Opening AI file in Affinity Designer (some work cut-off)

[ScottAqui]

I'm trying to open AI and ESP files in Affinity Designer and I noticed that when I open the file it only gives me the content that is within the artboard of the file. In other words, I typically hide the artboard when I design in AI and have multiple version scattered all around the file. Its a messy workflow, I know, but I am a messy deisgner  But it looks like Affinity would not be able to recall any of the designs created outside of the artboard, is that correct?  If you look at the screenshot I shared you can see that the design is cut off, if I open this in AI there are dozens of versions of that same illustration all over the canvas but when I open it in Affinity it only recognizes the one. Does anyone know a solution so that I can see the entire AI file, designs that are off the artboard and all? Thanks!    

[walt.farrell]

Welcome to the Serif Affinity forums.

AI files are a proprietary (and, I think, undocumented) file format. The only way that the Affinity applications can read anything from them is if AI saves them in compatibility mode, with a PDF data stream included. In that case, the Affinity applications can read the PDF stream.

However, when creating the PDF that it embeds in the AI file, AI includes only the items that are within the Artboards. Therefore, that's all that Affinity can show you.

You'll need to change your workflow or use a different application, I'm afraid.

[ScottAqui]

Ohh I see, thank you this is super helpful!  

[walt.farrell]

You're welcome.