I just downloaded Inkscape which was suggested by a friend. I have several .ai files I need to edit and can not afford AI. I need longer than the trial period and wanted a program to use from here on out.

I am on a MAC w/Snow Leopard 10.6.2.

File>Open> chose file with .ai extension I get the following error. I tried 5 different files with same error.

Failed to load the requested file..........

Am I missing something or can I not open an .ai file with Inkscape?

I have read that I should convert to a .pdf but I need to keep the layers to do the editing. All I have found so far is to check errors.log but I do not have that on my mac. Where else would I look?

Welcome to InkscapeForum!
I think you will find the solution in this topic: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=820
But if not, please reply and let us know why.