If your file exists but won't open—it hangs, shows weird pink artifacts, or says "Can't parse the file"—don't delete it. The data is often still inside, but the structure is broken.
An .ai file is actually a hybrid file (AI + PDF). Try changing the file extension from .ai to .pdf . Double-click it to open in Acrobat or Preview. If it opens, you can export the pages as an .eps or a high-res .png and then re-trace or re-edit. (Note: Live text and effects will likely be flattened). recover adobe illustrator file
Immediately go to File > Save As to save this version under a new name. Recovery files are temporary and may be deleted by the system once you close the program. 2. Manual Recovery via Autosave Folders If your file exists but won't open—it hangs,