Why convert CDR to AI?
Adobe Illustrator no longer opens modern .cdr files natively, so anyone in an Adobe workflow who receives a CorelDRAW file must convert it first. The .ai format is Illustrator's native working format, giving full access to paths, text, and colours once the file is converted.
How to convert CDR to AI
CorelDraw Graphics Suite EASIEST
Open the .cdr file, go to File > Export, and select Adobe Illustrator (.ai) as the file type. Choose an older target version such as CS6 for the broadest compatibility.
Adobe Illustrator APP
Export the .cdr to PDF from CorelDRAW first, then open the PDF in Adobe Illustrator as an editable vector document.
UniConvertor OPEN-SOURCE
UniConvertor is a free, open-source vector conversion tool that can convert .cdr files to .ai without a CorelDRAW licence.
Programs that convert CDR
About these formats
.CDR
CorelDRAW image / drawing
A CDR file is a vector drawing created by CorelDRAW (Corel Corporation), used for logos, posters, signage and print artwork since 1989. CorelDRAW is the only application that opens every…
Open .CDR details →
.AI
Adobe Illustrator Artwork
An AI file is an Adobe Illustrator Artwork document - a vector graphics file made by Adobe Illustrator. Most modern AI files are PDF-compatible, so you can open them in Adobe Acrobat…
Open .AI details →Quality & what to watch
- CorelDRAW-specific effects - mesh fills, blends, contours, custom transparencies - may be dropped or rasterized on AI export; always review the result in Illustrator.
- Exporting to PDF from CorelDRAW and opening in Illustrator generally preserves vector paths more reliably than a direct .ai export.
- Modern .ai files use a PDF-compatible container; target an older AI version if the recipient uses an older version of Illustrator.
