Can't Save Any Illustrator File with New 2020 Update

[kcelsi1999]

Hello. I just updated Illustrator to the newest version and now I can't save any file. When I go to Save and hit the OK button in the Illustrator Options box, I get an error that says "An Unknown Error Has Occurred". This happens with all files, new and existing. I need this for my job so this is a very urgent problem if no file can be saved. Is this a bug in the new update? PLEASE HELP before I have to work on Monday!!

[kcelsi1999 · Accepted solution]

I just found the solution here:
https://illustrator.uservoice.com/forums/601447-illustrator-bugs/suggestions/38961718-ai-2020-v-24-u...

I deleted all of my pdf presets by going to Edit>Adobe pdf Presets. Now I can save.

[AndyAtPBZinc]

What if I want to keep my pdf presets? This seems way to "nuclear"...

[CyreneD]

I did a couple things to work around:

1. Change default printer from my network printer to a PDF printer (Adobe or Foxit in my case)
2. Save As -> in dialog box: Uncheck "Save PDF Compatible Version"

I was getting a problem where it would start the save process, but stall half way, or (super annoying) 97%.

I was able to save some files in PDF format and keep editing abilities - so at least I could preserve my work. But I needed AI file type (for use in AE).

I'm running the update with the supposed patch. Patch seems incomplete!

[Monika Gause]

Did you reset the preferences when updating? (Rename the preferences folder in order to try if it helps) https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/setting-preferences.html

Can you try if this helps: https://community.adobe.com/t5/illustrator/illustrator-2020-not-saving-files-in-ai-format/td-p/10713... (it's the manual fix for before the 24.0.1 update was published)

[CyreneD]

I did, and it resolved a majority of issues. But I have a file or two that are still giving me - Illustrator is Unable to Save this document due to some unexpected errors.

[kfind001]

Both of these links are reporting 404 errors

[Leventech]

Unchecking "Save PDF Compatible Version" worked for me. They probably tried to wriggle the option to view ai using acrobat (which - doesn't work well - I wonder who tested this release and approved it :DDD ). 

[gyöngyvérk94859534]

THANK YOU!

Way better than outlining all the fonts or resetting the presets.

You saved me!

[Monika Gause]

I don't know what you need the AI file for, but just in case you want to place it in InDesign or open it in Photoshop, you will need to turn on that PDF option. It's not redundant as the previous poster suggested, it's needed for exchanging pruposes.

If you have issues with PDF compatible, that can be for a couple of reasons:

- you save the file to a network

- your fonts are not well functioning

- your font management is not compatible

- issues with placed images

There might be others, but turning off PDF compatiblity will not solve the underlying issue.

[CMCorsetti]

I was unable to delete my pdf presets. The option was greyed out. Any other suggestions would be appreciated, all other work around's did not work. Thank you.

[Monika Gause]

"I was unable to delete my pdf presets. The option was greyed out. Any other suggestions would be appreciated, all other work around's did not work. Thank you."

Please tell us your system, the exact version number and the exact nature of the issue.

[CMCorsetti]

I have macOS Catalina, version 10.15.5. In Illustrator, I am unable to save-as, go to the home page and get a new document by going to file-new. Also, some files open without being able to see the file. I can see the layers but not the image I am working on. 

I've gone over some of the suggestions and work arounds on the forum, but none have worked for me so far.

Thank you for your response!

Carla

[user956]

I am facing some kind of issues too with Catalina 10.15 

I get unknown error when I try to save a big file of 7500x9000 px.  

[Monika Gause]

I am facing some kind of issues too with Catalina 10.15

I get unknown error when I try to save a big file of 7500x9000 px.

Which version of Illustrator?

Exactly where do you save the file?

Exactly which file format?

[CMCorsetti]

Thank you for all of your help and responses. Unfortunately none has worked so far. I've also updated at least 3 times since then. I may have to have my admin work on the issue. 
Thank you all again!

[CMCorsetti]

* Correction - I have updated Illustrator at least 3 times since my first post.*

[Gunkel]

Unchecking "Create PDF compatible file" under the "Illustrator Options" pop up when saving worked for me. 

[sonofmrsnak]

Same for me. In fact, after unchecking and saving, you can then do another save-as with it checked again and it will work.

[AndyAtPBZinc]

This one worked for me... but how weird... but I guess expected with Adobe. Fix something with an update; break something else.

[VisualSignals]

Solution: Close Illustrator and reopen it without opening an old file. Then create a new blank file, that's it. Now you should be able to Save As... with any file you open.

[sonofmrsnak]

The didn't work all the time for me. The deleting of Distiller presets (made under Mojave) worked for me permanently. I just had to rebuild my preset library after.

[default5g4rq5i2g8w2]

That worked for me, what a weird soultion. Thank you!

[Maynard5DC5]

I had exactly the same issue and was fixed easily.

Go to Document Setup > Edit Artbord. Don't make any changes and click out of it. And try saving. 

mblabels.com.au

[cameronwerth · Accepted solution]

I followed these steps and it fixed the file save error. The main issue for me was the "(Beta) optimize File Open" unchecked that and I was able to save again. 

Steps:
i)Launch Illustrator
ii)Open preference in the "Edit" tab 
iii)Go to “File Handling & Clipboard”
iv)Uncheck "Optimize file Open and Save Time on Slow Network (Beta) "
v)Click ok
vi)Try to save file and let us know if that helps
If it is still reproducible
i)Open preference by pressing “Cmd+K”
ii)Go to “File Handling & Clipboard”
uncheck “Save in background”
iii)Click ok
iv)Try to save file