Unhidden layers are hidden when I reopen Illustrator file

Question

I have an Illustrator file that has several layers and groups, some are text and some are embedded .pngs or jpgs. The file was working just fine until about three days ago. For some reason when I open the file now, several of the layers are hidden, even though when I saved it they were all showing. The layers aren't missing or deleted - they are still there but hidden and I have to click the eye on each item to get them to show up.

I've done a "save as," renamed it, put it in a different folder, shut down Illustrator completely and opened the file back up and certain layers are still hidden.

Saving as an AI .eps and reopening in Illustrator doesn't help - layers still show as hidden.

Exporting to an .emf and reopening in Illustrator will show all layers, but then all the text is turned into line drawings and all the layers are merged into one layer.

Saving as a PS file and reopening in Illustrator will show all the layers, but then it's it PS.

I have all my guides in their own layers, not as part of layers with content, so hiding guides or showing guides doesn't affect it.

What am I missing here?

Anubhav M · Answer

Hello @trina.r.olsen@gmail.com,

We understand that encountering technical issues can be frustrating, especially in the middle of work. Would you mind checking if Illustrator also behaves this way with other files? If yes, kindly try resetting Illustrator's preferences by following the steps shared in this article (https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/kb/troubleshoot-preference-issues.html) and sharing your observations.
Disclaimer: Please note that resetting preferences will remove all custom settings, and Illustrator will launch with the defaults. You may save a backup of these settings from the location mentioned in the article.

If not, kindly share a link here or via DM to a sample file you're having trouble with (https://community.adobe.com/t5/illustrator-discussions/share-your-files-in-6-simple-steps/td-p/12967531), so that we can check it on our end.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thanks,
Anubhav

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