Adobe is incorporating its AI technology into Photoshop and various other products for enthusiasts of advanced artificial intelligence advancements.
Even if you do not possess Adobe Illustrator, you might encounter a scenario where it is necessary to open AI files either for editing or simply for viewing purposes. You might collaborate with a team where certain members share AI files, or you could be working with clients or freelancers utilizing AI. The positive aspect is that you are not required to download or pay for Illustrator to view or modify these files.
Inkscape serves as a free tool for file editing. Affinity Designer and CorelDRAW allow for the modification of AI files, though they come at a cost. You can view these files at no charge in Dropbox or by using an application known as AI Illustrator File Viewer. Depending on whether you prefer a free or premium option, Adobe Acrobat enables you to either view or edit AI files.