Illustrator cloud documents

Cloud documents change how you store and access your Illustrator work. Instead of saving files only to your computer, they live on Adobe's servers and sync automatically across your devices.

You can start a logo on your desktop, refine it on your iPad during your commute, and open the latest version on the web later. Illustrator handles the syncing, backup, and version tracking for you, so you always work from the most current file

What makes cloud documents different

Traditional Illustrator files (.ai) are standalone documents. You control where they're stored, when they're backed up, and how you share them.

Cloud documents (.aic) work differently. They live primarily on Adobe's servers, with a local cached copy for offline work. This means changes sync automatically when you're online, so you never have to save to multiple locations or track which device holds the latest version.

Cloud documents require an active Creative Cloud subscription and available cloud storage. They also depend on an internet connection to sync, though you can keep working offline with a cached copy.

Advantages of cloud documents

Cloud documents offer the following advantages over local files:

Access anywhere: Open your work from any device running Illustrator, including desktops, iPads, and the web, without manually transferring files.

Automatic saving: Your progress is saved in the background as you work, reducing the risk of losing work due to a crash or power failure.

Version history: Illustrator automatically keeps earlier versions of your cloud documents, so you can review past iterations or recover from an unwanted change.

Easier collaboration: Share cloud documents with teammates who see the most recent version immediately, instead of exchanging files by hand.

Manage cloud document storage

Cloud documents draw from your Creative Cloud storage allocation, which varies by subscription. Check your available storage and manage cloud documents from the Creative Cloud desktop app or the Creative Cloud website.

Work with cloud documents across surfaces

Illustrator saves new documents to the cloud by default on iPad, enabling a mobile-first workflow. On a desktop, you can choose a traditional local file or a cloud document for each project.

When you work across desktop, iPad, and web, cloud documents give you the most integrated experience. Changes made on one surface sync to the others automatically, so you can switch devices mid-project without transferring files.