Yes, like Rafael, running Illustrator 23.0.1 on Windows and still can't set Illustrator as default program for .ai files. Please fix!

On my computer the issue isn't 100% fixed.
The option to choose Illustrator now appears, but I still have to select 'Open With' every single time I want to open AI files.

Using High Sierra OS 10.13.6, Illustrator CC 23.0
When I double-click on a .ai file (created in Illustrator) in the Finder, my Mac launches Photoshop, not Illustrator, and gives me a dialog box for importing file into Photoshop.
Of course I expected (and intended) to launch the fiel in Illustrator.

User Nick Spence commented · October 29, 2018 2:24 PM ·

When Illustrator version 23 is installed, it is not updating the registry to version 23 but leaving it at version 22. Windows then does not know what file type to associate it with, and typically chooses XD. It will not allow a change of file association in control panel or using the always use ....

Manually changing the file association in the registry of ai to 23 seems to solve solve the problem. Personally, I had to also then change the file association in control panel (which I could then do), but an associate here did not.

.... Just tried that (here is instructions on how to edit registry using RegEdit - https://www.techwalla.com/articles/how-to-change-a-file-association-in-regedit) - Totally works!!

Thanks Nick!! - @admin (Ashtoush Chaturvedi) - looks like a simple patch on the next update should tell registry to use ver 23.

FYI - still haven't re-installed XD so don't know if that will mess it up again. I'll try in the next couple days and report back.

- Daniel - (i7 3770, 20GB RAM, GeForce GTX 780, Win 10).

Windows 10 system (i7 3770, GeForce GTX 780, 20GB RAM) - having same issue as described above - exactly. Also uninstalled XD which didn't fix the problem.

Also I tried your "resolved" post and it will not work. Doesn't do it. See Illustrator on the list - check the check-box. Only opens that file but still doesn't complete the permanent association. Please resolve ASAP. Thanks.

Windows 10 is not allowing Adobe Illustrator to be defualt applaction for "*.ai" files

I have tried all the ideas on https://helpx.adobe.com/au/x-productkb/global/file-associations-broken-uninstall-applications.html

Yet will not reapir

I uninstalled and then reinstalled and glimmer of hope it it was fixed then it has corrupted again

Constantly installing and uninstalling is not conducive

Hi All,

I experienced this but have fixed it. I read it in another forum somewhere. You have to hit Command and I to get the info window up, then find open with.... select illustrator 2019 and then hit change all

Ai File is saving as XD Icon Type. But I try to open the that file i Will Opening with Adobe XD App.

On Mac, my .ai files were all openning on photoshop, never in illustrator.
For now, the solution was uninstalling Photoshop CC update, getting V19.1.6 again and the same with Illustrator, retrieving to version 22.1. With the older version reinstalled, the Mac Os could set Illustrator as default to .ai again.
I guess I will wait a little more before updating softwares next time.

In Mac, my .ai files were all openning on photoshop, never in illustrator.
For now, the solution was uninstalling Photoshop CC update, getting V19.1.6 again and the same with Illustrator, retrieving to version 22.1. With the older version reinstalled, the Mac Os could set Illustrator as default to .ai again.
I guess I will wait a little more before updating softwares next time.

Ugh this is a huge problem!!! Using a Windows 10 computer at work. Ai files want to open in XD. Smart objects in Photoshop want to open in XD. Tried resetting the default apps but not working!

@Ashutosh Chaturvedi

Any update? More than two weeks since the issue has been reported. It's making it impossible to work with smart objects.

AI 23.0 and Photoshop 20.0.0 installed— AI files open in Photoshop by default. (2017 Macbook Pro running Mojave 10.14)

With Ai 23.0.1, double-clicking an .ai file still opens Photoshop (MacBook Pro with Mojave)

When Illustrator version 23 is installed, it is not updating the registry to version 23 but leaving it at version 22. Windows then does not know what file type to associate it with, and typically chooses XD. It will not allow a change of file association in control panel or using the always use ....

Manually changing the file association in the registry of ai to 23 seems to solve solve the problem. Personally, I had to also then change the file association in control panel (which I could then do), but an associate here did not.

I am on a Mac and my .ai files all open in Photoshop even when I change to "always open with". When I try to edit a vector layer in photoshop it shows "import PDF" box . I use this a ton for work and it is EXTREMELY inconvenient and frustrating! Is there any fix for this?

After last update CC 2019, .ai files are not opening by double click on Mac.

Even with Macos dialog box checked correctly. In this way, when I try to open an Photoshop SmartObject, for example, it opens only on Photoshop, never in Illustrator.

Thank you CJ Keller! That was so frustrating, but now the problem is fixed.

I had the same problem. I fixed by selecting an .ai file. and getting information (Command I on Mac). Under "Open with" I changed to Adobe Illustrator CC 2019. Then hit the "Change All" button and it did the trick. Now allow my .ai files open in Illustrator when I double click on them.

Having the same problem here. It's very inconvenient.