# How to send AI files

AI (Adobe Illustrator artwork) files are often too big for email and chat apps. Here is how big they get and how to send them exactly as they are.

_Source: https://sharelargefilesfree.com/send-ai-files · Updated 2026-10-13_

**Quick answer:** To send a large AI file, upload it to Share Large Video Files (up to 20 GB, no account) and share the download link: the file arrives unchanged. A multi-artboard Illustrator file is about 60 MB, more than most email providers accept.

## What is a AI file?

AI is Adobe Illustrator's native file format for vector artwork: logos, icons, packaging, signage and illustrations. Vectors describe shapes mathematically, so artwork scales to any size without losing sharpness.

Pure vector logos are small, but AI files grow when they **embed images**, contain many artboards or complex gradients and effects, or are saved with the "Create PDF Compatible File" option, which stores a second, PDF copy of the artwork inside.

Extensions: .ai.

## How big are AI files?

| File | Typical size |
| --- | --- |
| A logo or icon set, vectors only | about 1 to 5 MB |
| A multi-artboard brand guideline file | roughly 20 to 100 MB |
| Packaging artwork with embedded high-resolution photos | roughly 100 MB to 1 GB |

## Which apps can send one?

Can you send a multi-artboard Illustrator file (about 60 MB) as an attachment?

| App | Limit | Fits? |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Gmail | 25 MB per email | No, send a link |
| Outlook.com | 20 to 25 MB per email | No, send a link |
| WhatsApp (document) | 2 GB per file | Yes |
| Telegram | 2 GB per file | Yes |
| Facebook Messenger | 100 MB per file | Yes |
| Discord (free) | 20 MB per file | No, send a link |
| Slack | 1 GB per file | Yes |
| WeTransfer (free) | 3 GB per transfer | Yes |
| **Share Large Video Files** | 20 GB per transfer | Send the link anywhere |

Limits from our [file size limits by app](https://sharelargefilesfree.com/file-size-limits-by-app) table, checked against each service's help pages.

## How to send AI files without changing them

1. Open [Share Large Video Files](https://sharelargefilesfree.com/) in any browser and choose **Get a link** (or **Send by email**).
2. Drop AI files on the upload box, or pick a whole folder. Up to 20 GB and 1000 files per transfer.
3. Optional: add a password, a download limit or an expiry under More options.
4. Copy the link (or show the QR code) and send it by chat or email. The recipient downloads the original file, byte for byte.

## Tips for sending AI files

- Use File > Package in Illustrator to collect linked images and fonts into one folder, then zip it.
- Convert text to outlines in a copy of the file if the recipient does not have your fonts.
- Tell the recipient which Illustrator version you saved in; older versions may not open newer files.
- Include a PDF or SVG export for people without Illustrator.

## How to open a AI file

**Adobe Illustrator** on Windows and Mac is the reference. **Affinity Designer** and **Inkscape** import AI files, and CorelDRAW opens many. Files saved with PDF compatibility can often be viewed in Preview on a **Mac** or in a PDF reader. Phones generally only show a preview.

## Frequently asked questions

### Why are the images missing when the recipient opens my AI file?

They were linked rather than embedded. Use File > Package to gather the linked images into the folder you send.

### Can I open an AI file without Illustrator?

Often yes. Affinity Designer and Inkscape can import it, and files saved with PDF compatibility open in most PDF viewers.

### Should I send AI or PDF to a printer?

Ask the printer. Many prefer a print-ready PDF, but some want the editable AI file too, with fonts and links packaged.