What`s the difference between saving a vector as .ai and saving as .eps? Read more: What`s the diff

[arenawarper]

Is there any benefit to saving as an .ai file? I know that .eps files can be opened in many programs, but .ai files, I think, would only be opened in Illustrator. Should I bother saving in an .ai format?
Read more: What`s the difference between saving a vector as .AI and saving as .EPS? - Is there any benefit to saving as an .ai file? I know that .eps files can be opened in many programs, but .ai files, I think, would only be opened in Illustrator. Should I bother saving in an .ai format?

 

[Grossel]

Hi. I don't know what programs you're using so I just answer in general:

Use the programs native file format when saving, it will be less prone to errors. Still if the program use a file format that is less likely to be accepted by other programs you can export (as backup) in a more common format. That way you're more likely to be able to view the file contents in far future.

Personally I won't recomend those file format from MS like .eps because many programs doesn't import and export those files properly.

The answer will eventually boils down, and will be dependent on:

• What programs will be used in future to open your files - will you use for example Illustrator always?
  
• Is it very important to keep all objects attributes (like gradient filling, imported bitmaps, etc)?

 

[annushkagoldsmen]

Our graphic design shop with an emphasis on print production, eps is still very alive and well and we follow the same workflow: .ai files are the “native” file format and can only be opened by Illustrator. So there must be a reason beyond Adobe not being up to date. or go to this forum
**broken link removed**
Read more: What`s the difference between saving a vector as .AI and saving as .EPS? - Is there any benefit to saving as an .ai file? I know that .eps files can be opened in many programs, but .ai files, I think, would only be opened in Illustrator. Should I bother saving in an .ai format?
**broken link removed**