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Participant
April 6, 2020

P: Unknown error when saving GIF

  • April 6, 2020
  • 39 replies
  • 56085 views

Hi I am trying to save my layers as a GIF in Photoshop. The layers are JPEG files I've drawn myself so aren't from an existing video.

 

I am using "Export save for web" but everytime I try to save the file an error message pops up. It reads "Could not complete this operation. An unknown erro has occured."

 

I have tried reducing the pixel size so the image is now 566x800px, but that hasn't made a difference. The error message still appears. 

 

Can anyone please help?

 

{updated title - PS-72959}

This topic has been closed for replies.

39 replies

Participant
July 6, 2021

Having this issue right now with an updated photoshop. anyone, please?

 

Nancy OShea
Community Expert
Community Expert
July 6, 2021

IMO, nobody should use Legacy Save for Web anymore.  It's too outdated.

If you want animated GIFs, try one of these online services instead.

 

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
WallyWah
Participating Frequently
July 8, 2021

Nancy, no one (at least no professional) should use your links because they don't pass the standards of how I export professional high-fidelity GIF for what I need them for. I will continue to use "Legacy Save for Web" because it passes all tests.

Can GIF be sent via SMS with no phantom-framing?

Can GIF be played in real-time? (Match fps)

Can GIF support alpha channel from uncompressed QuickTime file?
Can GIF play at 1080 or higher with minimal loss in color?

 

If you fail any of these, then your links are for mediocre folks. (not trying to be mean)

Participating Frequently
June 16, 2021

I also have this issue. Any news on when you will fix it? 

 

Photoshop is up to date on creative cloud. 

Participant
June 16, 2021

Agreed. This is a really frustrating error to get and kills workflow!

 

Participant
June 4, 2021

The only thing that works for me is to export it in lower resolutions. For instance when I need a 1920x1080px GIF, it crashes. But when I export it in a lower format (like 720p) it works... sometimes. At least better than crashing every time. 

Hope I helped some of you. 

WallyWah
Participating Frequently
May 16, 2021

I've made numerous GIFs in the past. Now, I can't export anything. I've got 16GB of ram; that should be enough but I'm burning time in forums since the update. #deadlines

WallyWah
Participating Frequently
June 16, 2021

Looks like there was an update that fixed the issue.

Participating Frequently
June 17, 2021

My photoshop says its up to date in creative cloud, and I'm still getting the issue....

Participant
April 22, 2021

Is there any update about this issue? I'm having the same problem, so annoying! 

Participant
November 5, 2020

Hi guys!!

Same problem over here...

Whenever I try to "Save for Web" any large image it gives me the message "Unknown error" I have come to believe that it has something to do with the virtual memory of my computer running MacOS Catalina with 8GB RAM it surprises me it ain't enough to proces a 1080x1080 px gif. So is it a Mac problem? or an Adobe problem? or both!!!? I've tried to change every preference on the manual but no success... And yes "Adobe Support" I have the latest PS update... 
Please let me know the cause of this annoying problem.
Thanks!!

Participant
December 23, 2020

I had the same problem with the last version of PSD and then I reduced the file size and it works. It seems it doesn't support  certain big image sizes and gives the Unknown error when you safe for web the gift.

Participant
August 13, 2020

I'm also having the same problem - no matter how small I make the file size, I am still unable to export my GIF. 

Participating Frequently
September 23, 2020

Hi, have you solved the problem? I have the same issue. Thanks

PECourtejoie
Community Expert
Community Expert
September 23, 2020

Hi, did you check the help document listed earlier in the thread: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/photoshop-and-macos-catalina.html#AdobeSaveforWebError

 

can you post your version of Photoshop and of your Operating System?

Did you try resetting your preferences? 

 

Participant
July 16, 2020

EXACTLY THE SAME ISSUE! So annoying Photoshop!!!!

Mohit Goyal
Community Manager
Community Manager
April 6, 2020

Hi there, 

 

We're really sorry for the Save for web error. Could you please update Photoshop to it's latest 21.1.1 via Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop app and let us know if that helps. For more info, check out the following article: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/photoshop-and-macos-catalina.html#AdobeSaveforWebError

 

Thanks,

Mohit

Participant
June 21, 2020

Im having exactly the same issue running 21.1.2 so the very latest update. It's so temperamental - i maneged to get one file out yesterday but ive tried 15 files today and get the same 'unknown error' message mentioned above

 

PLEASE HELP