Skip to main content
A
Anonymous
January 16, 2026
Question

Ctrl+C Ctrl+V Gradient mesh turns it into image

  • January 16, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 290 views

Hello!

Everytime I have copy and pasted a gradient mesh since downloading Illustrator 2026 they have pasted as images. It's been a pain since I found a way to work this out (creating a symbol) but it shouldn't be like this.

 

Is there any other option to fix this? Should I reinstall the software?

    1 reply

    Monika Gause
    Community Expert
    Monika GauseCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    January 16, 2026

    Check out if you have anything installed that interferes with the clipboard.

    Here's a list of software and utilities that are known to interfere:

     

    • Parallels Toolbox running with the Clipboard History
    • LogoTech Keyboard management software
    • TeamVewer Clipboard > Use Shared Clipboard
    • Apple iOS device simulator from Xcode
    • Windows Multi-clipboard
    • Windows Clipboard History
    • Clippy
    • Chrome Remote Desktop
    • Mouse Pointer Highlighter
    • AnyViewer
    • Pastebot app
    • Overzealous antivirus (Digital Guardian) as well as viruses that empty the clipboard
    • Vector Magic
    • Keyboard Maestro with Clipbboard History
    • Clipboard apps named »Paste« and »Ditto«
    • Windows 11 Multi-Clipboard
    • Deepl translator app
    • AMD Software Host Application
    • An app called »Get Plain Text«
    A
    Anonymous
    January 16, 2026

    Hey Monika, thanks for the many options. I should have specified I use a Macbook Air to save you some trouble haha
    I don't have any of these installed or activated, I even downloaded an older version and the problem is still there :[

    Anubhav M
    Community Manager
    Anubhav MCommunity Manager
    Community Manager
    January 16, 2026

    Hello @44603318,

    Thanks for confirming. Would you mind trying to run Illustrator under a different administrator account (Windows / macOS) and checking if it helps? If the problem persists, kindly confirm if Illustrator behaves this way with a specific file and share a brief screen recording of your exact workflow, so we can check this with the team.

    Looking forward to hearing from you.

    Anubhav

    Firefly Community Gallery
    Adobe Firefly

    Remix with Firefly Community Gallery

    Thousands of free creations to fall in love with and remix in Firefly.

    Explore now
    Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
    Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices