OSM map: get AI (Adobe Illustrator) instead of converting PDF → AI
Looking to turn a map from PDF into AI? If your data comes from OpenStreetMap, you do not need an intermediate PDF file: osm2cdr builds the map straight from the OSM source and hands you a ready AI, which opens in Adobe Illustrator. That is faster and more accurate than the chain "download PDF → upload to a converter → get AI": you pick an area on the map, choose the AI format and download the result with up-to-date OSM data and layers for buildings, roads, water and features.
How PDF differs from AI
| Format | Extension | Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vector | Map printing, email sharing, presentations, commercial printing, archiving | ||
| AI | .ai | Vector | Cartographic design, map layouts for magazines, creating map-based logos, print production |
How to get AI on osm2cdr
- 1Select an area on the map on the osm2cdr home page
- 2Choose the AI format and, if needed, a style and CRS
- 3Click Export and download the ready AI file
AI format properties
| Extension | .ai |
| Type | Vector |
| Purpose | Cartographic design, map layouts for magazines, creating map-based logos, print production |
When you need AI
The AI format is handy when you need to open the result in a dedicated program and keep working with the map: editing, printing, analysing or embedding it in a project. osm2cdr delivers AI split into layers with up-to-date OpenStreetMap data, so the file is ready to use right after download.
What changes when going PDF → AI
PDF files carry finished graphics without attributes or a projection, so rebuilding them into AI with real layers and objects is unreliable. osm2cdr does not parse your graphics: it builds AI from OpenStreetMap geodata as editable curves and layers for print and design.
If you have your own PDF file (not from OSM)
osm2cdr does not accept or convert third-party PDF files: the service works only with OpenStreetMap data. If you already have your own PDF file that is not from OSM, convert it to AI with third-party tools: GDAL/ogr2ogr from the command line or QGIS — open the PDF and save the layer as AI. It is free and runs locally, with no cloud upload.
FAQ: PDF → AI
Can I upload my PDF file?
Not yet: we don't support uploading PDF files at the moment, so convert your file to AI with ogr2ogr or QGIS. And if your data comes from OpenStreetMap, you don't need a file at all — osm2cdr exports the map straight into AI.
Is it free?
Yes, exporting an OpenStreetMap map to AI on osm2cdr is free. Select an area, the AI format and download the result.
Which programs open AI?
The AI format opens in dedicated programs for its category. See the AI format page for the full list and details.
Why is this better than an online PDF → AI converter?
An online converter caps the result quality at the quality of the source PDF file. osm2cdr takes data from the OpenStreetMap source and builds AI with correct layers directly — with no loss on an intermediate PDF file.