the recipient can open the packaged file on their older version of Illustrator and resave it as a compatible version.
3. Third-party tools:
Some third-party tools and online services claim to convert AI files to older versions. While these may be helpful, it’s important to exercise caution when using third-party tools, as they may compromise the integrity of your file or pose a security risk. Always ensure you use reputable and trustworthy tools for file conversion.
4. Requesting assistance:
If you have access to the most recent version of Adobe Illustrator but the recipient only has an older version, you can offer to help them convert the file. You can open the file in your version, then save it as an older version and send it back to them. This is a quick and efficient way to ensure that your recipients can access the file without any hassle.
In conclusion, while Adobe Illustrator doesn’t provide a direct way to save a file as a previous version, there are workarounds available. Whether it’s exporting as a PDF, using packaging, or requesting assistance from someone with the latest version, there are ways to ensure your work is accessible to those using older versions of Illustrator. As always, it’s important to consider the integrity and security of your files when using third-party tools or online services.
