2 file types use the .aic file extension.

What is a AIC file?

Bitmap image file encoded with Advanced Image Coding; uses a compression algorithm that combines the JPEG and H.264 standards; similar to the JPEG 2000 ( .JP2 ) format, but offers higher compression efficiency and scalability.

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Category: Raster Image Files

Adobe Illustrator Cloud Document

An AIC file is a vector graphic saved in the Adobe Illustrator Cloud (AIC) format, which stores vector data similarly to an .AI Artwork file but in the cloud via Adobe's cloud documents system. Illustrator users can open and modify an AIC file, then save it in the cloud to sync the changes to the same artwork accessed on other devices.

Illustrator is one of the most common vector graphics applications. Many graphic artists and web designers use the software to create vector artwork, such as icons, logos, and web & mobile layouts.

Adobe introduced the AIC format to allow users to work on the same AI artwork on different devices, such as an iPad or laptop, and sync the edits a user makes to keep the file current. The AIC format is the same as the AI format but also supports the caching of edits made to an artwork when a user works on it offline. Then, Illustrator syncs the modifications when the user reconnects to the Internet.

How to create an AIC file

To create an AIC file with Adobe Illustrator:

NOTE: If you are prompted to save the document on your computer instead of in Creative Cloud after selecting File → Save or Save As... , click the Save Cloud Document button, name the AIC file, then click Save .

[s]💡 If you upload an AI file to Creative Cloud, Illustrator automatically saves the AI file as an AIC file. For example, an Illustrator document named artwork.ai is saved as artwork.aic .[/s]

You can open an AIC file with Adobe Illustrator in Windows and macOS. To open an AIC file saved in your Adobe Cloud account with Photoshop, select File → Open... , click Open Cloud Document , and choose the AIC file.

The AIC file format supports incremental backup and restore. To view the version history of your Adobe cloud AIC document, select File → Version History (versions expire after 30 days unless you mark them for preservation).

You can also sign in to Adobe Assets Web with your Adobe account, then select Files → Cloud documents , choose an AIC file, and click Timeline .

Adobe Illustrator can convert AIC files to many file types, including the following formats:

Programs that open AIC files

Updated: May 14, 2025