Adobe Illustrator Repair Tool

Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator

Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator is a repair tool for damaged or corrupted Adobe Illustrator data files (*.ai files)

Updated: 2026-03-27

Victor Bobrov Written by: Victor Bobrov

How to repair an Illustrator file

The manual for the repair of a corrupt Adobe Illustrator drawing project. How to repair a damaged *.ai file from Illustrator:

  1. Download Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator from here: https://illustrator.recoverytoolbox.com/download/RecoveryToolboxForIllustratorInstall.exe
  2. Install Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator on your computer
  3. Start Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator
  4. Please select a damaged AI file on first page of repair wizard in Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator
  5. Select file name for new recovered file
  6. Press on Save file button
how to repair corrupted .ai file

Adobe Illustrator Recovery Tool

Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator is an Adobe Illustator Recovery Tool for repairing a damaged *.ai files.

Features of the Adobe Illustrator Repair Tool:

  • Repair damaged Illustrator files (all versions)
  • Uses artificial intelligence for graphical content reconstruction and integrity checking
  • Contains many specific fixes for logical errors caused by erroneous functioning of graphics editors
  • Uses data swapping during recovery to save memory
  • Saves repaired data into a new Illustrator file
  • Repairs the Post Script data part of an Illustrator project
  • AI Viewer Tool for corrupted Adobe Illustrator files
  • Displays and repairs data from damaged Adobe Illustrator *.ai files
  • Displays, recovers and saves information from corrupted AI (Adobe Illustrator) files

How to repair Illustrator AI corrupted files

Adobe Illustrator data file repair tool helps to repair AI-file (all versions). Just download and install Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator to repair Illustrator files. The damaged .ai file repair software download is available 24/7. Along with the software, we offer technical support by email for 1 year after your purchase of the AI Repair Tool.

Reliable software for Adobe Illustrator recovery

Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator repairs damaged illustrations of AI format in case of data corruption. This tool represents the best option of Illustrator recovery that fixes many data corruption threats regardless of their severity.

The online service works on any computer or tablet, regardless of the OS in use. However, the offline version works under OS Windows only. Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator application works as follows:

  1. Download it from here: https://illustrator.recoverytoolbox.com/download/RecoveryToolboxForIllustratorInstall.exe
  2. Install Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator
  3. Start it and choose a file of AI format for analysis
  4. Initiate the repair process and wait for its completion
  5. Preview the results of Illustrator recovery and save it locally
  6. Open the repaired file in Adobe Illustrator and keep on working with it
software for Adobe Illustrator recovery

DEMO version of Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator has some restrictions, users may preview the results of Illustrator recovery, but it is not possible to save recovered data. Check the recovery in the demo mode of Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator. In case of a successful recovery, you can purchase the license to remove restrictions of the free version and save restored illustrations to your hard disk.

Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator

How to Open a Corrupted AI File for Free

Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator allows you to open a damaged AI file in the Adobe Illustrator graphic project and display a list of objects and data found in the file on the program page. Furthermore, it is possible to export the recovered data from an open AI file to a new *.ai file, which you can then work within Adobe Illustrator.

how to restore an illustrator project
How to restore an Illustrator Project

To restore damaged Illustrator graphic projects, you can use the latest backup or try to use Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator. With a high probability, Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator can recover data from AI files to their original state before corruption. To test this statement, it is necessary to:

  1. Download, install, and run the DEMO version of Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator.
  2. Select a damaged .ai file.
  3. Run the analysis of the damaged AI file.
  4. Review the list of restred objects in the program.
  5. Export the restored data to a new graphic project Illustrator - available in a full version.
How to fix an AI File

If you need to fix the AI file of a damaged Illustrator project quickly, then Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator will allow you to do this in a couple of clicks. Fixing AI files occurs by copying and fixing data from the damaged .ai file to a new Illustrator project. The tool doesn’t fix or modify the existing AI file. All data transfers to a new corrected AI file.

Requirements:

  • Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/Vista/7/8/10/11 or Windows Server 2003/2008/2012/2016 and above
Screenshots:
recover illustartor file

Selection of the damaged file

how to fix damaged .ai

Analysis of the file and data recovery

illustrator repair tool

Saving the repaired data

viewer tool for corrupted Adobe Illustrator files

Viewing the log of performed operations

Errors:

Adobe Illustrator recovery tool helps fix many errors in the file, including:

  • Can’t open the illustration. The illustration contains an illegal operand.
  • The file is damaged and could not be repaired.
  • An unknown error has occurred.
  • Can’t open the illustration. The illustration contains an incomplete or garbed object description.
  • Not enough memory to open illustration.
How it Works:
Step 1

Download software from website.

Step 2
illustrator repair download

Start Install software:

  • Press on downloaded installation file in browser
  • Select a downloaded installation file in Windows Explorer and press Enter or double click on it.
Step 3
easy adobe illustrator recovery

Please confirm the warning message:

Step 4
recover damaged illustrator drawing

Run installation wizard:

Step 5
how to repair a corrupted ai file

Run program:

  • Double click on icon on desktop

    or

  • Select from main menu: Start | Programs | Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator | Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator
Step 6
fix illustrator file

Please select a damaged AI file on first page of repair wizard in Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator:

Step 7
adobe illustrator fix software

Press on Next button:

Step 8
illustrator recover

Select file name for new recovered file:

Step 9
repair illustrator damaged file

Press on Save file button:

Step 10
adobe illustrator file recovery tool

On last page shows a detailed log of recovery process:

Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator

Video:
Online help:

This program is intended for recovering data from damaged Adobe Illustrator files. The creators of Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator (Download) made its interface as simple and unambiguous as possible to enable users with no corresponding experience (or with minimal PC experience altogether) to successfully recover a damaged file and continue working with it. Just follow the instructions on the screen and the program will take care of the rest.

If the program cannot recover data in the automatic mode, you can use the Send file to developers button located in the lower part of the first program screen. The currently opened file will be attached to a new email message (the default email client will be used). You can also use the Send source file command from the Options section of the main menu. Once the file is received by the company's customer support department, they will attempt to recover your data and will use this opportunity for improving the program's recovery algorithms. You will be contacted as soon as possible with an update on the results of their effort.

The step-by-step manual for Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator
  1. Selection of a damaged file
  2. Analysis of the file and data recovery
  3. Saving the recovered data
  4. Viewing the log of performed operations
  5. Options
Selection of a damaged file

1. Selection of a damaged file

The first step of the wizard enables you to select the damaged file you want to recover data from. This can be done in one of the following ways:

  1. By entering the name of the file and its path into the input field located in the center of the program screen;
  2. By using the standard dialog that can be opened by clicking an icon to the right of the input field;
  3. By selecting one of the previously used files from the dropdown list that can be opened by clicking a small button with a downward arrow in the right part of the input field.

Once the file has been selected, you can proceed to the next step.

2. Analysis of the file and data recovery

This step of the wizard is fully automated. Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator analyzes the structure of the file and identifies recoverable objects. The duration of this process directly depends on the complexity of the file being recovered, its size and the speed of your computer. The recovery process can be terminated at any moment by pressing the Abort button. Cancelling the recovery process will not affect the source file in any way, so you can repeat the recovery attempt any time later. Once this step is over, the program will automatically proceed to the final step.

Analysis of the file and data recovery
Saving the recovered data

3. Saving the recovered data

The final step of the recovery process is intended for saving the recovered data. The output file can be selected in one of the following ways:

  1. By entering the name of the file and its path into the input field located in the center of the program screen;
  2. By using the standard dialog that can be opened by clicking an icon to the right of the input field;
  3. By selecting one of the previously used files from the dropdown list that can be opened by clicking a small button with a downward arrow in the right part of the input field.

Please note that the saved file will not be compatible with the PDF format and will not support compression. To bring back PDF compatibility and add compression, use Adobe Illustrator.

4. Viewing the log of performed operations

Once the file is saved, the program will display a log of performed operations listing all of the detected objects: gradients, symbols, styles, layers, etc.

You can finish working with the program by clicking the Finish button. If you want to recover data from another file, use the Back button to go back to the first step - file selection.

Viewing the log of performed operations

Options

The Options menu contains the following commands:

  • Send source file - this command enables you to send the damaged file to developers if Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator fails to recover data in the automatic mode. The file will be attached to a new email message.
  • View recovery history - opens the recovery log file.
  • Clear lists / Source files - this command is intended for clearing the list of damaged files the program has worked with. After the command is run, confirm your intention to proceed using the standard confirmation dialog.
  • Clear lists / Output files - this command is intended for clearing the list of output files the program has worked with. After the command is run, confirm your intention to proceed using the standard confirmation dialog.
Buying Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator:
PayPro Global
Noventiq

Personal License

for personal use for noncommercial purposes

PayPro Global $25
Noventiq $25

Business License

for legal use in enterprise, commercial and governmental environments

PayPro Global $39
Noventiq $39

Site License

for using on several computers of the customer (up to 100 electronic devices) in one building or distributed between several buildings

PayPro Global $49
Noventiq $49

Online recovery service

Repair corrupted files online on any device

  • An email with a registration code and instructions for activating this code will be sent to the user immediately after the payment confirmation.
  • An email with a registration code will be sent from several different mail servers to prevent messages from appearing in SPAM filters. Accordingly, a possible duplication of registration letters received in the user's mailbox.
  • To activate the registration code, you need to run the application in Windows under a user with Administrator rights.
  • The number of Personal, Business or Site licenses activated simultaneously must not exceed the number of purchased licenses.
  • We sell software via registration services PayPro Global and Noventiq. That is why not Recovery Toolbox, but the corresponding company will be specified in the payment documents.

The purchased registration key is valid for all 2.x versions of Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator.

Buying the License Renewal:
PayPro Global
Noventiq

Personal License - 1 Year prolongation

for personal use for noncommercial purposes

PayPro Global $12
Noventiq $12

Business License - 1 Year prolongation

for legal use in enterprise, commercial and governmental environments

PayPro Global $19
Noventiq $19

Site License - 1 Year prolongation

for using on several computers of the customer (up to 100 electronic devices) in one building or distributed between several buildings

PayPro Global $25
Noventiq $25

Payment Services:

PayPro Global

PayPro Global (PayPro Global, Inc., 250 The East Mall street, Etobicoke, ON Canada, M9B 0A9) is the fastest growing eCommerce company that develops customized solutions to help software producers to easily and effectively sell software online. PayPro Global supports more than one hundred currencies, all major credit cards, and a wide variety of payment options. PayPro Global offers efficient customer support 24/7 and provides personal attention to customers having special requirements.

Noventiq

Noventiq online store for licensed software opened in 2004. Noventiq offers customers over 15,000 programs from 3,000 developers, provides fast delivery (electronic and physical), accepts 20 payment methods, and includes a cumulative discount system. Noventiq specialists provide customers with all the necessary advice for purchasing licensed software. Selling software is our profession!

Reasons to Buy Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator Full Version

While the free demo version of Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator might let you diagnose if a corrupt .ai file can be repaired, the full version offers the critical functionality to save your recovered artwork. Here's what you get by purchasing the full version:

Adobe Illustrator recovery tool
  • Save Repaired Files: The free version can only preview recoverable data. With the full version, once Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator successfully repairs your .ai file, you can save the recovered artwork onto your hard drive in its original format, preserving your illustration.
  • Fully Recovery: By allowing you to save the repaired file, the full version offers a much higher chance of getting your work back. While data recovery isn't foolproof, having the ability to save the repaired version significantly increases your odds of salvaging your illustration.
  • Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a reliable tool to recover corrupted files in the future can potentially be a big stress reliever. The full version offers a safety net in case you encounter similar issues.

In short, the free version can diagnose the problem, but the full version provides the cure by letting you save your repaired Illustrator file.

The free DEMO version of Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator can give you a glimpse of hope when your .ai file is corrupted. Still, it's like having a doctor who can only diagnose an illness without providing a cure. Upgrading to the full paid version unlocks the critical functionality to recover your artwork and offers several advantages over the free version:

  • Saving the Repaired Artwork: This is the most crucial difference. The free version can analyze your corrupt file and show you a preview of what could be recovered, but it won't let you save that precious illustration. Upgrading to the full version allows you to save the repaired file on your hard drive, preserving your work in its original .ai format.
  • Higher Chances of Recovery: By enabling you to save the repaired file, the full version significantly increases your chances of getting your work back. Even though data recovery isn't always guaranteed, having the ability to save the reconstructed file gives you a much better shot at salvaging your artwork compared to just seeing a preview.
  • Stress Relief and Peace of Mind: Imagine the frustration of having a corrupted file with potentially recoverable data but no way to access it. The full version acts as a safety net. Knowing you have a reliable tool that can potentially recover corrupted files in the future can be a big stress reliever. It provides peace of mind in case you encounter similar issues down the line.
  • Here's an analogy: The free DEMO version is like finding a lost dog and being able to identify it through a picture, but you can't take the dog home. Upgrading to the full version is like actually reuniting with your lost pet.
corrupted Illustrator data files
how to repair Illustrator file

The free version offers a limited diagnosis, while the full version empowers you to take action and save your recovered Illustrator file with its images.

However, there are a couple of scenarios where a renewal might be indirectly related to technical support:

  • Limited Support After Initial Year: You might have limited or paid technical support options available after the initial year of included support.
  • New Features and Updates: While technical support for core functionality might not require renewal, a license renewal might be necessary if you want access to help with new features or updates released after your initial purchase.

While the online version of Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator offers convenience across devices, the registered full version for Windows provides several advantages when dealing with corrupt Illustrator files and projects:

  1. Deeper Recovery Potential: Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator (Windows) is a dedicated software application designed for this task. It can perform a more thorough analysis and utilize more powerful recovery algorithms compared to the online version, which might have limitations due to web-based processing. It means a higher chance of successfully recovering complex Illustrator projects with intricate details.
  2. Offline Processing: The Windows version works entirely offline. It can be crucial for several reasons:
    • Security: Sensitive project data stays on your local machine during recovery. You don't need to upload potentially confidential artwork to the cloud, which might concern some users.
    • Privacy: You have complete control over your data. There's no risk of it being accessed by third parties during the recovery process.
    • Reliability: The recovery process isn't dependent on an internet connection. It is helpful if you're dealing with large files or have an unreliable internet connection.
  3. Potential for Customization: The Windows software might provide more advanced options and customization features for the recovery process. It could be helpful for experienced users who want more control over how their files are recovered.
  4. No Recurring Fees: With a one-time purchase of the Windows license, you own the software permanently and can use it for unlimited recoveries within the supported version. The online version might require recurring fees or credits for each recovery attempt.
how to restore *.ai file

In essence, the online version offers convenience across devices, but the Windows full version provides potentially more profound recovery, offline processing, and cost-effectiveness in the long run.

Illustrator fix tool

Here's a quick decision-making tip:

Choose the online version if:

  • Convenience across devices is your top priority.
  • You're dealing with a simple file and don't have high-security concerns.

Choose the Windows full version if:

  • It would help if you had the highest chance of successful recovery for complex projects.
  • Security and privacy are important considerations.
  • You have a large number of files to recover.
  • You prefer more control over the recovery process.

Remember to check both versions' specific features and limitations before deciding.

FAQ-Wiki:

Question:

How can you recover a damaged ai file?

Answer:

Just install Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator and use the DEMO version to check whether the file can be recovered.

Question:

Why is the repaired data saved to 2 files: .ai (Illustrator) and .pdf (Adobe Reader/Acrobat)?

Answer:

A copy of data in the Post Script format is often saved in the source project in addition to the Illustrator format for compatibility purposes. Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator repairs and saves each data format to a separate file:

  • Adobe Illustrator to .ai files
  • Post Script to .pdf files

In some cases, the program manages to save more data to a .pdf file. You can verify it by opening the file in Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat. In this case, it's even more convenient to convert the .pdf file to the .ai format using any suitable converter. Otherwise, do the following:

  1. Open the .pdf file in Adobe Acrobat
  2. Save the file in the .ps or .eps format
  3. Open the saved file(s) in Adobe Illustrator
  4. Save the project to an .ai file

Question:

How to convert a pdf file to an AI file Adobe Illustrator?

Answer:

Since, as a result of recovery, it is sometimes possible to recover data in Adobe Acrobat format (.pdf files) more than in .ai form (Adobe Illustrator), users must convert PDF files to AI files correctly.

What is the reason that the restored .pdf file is larger than the restored .ai file? The .pdf file is larger due to the added compatibility of Adobe Illustrator files with other Adobe products. You can undo this compatibility manually and reduce the size of files with Adobe Illustrator graphic projects. But this is not very convenient in subsequent work with the file of the graphic project Adobe Illustrator. It is convenient to use Adobe Acrobat to convert PDF files to AI files. So, to convert PDF to AI:

  1. Open the restored .pdf file in Adobe Acrobat
  2. Select – File | Save as… ai illustrator online
  3. Specify the file type – Encapsulated PostScript (*.eps) what program opens .ai files
  4. Click – Settings... button illustrator recovery file location
  5. In the Range section, select – All illustrator recovery
  6. Click – OK
  7. Click – Save
  8. Open saved .eps file(s) in Adobe Illustrator
  9. Select – File | Save as… in the main menu
  10. Now select File Type, indicate Adobe Illustrator (*.AI) adobe illustrator file name
  11. Click – Save button

Converting PDF to AI can also be done using third-party services or special tools.

Victor G. Bobrov, Senior Software Engineer.

MCSD, MCDBA

Expert in data structures, data storage, information storage, and data recovery from damaged Adobe Illustrator projects and AI files with over 20 years of experience and expertise.

Customer's reviews and ratings:
bala 12-17-2025

super

bay 09-15-2025

Good software thanks alot.

Rafael Carrasco Felix 08-05-2025

Excellent recovery.
Thank you.

jakeer 04-16-2025

good working but not understand

atharv 02-14-2025

too slow but help ful

dev 11-07-2024

nice

богдан 10-24-2024

классная прога

mjpirizg 02-25-2023

An archive of Illustrator+PDF files was sent instead of one Illustrator file.
The Illustrator file would not open.
The PDF file opened and contained the lost project. I had to convert PDF -> Illustrator via Adobe Acrobat.
Why can't the service convert PDF -> Illustrator right away?

Francesca Day 03-22-2021

Unfortunately, the repaired file is the result of a previous versions of the file. As support explained, they did not see the new elements that I named them. It looks like Adobe Illustrator tried to save the changes, but could not and simply broke the file.

Hoydenism 02-08-2021

The once previously saved work file began to open slowly due to its large size. Adobe still cannot fix this error when the file grows due to different properties of the elements. Have to resort to a fix to clean up the garbage in the .ai file.

Kylo Keaton 01-13-2021

Attention! It is advisable to install the latest version of Adobe Illustrator. I ran into a problem when my computer was infected with a virus that corrupts all files.
After repairing, I was unable to open the file as I had the Illustrator CS4 version. Technical support asked to update Illustrator to a more recent version, since they already had my file open. If you are using an old version of AI, then it is advisable to update it.

GoogleDoogle 12-28-2020

Fixed a bug in the file "Unknown file format" Adobe Illustrator. If not for Youtube, I probably would not have been able to get the rest of the picture from the PDF. By the way, to get the rest of the drawing, you do not need to use Adobe Acrobat, you can import ALL pages of the .PDF file into Illustrator.

Emily Howard 12-15-2020

At the first stage of the program, I indicated the path to the damaged file.
At the second stage, the recovery process began.
At the third stage, I saved the corrected file.
You make a program so convenient that even I figured it out.
Alexandra is 54 years old.

Elly William 08-10-2020

If your drawing grows into a huge drawing that weighs more than 800MB, then soon you will receive an error: "unreadable format" when you opens the .ai file again.
I expected the file to be corrupted, but forgot to make a backup for the last changes. As a result, today I received my "surprise", the file was damaged. I have fixed the file before, but today I encountered the fact that the repaired file was split into .ai, .pdf. I didn't know that you can get elements in vector format from PDF.

August Grayson 08-01-2020

I was surprised that even the autosaved drawing broke after Illustrator CS5 crashed. I can't say anything about the program, but if it works the same way as online repair (although there may be a difference, since the price is different), then it was difficult for me to deliver parts of the image from PDF.

BunkhrinBamboo 07-15-2020

Is it possible to completely repair my damaged drawing? In the trial version of the application, the file is fixed, but part of the vector graphics is missing there. Please tell me, if I saved without compatible with PDF, will the program be able to recover the rest of the elements? Judging by the comments, the program restores part of drawing in PDF format, I would like to get an answer.

Telarian 06-29-2020

My file was saved with errors, because of which this one stopped opening. The program helped to restore the previously saved version of the file, but shadows for the texts has been deleted

Cenobite 06-15-2020

Adobe Illustrator say that "file is damaged", and it could not be opened. After I get recovered file .AI and .PDF, I was confused because I have not Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat program on my PC. I had to use a third-party service to convert .PDF to .AI, because .PDF file was large then .AI. P.S Some elements are restored as separate layers during convert

Samizdat 06-01-2020

The Illustrator file recovery utility does its job, but be prepared that after fixing, in your project some vector elements will change in size. In my project, the sizes of some elements were different from the original size, and some fonts became standard. My file was damaged with the eternal problem of Adobe Illustrator when saving, in the end I managed to recover at least some part.

Trippines 04-13-2020

I recovered the Illustrator document from the cache, but when I open the file, I get the error message "The file is damaged and cannot be repaired." The error appeared after I tried to save the .AI file and Adobe Illustrator crashed. The program can restore drawing, but if you want to restore Post Script, you also need to install Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat. It would be better if the .PS, .EPS or .PDF file was converted automatically.

Velleweek 03-02-2020

When I try to open the .AI file, Adobe Illustrator crashes. Other files open normally, but this damaged file causes the program to crash. The old version of AI also wont open this file. If I try to fix the Illustrator file with your program and it wont to open, can I get a refund? P.S > In the demo, I see my recovered file, but still please reply.

AlfredHitchcock 02-17-2020

I received a “file is corrupt and cannot be restored” error in a file that I have been working on for a long time.
Everything went wrong and I could not open the file. Thanks to the developers for this tool for repairing a damaged .ai document, with the help of which I was able to recover part of my damaged work.
Perhaps all the effects and many other things will be expanded in the same way as mine, but it will save you time.

Ryan 01-14-2020

Was working on a low-poly self portrait for UCLA when my computer shut down. File was damaged and not able to be recovered by illustrator. Recovery Toolbox for Illustrator online tool recovered the file and all of its components. Very grateful, and they did a great job! Will recommend to anyone else in the design space that needs files recovered!

Domi 04-01-2019

I'm impressed. I had a blue screen of death while saving a very complicated illustration. The situation was strange because the laptop was serviced three months ago and this should not happen. Unfortunately, the illustrator's file was damaged and I could not get help anywhere, the program did not make a copy even though it normally saves files when there is a sudden closing of the program. Data recovery took some time, but it was worth it. Thanks a lot!

Stive 06-29-2018

My project from Illustrator CC was repaired in 2 versions: .ai + .pdf files. Thanks!!!

FRENCIS 06-29-2018

Tool resolved old problem with corrupted .ai files. Now I can see on my pictures everyday.
Application doesn't support all version of adobe Illustrator.
A good application if you have a lot of images, drawings on the PC. Once they can be lost and tool must help you to get data back.

DAVIECASELSON 06-29-2018

Program started working under my weak machine. A little issue with starting tool after long working.

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