Convert PDF to AI
AI (Adobe Illustrator) format preserves vector paths, layers, and editability. Converting a PDF to AI lets you open and edit PDF vector content directly in Adobe Illustrator.
About Convert PDF to AI
Adobe Illustrator can open PDF files natively — PDF is a core format in the Adobe ecosystem. When you open a PDF in Illustrator, the vector content (paths, shapes, text outlines) is preserved and fully editable. This effectively converts the PDF to an AI workflow.
To open a PDF in Illustrator: File > Open > select the PDF. If the PDF contains multiple pages, Illustrator will ask which page to open. Each page opens as a separate artboard. Once open, save as an AI file (File > Save As > Illustrator .ai) to preserve layers and editability in native format.
For PDF files that contain raster images rather than vector paths: the content cannot be converted to true vectors by opening in Illustrator. Instead, use the Logo Vectorizer to trace the raster content and produce SVG paths, then open the SVG in Illustrator and save as AI.
For protected or print-ready PDFs (PDF/X): some production PDFs are locked or flattened and restrict editing. In these cases, the paths are present but layers and groups may be collapsed. Use Illustrator's PDF parsing options (Preserve Illustrator Editing Capabilities must be enabled during original export) to maintain layer structure.
For converting AI back to PDF: File > Save As > Adobe PDF in Illustrator, using the PDF/X-4 preset for print-ready submission.