Could not read the file because the plug-in could not understand this file.

I am getting this error message on dozens of my files. I can't get any of them to open!

"Could not read the file because the plug-in could not understand this file."

I have Illustrator CC 2018 - The files are saved as CS6 with no PDF or attached files embedded. Only 2 linked files.

What can I do to fix my files?

Correct answer Ton Frederiks

You could try to move the file to a different folder to break the link to the linked files.

Or open the linked files in Photoshop and save them as .psd.

Accor ding to this thread it seems to be related to corrupted linked files.

Community Expert

Exactly where did you save those files?

What did happen to the files since you saved them? Some disk crash, recovery, transferring to new drive ...

How do you get those files on your computer now?

When there is no PDF embedded, then chances are getting small. Did you already restart your computer? Take the files to a different computer?

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