AI to PNG
Turn Adobe Illustrator .ai files into crisp PNG images without Illustrator. Choose the resolution in DPI, keep the background transparent or fill it with white or any color, trim empty space, and export every artboard. Files are rendered in your browser and never uploaded.
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How to use the AI to PNG
- Add your .ai files by dropping them on the box or clicking Choose AI files. A sample logo file is shown first.
- Choose the resolution. 72 DPI gives the artboard's size in points as pixels; 300 DPI is print quality.
- Pick a background: transparent keeps empty areas see-through, or fill them with white or a color.
- Tick Trim if you want the PNG cropped tightly around the artwork instead of the full artboard.
- Download each artboard as PNG, or use the ZIP buttons for whole files or the entire batch.
From artboard size to PNG pixels
Illustrator measures artboards in points (1 pt = 1/72 inch). The PNG size is pixels = points × DPI ÷ 72. Common artboards:
| Artboard | Size in points | 72 DPI | 150 DPI | 300 DPI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Letter | 612 × 792 | 612 × 792 | 1275 × 1650 | 2550 × 3300 |
| A4 | 595.3 × 841.9 | 595 × 842 | 1240 × 1754 | 2480 × 3508 |
| Business card (3.5 × 2 in) | 252 × 144 | 252 × 144 | 525 × 300 | 1050 × 600 |
| Social post (1080 pt square) | 1080 × 1080 | 1080 × 1080 | 2250 × 2250 | 4500 × 4500 |
| Logo artboard 500 × 500 pt | 500 × 500 | 500 × 500 | 1042 × 1042 | 2083 × 2083 |
Which Illustrator files work
- Illustrator 9 to the current version: work, as long as Create PDF Compatible File was on when saving (it is on by default).
- Illustrator 8 and older, or EPS-style AI files: contain PostScript only and cannot be rendered in a browser. Re-save them in a newer Illustrator, or convert via PDF.
- PDF files: work too, because a PDF-compatible AI file is a PDF inside.
Tips
- For logos and icons that must stay sharp at any size, keep a vector copy as well; use SVG to PNG if you export SVG from Illustrator.
- Working with Photoshop files instead? Use PSD to PNG or PSD to JPG.
Frequently asked questions
How can I convert an AI file to PNG without Illustrator?
Drop the .ai file into the converter above. Since Illustrator 9, AI files contain a full PDF version of the artwork (the Create PDF Compatible File option, on by default), and this tool renders that PDF with Mozilla's pdf.js library to a PNG at the resolution you choose.
What DPI should I choose?
Illustrator measures artboards in points, 72 to the inch. At 72 DPI a 1000 × 500 pt artboard becomes 1000 × 500 pixels. Use 150 DPI for on-screen use where you want extra sharpness, 300 DPI for print, and 600 DPI for large prints or very fine detail. Pixel size = artboard size in points × DPI ÷ 72.
Can the PNG have a transparent background?
Yes. Transparent is the default, so anything not covered by artwork stays see-through, shown here as a checkerboard. Choose White or Color if the image will be placed somewhere that does not support transparency.
Why do I get an error saying the file has no PDF compatibility?
The file was saved by Illustrator 8 or older, which used a PostScript-based format, or with Create PDF Compatible File switched off. Without the PDF part there is nothing to render. Open the file in Illustrator, turn that option on in the save dialog and save again, or export as PDF or SVG.
Are all artboards converted?
When Illustrator saves PDF-compatible content for multiple artboards, each artboard becomes its own page and is converted to its own PNG. Older files or files saved with only the first artboard compatible will show one image.
Will fonts and effects look right?
The PDF part stores text as embedded fonts or outlines and effects as they were rendered, so the result normally matches Illustrator. Rare features such as some blend modes or overprint simulation can render slightly differently.
Is there a size limit?
Very large artboards at high DPI are limited by browser canvas size, about 14,000 pixels per side and 120 megapixels. If you go beyond that the tool automatically lowers the scale and tells you.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.