3.4 Saving Documents: Native Formats, Compatibility, Cloud Documents, and Templates
Key Takeaways
Save As switches the open window to the newly saved file, while Save a Copy writes a duplicate and keeps you working in the original.
Save As offers native Illustrator (.ai), Adobe PDF, Illustrator EPS, Illustrator Template (.ait), SVG, and SVG Compressed formats.
Create PDF Compatible File stores a PDF representation inside an .ai file so applications such as InDesign can display and place it.
Creative Cloud documents use the .aic extension, save automatically, and keep a version history in which marked versions are retained.
Opening an .ait template creates an untitled copy, which protects the template file from accidental overwrites.
3.4 Saving Documents: Native Formats, Compatibility, Cloud Documents, and Templates
Quick Summary: Objective 2.4.a asks you to save documents with the right command, format, and compatibility settings. Know the difference between Save, Save As, and Save a Copy; when to choose .ai, .pdf, .eps, .svg, or .ait; what the Illustrator Options dialog controls; and how Creative Cloud documents differ from files saved on your computer.
The Save Commands
| Command | Shortcut | Result |
|---|---|---|
File > Save | Cmd/Ctrl+S | Saves the document in its current format and location |
File > Save As | Shift+Cmd/Ctrl+S | Saves under a new name, location, or format; the open window now refers to the new file |
File > Save a Copy | Option+Cmd+S / Alt+Ctrl+S | Writes a duplicate file while you keep working in the original |
File > Save as Template | none by default | Saves an Illustrator Template (.ait) |
The Save As dialog lets you choose between saving to Creative Cloud (a cloud document) and saving on your computer. The exam commonly checks the Save As versus Save a Copy distinction: if you must keep editing your master file while handing off a PDF, use Save a Copy.
Formats Available in Save As
| Format | Extension | Keeps Illustrator editing? | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Illustrator | .ai | Yes, fully native | Master working files |
| Adobe PDF | Optional, through Preserve Illustrator Editing Capabilities | Proofs, sharing, and print-ready PDF/X files | |
| Illustrator EPS | .eps | Largely, but it is an older format | Legacy workflows and some vendors or cutters |
| Illustrator Template | .ait | Yes | Reusable starting documents |
| SVG / SVG Compressed | .svg / .svgz | Optional, through Preserve Illustrator Editing Capabilities | Web graphics when you also need a round-trip editable file |
For web delivery, File > Export > Export As (or Export for Screens) with the SVG format produces cleaner, web-optimized code. Save As SVG is intended for files you plan to reopen and edit in Illustrator.
The Illustrator Options Dialog (.ai)
Saving as .ai opens the Illustrator Options dialog:
- Version — Choose the current version or an earlier one, such as Illustrator CS6. Earlier versions do not understand newer features, so Illustrator warns that some items may be expanded or lost and text may be split. Never overwrite your master file with a down-saved copy; use Save a Copy instead.
- Subset fonts when percent of characters used is less than — Embeds only the characters used when usage falls below the percentage you set.
- Create PDF Compatible File — Stores a PDF representation of the artwork inside the .ai file so other Adobe applications, such as InDesign, can display and place it. Turning it off makes smaller files that some applications cannot preview.
- Include Linked Files — Embeds copies of linked files in the saved document.
- Embed ICC Profiles — Saves the document's color profile for color-managed workflows.
- Use Compression — Compresses the PDF data stored in the file.
Saving as Adobe PDF
Save As > Adobe PDF opens the Save Adobe PDF dialog. Its presets include [Illustrator Default], [High Quality Print], [Press Quality], [Smallest File Size], [PDF/X-1a:2001], [PDF/X-3:2002], and [PDF/X-4:2008]. [Illustrator Default] preserves Illustrator editing capabilities, so the PDF can be reopened and edited. Press-oriented presets add options for marks and bleeds, color conversion, and the output intent. You can save all artboards as pages or specify a range.
Creative Cloud Documents (.aic)
- Choose Save to Creative Cloud in the Save As dialog. Cloud documents use the .aic extension, and the document tab shows a cloud icon.
- Cloud documents save automatically as you work and can be opened wherever Illustrator is installed, including Illustrator on the iPad.
- The Version History panel lists earlier versions. Mark any version you want to keep, because unmarked versions are deleted periodically.
- Cloud documents support sharing and inviting collaborators to edit.
- To produce a local file from a cloud document, use Save a Copy or Save As and choose your computer.
Do not confuse cloud documents with Creative Cloud Libraries. Libraries store reusable assets such as colors, graphics, and character styles; cloud documents store entire Illustrator files.
Templates (.ait)
File > Save as Template creates an .ait file. Opening a template with File > New from Template (Shift+Cmd/Ctrl+N) or by double-clicking it creates an untitled copy, so the template itself stays protected. Templates can hold artboards, guides, layers, swatches, symbols, graphic styles, and placeholder content, which makes them ideal for repeatable brand stationery or social media series.
Choosing a Format Before Handoff
| Question | If the answer is yes | Format or setting |
|---|---|---|
| Will another designer keep editing in Illustrator? | Keep full editability | .ai, with a compatible Version if needed |
| Does a printer only need to output it? | Lock appearance and include bleed | PDF/X preset |
| Will it be placed into InDesign? | Ensure the placed preview works | .ai with Create PDF Compatible File, or PDF |
| Will a web developer use it? | Clean, small code | Export As SVG |
| Will the team reuse the layout? | Protect the master | .ait template |
| Do several people need version history? | Autosave and versions | Creative Cloud document (.aic) |
A designer needs to send a PDF proof while continuing to edit the master .ai file in the same window. Which command should they use?
Save a Copy
Save As
Save as Template
Export for Screens
What is the main purpose of the Create PDF Compatible File option in the Illustrator Options dialog?
It converts all text to outlines when the file is saved, so fonts are never needed
It removes all linked files from the document
It forces the document into CMYK color mode
It stores a PDF version inside the .ai file so apps such as InDesign can place it
A team saves its brand stationery layout as an Illustrator Template (.ait). What happens when a designer opens that template?
The template opens directly and is overwritten on the next save
The template opens as a read-only PDF
Illustrator opens an untitled copy, leaving the template file unchanged
The template's swatches and symbols are discarded
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.