Hello all,

Thank you in advance for your input on my issue. I have a file that I created which will not save without an error. The file was created in Inkscape by:
1.) Adding a .jpg image
2.) Adding an Illustrator .ai file (overlay on the .jpg)

It is a very simple file as you can see. The problem is, I can not save the file in Inkscape now. I get the following error:

"No Inkscape extension found to save document (/Desktop/BT_eyes_with_logo.ai). This may have been caused by an unknown filename extension." - (This error pops up in the X11 (XQuartz) error window)

After I clear that error message, it takes me to a saveas window in Inkscape, where I rewrite over the file, and then continue on. The problem is, every time I save (without exiting the program), I have the same error. So I continue to overwrite the same file. I thought this was fine until I had the next issue.....

I also noticed that a different file that I had saved in Inkscape (also created by using an Illustrator original file), will no longer open in Inkscape even though I saved it in Inkscape, and closed it in the software. When trying to reopen that file I get the following error:

"Failed to load the requested file /Users/joshmueller/Desktop/BT Logo Original.ai" - (This error pops up in the X11 (XQuartz) error window)

I have checked the forum, and Google, and I see many people get help with PC, but I haven't found a solution for MAC. I don't want to close this current Inkscape file for fear of not being able to reopen it again with the second issue listed.

Thank you again for any help.

Also to note: I can export just fine, and the files that are exported work. I just can not save the Inscape file.

Hi,

You might try renaming the .ai file to .pdf, before importing to Inkscape. I realize that might mean re-doing some work, but might be worth a try.

Related:
viewtopic.php?f=16&t=15680&p=58228&hilit=illustrator+import#p58228

Hi.

An important add to importing .ai files would be here in the linked link: http://www.inkscapeforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=16211#p59919

Inksape has it's way of working based on the svg specification, so by saving as svg you will have the best luck.
Before closing a drawing, even if saved as a pdf, it is not re-structured.
So you can try to open the just saved file in a new window and compare the two.
There will be many grouping and maybe clippings as well in the inkscape saved pdf, even there was none involved in the original.
And, some details may get rasterised if filters were used -like blurring.
By that checking you may find out what part is missed.

The part of your imported ai files that cause the trouble could be find/avoided easier the other way around.
Open the illustrator file with inkscape, save it as svg, and import it as an svg in the drawing you are working on.
Or just copy and paste between the two open windows the right part -if that doesn't cause troubles, I remember some related bug with the clipboard on mac.

I have read it again.
Saving as .ai -inkscape doesn't have an option for that yet.
Save as inkscape svg to avoid any problems.

Thank you to you both! By combining the two responses I was able to get a solution.

First, I tried renaming to .pdf file extension right from the saved location, and it still would not open. So I then decided to use the rename thought, and apply the 2nd comment of the .svg. By renaming the file with the .svg file extension (not opening it, just renaming it), I could then open all files just fine!

Also what I noticed is, although the SaveAs box in Inkscape says save as Inkscape SVG (lower right corner of save window), and the "append filename extension automatically" is on, it still was "saving as and .ai" extension. This lead to the problem in the first place.

Summary: When creating a file, by starting with a Illustrator .ai file, Inkscape will "save" as a .ai extension (but will not be able to reopen this file at a later time). So I needed to manually TYPE .svg in the file name I created so that .ai extension was 'wiped' out. This allows for it to be opened by Inkscape later.

Thank you so much for the help!