Can't create new layers

[NatalieeM]

I'm in the middle of trying to finish my final when all of a sudden, I can't make new layers and it won't let me copy existing layers. I've tried closing up the program then opening it back up. I've tried making new Illustrator files to see if it was just the one I was working on that was having troubles, but it seems like across-the-board on all Illustrator it won't let me make new layers or copy existing ones. Please help!

[Ton Frederiks]

I would make a backup of your preferences and reset them.

https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/setting-preferences.html

[Mike_Gondek]

How exactly are you trying to do this, with the layers flyout menu at the top right, looks like 3 lines? Does everything else work?

[Anubhav Majumder]

Hello @NatalieeM,

Sorry to hear about this experience. I would request you to share a few more details like:

• The exact version of the OS and Illustrator
• Since when are you facing this problem?
• Have any recent changes been made to your computer (OS Update/ Antivirus/ Plug-Ins)?

Also, try resetting Illustrator's preferences by following the steps shared in this article (https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/setting-preferences.html) as suggested by Ton and sharing your observations.
Disclaimer: Please note that resetting preferences will remove all the custom settings, and Illustrator will launch with default settings. You can also take a backup of the folders in case you want to. Location is mentioned in the article.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thanks,
Anubhav

[NatalieeM · Accepted solution]

Thank you all for taking the time to make your suggestions. I finally got start working again after I updated the program. I do regularly update, but because of school I usually try to wait and update between semesters so my version matches the school's version.