Skip to main content
B
b_stokes
Participant
March 19, 2018
Answered

Open File - Can't see document, window/tab missing

  • March 19, 2018
  • 27 replies
  • 54093 views

Latest version of Illustrator (Mac)

I am a long time user of Illustrator but i have never had this issue before.

When i open a file I can see the layers window, etc but not the actual file.
There is no window or tab for the file, just the recent files window. I can actually double click the screen and i get an isolated view but can't see anything change but the layers window.If i close Illustrator and reopen the file it shows up fine.
Not a huge issue at all but just wanted to see if someone else had this problem and whether it was related to the recent files window or something else.
Since updating to 22.1 last week i have all kinds of graphics card and/or display issues. The beta 22.0.2 worked great and i should have stuck with it.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks.

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer RepulseMonkey

    I have something similar, when I open AI first time, and click on a recent document to open – sometimes I don't see any tabs or the actual documents.  I have to go to 'Window', 'Arrange' and chnage the mode to 'Flaot in windows' to see the documents.  Then I have to 'Consilidate all in windows' to get back to a tabbed arrangement.  Never had it before.

    27 replies

    Show previous replies
    S
    stephen595
    Participant
    December 12, 2018

    Adobe - Is the point of this forum to point out the problems with the software or is it for users to figure out a workaround?

    Monika Gause
    Community Expert
    Monika GauseCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    December 12, 2018

    stephen595  schrieb

    Adobe - Is the point of this forum to point out the problems with the software or is it for users to figure out a workaround?

    The point of this forum is to talk to other users in order to get help. about 99% of people in this forum are not staff.

    If you want to post a bug, post it over there: http://illustrator.uservoice.com

    Be prepared to post extensive system info on request, to answer additional question and try out things or even to have someone log into your machine. Because if they can't trigger the issue on their machines, they need to watch it happen on yours.

    S
    stephen595
    Participant
    December 5, 2018

    I'm confused.  Is it the operating system that is causing this?  This didn't seem to occur with Illustrator v21 with the same operating system.  This only began with Illustrator v22.  Since the OS hasn't changed, why is it now a problem with the OS?  And what do I do when I see this in my System Preferences > Energy Saver window?

    Grandschemin
    Grandschemin
    Known Participant
    December 5, 2018

    "Float in all windows" works but then "consolidate all windows" brings me back to not seeing anything... thanks for the help though. A case of near enough is good enough. At least Illustrator is not constantly crashing now.

    S
    salda
    Known Participant
    December 12, 2018

    Switching to Float all Windows and back to consolidate didn't fix it on mine (iMac 17,1 with 10.13.6). Switched off the Application Frame and now I can see my windows in tabbed form. Thought this was a recent bug, mine just showed up with the last round of updates, but seems it's been hanging around for a while. Frustrating

      B
      betty-t
      Participating Frequently
      November 20, 2018

      Here's one I took today, November 20, 2018, but I've been having this problem for a long time. I use a workaround to be able to see my work at least several times a week.

      The file is open. It's listed at the bottom of the Window menu, and I can see the links in the Links panel. Can't see the actual file though.

      This question has NOT been Answered.

      S
      stephen595
      Participant
      November 20, 2018

      Is this what everyone needs to see?

      Two open windows, no window tabs.  This has not been answered.

      D
      david hectorg62062329
      Participant
      November 13, 2018

      Hello! Found this in another post:

      Does turning on Window > Application Frame help?

      Worked for me. It was driving me nuts!!

        P
        profkenharper
        Participant
        December 12, 2018

        This worked for me, thank you.

        JJIMSCO
        JJIMSCO
        Participant
        October 26, 2018

        Same issue... Just upgraded to CC 2019.  Adobe - we need a fix, not a work around please!

          R
          RepulseMonkey
          Participating Frequently
          October 26, 2018

          Agree, come on Adobe... this is basic stuff.  I've just upgraded to Ai CC V23 and the problem is back......

          Srishti Bali
          Community Manager
          Srishti BaliCommunity Manager
          Community Manager
          November 14, 2018

          Hi there,

          Sorry to hear about this. Share a few more details like what exactly happens when you open file? Does it show start Screen or normal panels without the file? I would be great if you can share a small video or a few screenshots.

          Regards,

          Srishti

          S
          stephen595
          Participant
          October 26, 2018

          This "fix" does not fix this problem at all.

          Mac Pro (Late 2013)

          macOS Sierra 10.12.6

          Adobe Illustrator CC 22.1

          There are no tabs.

          This is a BIG problem.  This question has NOT been Answered.

            U
            upbeatguy
            Participant
            September 10, 2018

            We have three designers all experiencing the same issue of double-clicking to open an Illustrator file and it being open but not accessible. Then having to close the programme, open it again and then choose open and browse to the file.

            MarkSR
            MarkSR
            Inspiring
            July 23, 2018

            SAME PROBLEM!  I open an .ai document and CAN'T SEE IT!  I can see it in the Navigator and in the Window list menu, but not on my main screen area.  All I can see is that useless "Recent" list screen.  It's maddening!

            Restarting Illustrator over and over and over does not fix it.  Restarting my iMac (Sierra, running on a 2016 27-inch, Late-2015 iMac) over and over and over does not fix it.    I'm running the latest update to Illustrator CC 22.1

            Thankfully RepulseMonkey's workaround works.  What-in-the-world is the problem?  This is not what I expect to be paying for. 

            Srishti Bali
            Community Manager
            Srishti BaliCommunity Manager
            Community Manager
            July 25, 2018

            Hi Mark,

            Greetings from Adobe!

            I would request you to please share your observations here at Adobe Illustrator Feedback form and share the link here and others please upvote the issue along with your comments. This is the best way of communicating with the Engineering and Product Management teams regarding issues and suggestions so they can be implemented in future releases.

            Regards,

            Srishti

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