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Participant
August 29, 2025

After Effects Warning - Sytem returned -1

  • August 29, 2025
  • 2 replies
  • 397 views

 

  • Issue - I created a new comp within a file to play around with video color. When I clicked back to the original composition, I got the error as seen in the screenshot. I cannot continue, and am essentially forced to close AE. Opening that comp at all results in the same error. 
  • Steps to reproduce - I am not sure what caused this issue. I updated AE, and had the issue out of nowhere. 
  • Adobe After Effects version - 25.4
  • Operating system - Mac Sonoma 14.7.7
  • Steps I have tried to fix 
  • Reverting back to an older version of AE
  • Opening an older version of the file before the error happened
  • Sent the file to another person, had them save it, then sent it back. Did not work.
  • Restarted the computer after updating
  • Tried deleting Comp 1 to only have the problem composition left.
  • Tried deleting the last added files to the project. 
  • Tried opening with the caps lock on
  • Comparative information  
    • I was able to complete another project without issues. But other projects completely freeze AE and I have to force quit.
    • Does it affect new projects? 
    • The issue started right after I updated AE. I have tried reverting back to older versions, but the issue persists.

2 replies

Participant
September 3, 2025

System Returned -1 on attempt to open or import any previous project 

Version 25.3.1 (Build 3) 

Mac Sequoia 15.5 

Tried reseting prefs and cache 

Kevin-Monahan
Community Manager
Community Manager
August 29, 2025

Hi Jennifer,

Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your post. Start with resetting preferences and cache, try importing the comp into a new file, and disable GPU acceleration. For persistently inaccessible files, please contact us. Ask for the video queue. Sorry for the issue.

 

Thanks,
Kevin

 

Kevin Monahan - Sr. Community & Engagement Strategist – Pro Video and Audio