With the file extension AI4 so-called general encapsulated postscript files of the vector graphics software Adobe Illustrator were marked. It is the default file format used to store, among other things, drawings, objects, and settings. The file extension AI4 refers to the version 4, which came in the early 1990s only for Microsoft Windows on the market.
The AI format does not save its data in EPS format and AI4 files may contain some Illustrator-specific instructions, so AI4 files may not be able to be opened by EPS-compatible software.
In addition to the meanwhile common ending ai from the version 3 to 8 also the ending ai with the appropriate version number was used. It should be noted that each version has also introduced new functionalities and other keywords for the header information. Therefore, ai files of different Illustrator versions are not necessarily 100% compatible. However, most recent programs that can handle Illustrator files can handle all the old format variations.
Most often resolving problems with opening AI4 files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support AI4 files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of AI4 files or offer file conversion options, but may not be capable of editing such files.
It is possible that although a compatible program has been installed on user’s system, it is not used by the system to open it. This may happen because no default application was associated with this type of files. To associate AI4 files with given application, select "Open with" from drop-down menu (accessed by right-clicking on the file). Then select from the list the program or application you want to be used to open this type of file. If the Adobe Illustrator applications is not on the list, select "Browse" option in order to manually locate the directory where Adobe Illustrator has been installed.
Sometimes problems with opening AI4 files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as: