you can open an AI file in Acrobat
- then open the Flattener preview
- check the box next to "convert all text to outlines"
- click "apply"
- save the ai as a pdf
- open the pdf in Adobe illustrator

done
(but it would be best if Adobe Illustrator had an option to do it while opening the file)

Also relates to this freshly added request by Adam:
Place embedded pdf Link with Option to Convert all text as outlines
https://illustrator.uservoice.com/forums/333657/suggestions/45690283

+1 please add this

Ok, I found the solution. Managed to explore the illustrator app properly, :)

@Mike Brice this is a great tip. Thank you!

I've found that placing a PDF into an open Ai file and flattening the transparency will do the trick most times.

USE FLEXI SIGN PRO, it does this.

I would like to see this as well. but.. I don't think fonts are embedded into ai files if pdf is off.
so unless you save with PDF on which we don't for 99% of the files we work on, they your out of luck without the actual font.
next..
I believe there is a flavor of pdf that you can export with acrobat that will outline fonts.. Don't remember how but I remember something about it.
good luck..
PS.. I would also love a outline on open/import as well.

I'm also in the print world and 2 jobs out of 1000 have ever had "the font" they used. Adobe this is the one thing I keep giving Corel money for, why don't you want all of my dollars?

Please, please add this outline option to the open prompt, I will pay you what i give Corel every month as a thank you....

CorelDRAW does not have the ability to convert missing fonts in a CDR document to editable outlines. Recent versions of CorelDRAW have allowed users to embed fonts in CDR documents. But that is an option. And the font embedding feature may not always work. I think the feature is similar to how font data can be embedded in Adobe PDFs.

Definitely agree. As a means of highlighting a competing product, CorelDraw does have this option. No Mac option for CDR, but if you're on a PC it might be a worthwhile investment.

Please add this crucial feature. Some points to remember:
-Open missing fonts as outlines using embedded display data.
-Keep layer structure intact. Do not flatten the whole file.
-Make it work with .ai files and PDF files.

I second that! Triple that, in fact. Desperately need this function now.

I would like this as well!

A very good and worthwhile idea for those of us in the sign industry. You have my vote.

how about selectable opening options. when opening a pdf, add checkboxes for flattening, outlining text and even unembedding images. Cant wait to see this

I also would love to see this, until then have you tried linking the pdf in illustrator and then going to object - flatten transparency and tick Convert All Text to Outlines, can then save this as a preset from that point on.