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Participant
May 1, 2022
Answered

Can't create new layers

  • May 1, 2022
  • 4 replies
  • 1120 views

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!

Correct answer NatalieeM

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. 

4 replies

NatalieeMAuthorCorrect answer
Participant
May 3, 2022

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. 

Anubhav M
Community Manager
Community Manager
May 2, 2022

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

Mike_Gondek10189183
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 2, 2022

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?

Ton Frederiks
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 1, 2022

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

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

Participant
May 9, 2025

I just had the same issue. I followed your advice and reset the Preferences and now it's working again. Must have been an issue with the update because my Illustrator was updated today.