Good-bye AI…Hello PDF
For most of my career, when I started a new Illustrator project and went to save the file, I choose AI for the file type and only used EPS if there was a special request. However, now that Illustrator can save layered PDFs as editable Illustrator files I’ve made the switch to working directly in the PDF file format. I’m so stoked with how it’s working out I’d thought I’d share what I feel are the three big advantages of working in the Illustrator editable PDF file format.
1. Everyone Wants a PDF Anyway
PDF rules the roost in the printing industry. It’s the one thing everyone can rely on for maximum portability and compatibility. But some industry niches still require a different format. This is usually related to legacy software that demands a specific file type and they are not interested in spending the whole five minutes it will take to convert my PDF.
So when the occasional embroidery or signage company insists on an AI or EPS file I just save my PDF in the format they want and send it to them. It takes me five minutes and they are totally happy to now have the “correct” file format.
2. It Speeds Up Proofing
When I was working in AI format I’d have to save a PDF version to send to my client. When I work directly in Illustrator editable PDF format I can just send them the same file I’m actually working on. What a huge time saver! And if they should find one version to be perfect they already have the master file in their hand. If the fonts were embeddable I don’t even have to convert it to outlines. Sweet!
3. It’s an Insurance Policy Against Lost, Overwritten, Corrupted or Accidentally Deleted Files
Since every PDF proof I send also doubles as an editable master I know I have multiple usable “masters” floating around that I can easily retrieve if need be. If I were to accidentally overwrite a revision that the client approved I could just pull the file attachment from my email sent folder or ask my client to send back the one they like. Presto! Back on track.
Risk Free Trial
If you’re not working directly in the Illustrator editable PDF format why not try it for a month and see how you like it. You can always just resave you editable PDF files as AI or EPS so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
File Under: Advantages and Benefits of Working in the Adobe Illustrator Editable PDF File Format – How to Save Illustrator File as Editable PDF
Dwayne - Houston Web Designer
1 year ago
I have used this option my self when working on files. I never thought of it but I like the idea of having backup masters. That would be a nice benefit. You are right by the way. All of my printers appreciate files in PDF format. I would too, so long as things were set up right. Indesign packages for example with all the links, fonts, etc.. can be tricky.
Sam Orchard
9 months ago
Are all layer effects/masks/selections properly kept? I had no idea that PDFs were so flexible.
Clay (The BDD Dude)
9 months ago
Yes. When you open it up in Illustrator it’s exactly the same as an AI file with all your layers, groups, etc. But when you open the same file in Acrobat it’s just like a regulaar PDF. Best of both worlds.