Expert: Nick Putthoff - 1/17/2009

Question
Hello,
I have been using AI 6.0 for years on a Mac and am now converting to a PC.  How can I convert my existing files to my new PC and what will be the cheapest way to do this?  I don,t have any version of Illustrator for my PC yet.
Thank you.

Answer
al,
Converting old version files to new version files introduces several challenges to overcome. In your case (converting from Mac to PC) may be a little more challenging. But software makers take into account that users will be making these conversions and offer documentation for converting 1 version's files to their next version.
With that said, not only will you be skipping several versions of Illustrator upgrades you will also be switching platforms so I don't believe there will be one simple answer but here are some suggestions that may help:

Make sure that the files you wish to convert are named using the conventions that your new operating system supports.

Prioritize files and only convert the files that you absolutely will not be able to do without and avoid files that you believe are dated and may be of little use.

Once you have determined which files you will be converting consider what these files will require as support in the new environment. The dreaded fonts will be an issue if the files you want to convert contain live fonts. Not only do the OS platforms handle fonts differently, Illustrator is now handling text in documents differently than it was in version 6. And fonts that you have on the Mac may not be available in the same format as those you will need on the PC. Some exotic fonts may not even be available for the PC and if you must have them you will have to convert them to PC compatible formats. Be prepared to compromise and use similar fonts that are available on the new platform.

Older versions of native Illustrator files are also in a different format than current versions. Older versions are very similar and most compatible with postscript and current versions are PDF.

Be prepared to handle some of the difficulties you encounter from the old platform and your old software. You may have to experiment and test various save and export options to determine what gives the best results when the files are converted. Keep an open mind and explore "Export" and "Save As" formats.

This is all I can offer you for the moment and I will be glad to help you address specific issues as they arise but don't throw away your Mac or your Illustrator 6. Keep your PC and your Mac side by side until you find you are no longer having to go back to your Mac. I was very satisfied with AI6 on the Mac and only began using newer versions as it became necessary to work with supplied files.
Now I upgrade much quicker and I am very satisfied once I force myself to accept what Adobe deems to be best for everyone in the graphic arts/production art/prepress/printing industries.

I cannot say that I congratulate you for deciding to use Illustrator on a PC. I will assume that you have very good reasons for the switch  and wish you the very best of luck whether the choice was your own or  not. Feel free to post questions as specific issues arise.

Good Luck

Nick