AI to CDR

Looking to convert AI to CDR? Here's the honest answer — and what works instead.

You can't convert a AI to CDR — CDR is CorelDRAW's own format, and only CorelDRAW writes it.

Why AI to CDR isn't possible here

1

CDR is proprietary to CorelDRAW

CDR is the native file format of CorelDRAW. Its internal structure is closed, so the reliable way to create a CDR is to open or import your artwork in CorelDRAW and save it there.

2

A AI is a flat image

Even after importing, a AI is pixels — not the editable shapes, text and layers a CDR is designed to hold. So a direct AI → CDR conversion wouldn't give you a truly editable document anyway.

What you can do instead

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Format details

AI is Adobe Illustrator’s native vector format for logos, icons and illustrations that scale to any size.

Full nameAdobe Illustrator Artwork
Developed byAdobe
Released1987
Extension.ai
MIME typeapplication/illustrator
TransparencyYes

AI files open in Adobe Illustrator and many vector editors.

CDR is CorelDRAW’s native vector format for logos, layouts and print artwork — proprietary to Corel software.

Full nameCorelDRAW Image
Developed byCorel
Released1989
Extension.cdr
MIME typeapplication/cdr
TransparencyYes

CDR opens in CorelDRAW; convert images to CDR to join a Corel workflow.

Frequently asked questions

Not by converting an image. CDR files are created in CorelDRAW (or a compatible editor). Free tools can give you a vector — SVG, PDF or EPS — that you then import into CorelDRAW.

Yes — we can read CDR as a source, so you can convert a CDR you already have into PNG, JPG, SVG or PDF. We just can't create a new CDR from an image.

For an editable, widely supported result, convert AI to SVG, PDF or EPS.