copy & pasting gradients

[Muzel24800055yd3b]

I'm not sure if it's related to freeform gradient.... I'm not a power Illustrator user like I once was. But, I received a file from a designer and it has multiple gradients. When I paste it into another file, it becomes 'non-native art'.

I'm using Illustrator 2024 and used 'save as' "Illustrator 2020". This still allowed me to edit the gradient points and I can see other controls (ramp direction, etc.).

To test, I've then created a new file, and 'save as' "Illustrator 2020" , but when I paste the gradient (or the artboard) it becomes a 'non-native art' again. I can't edit anything in it.

Is there a way to paste or migrate the original gradient while maintaining the gradient control points? Not sure if I'm using the right terminology.

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

Does it work when you drag the artwor from one Illustrator document window into the other?

[Muzel24800055yd3b]

Omg, that worked! Thank you!!!!

[Monika Gause]

Glad this solved it for you.

Probably there is something interfering with the clipboard. Do you have a clipboard enhancer installed or turned on?

[Muzel24800055yd3b]

I don't but I'm on a MBP M3 on Sequoia 15 if that makes a difference. I know that our IT takes security pretty seriously....so most likely al clipboard de-enhancer, if anything.