Files are greyed out in Place dialog?

[dDembicki]

Actually, this happens with all my Adobe apps, possibly a Creative Cloud issue? If so, moderator, please move to the appropriate place. 

So, here's the issue. I go to place a linked image file in AI, say a PSD or TIF file, or any other file format that AI will take. Hit Command+Shift+P. Dialog box comes up. The file I want to place is there, but grayed out. I go back to Finder to make sure it's finished syncing, and it is.

So now, one of two things happens: 

1. From the place dialog, I navigate to the parent folder, and then back to the file I want to place and it's not grayed out anymore. I place and go on with my day. 
2. I do the above navigation, many times, and the file I want to place is never available. Okay, move on to the next project. Hours later I come back to it, and it's available. There are no words for this kind of frustration, especially when time is tight.

#1 is what usually happens. It's annoying but at least I can keep the project moving. 

Why is this happening, and can I do something on my end to avoid it? 

MBP M3Max, OS 14.4, AI 28.4.1, CC 6.1.0.592. Enterprise CC account. 

[Monika Gause]

So the files you are placing are Cloud files? Or are they synched files in your Creative Cloud folder? Those are still working for enterprises, but that might end for you later this year:  https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/help/sync-creative-cloud-files.html

I do not know if that already forecasts some shadows.

[dDembicki]

Hi Monika,

The files are local, in the synced Creative Cloud folder. Even weirder is that it doesn't happen all the time. So it could be related to a file being "busy" while syncing. Also, I have probably complicated things by putting my Creative Cloud folder in my synced OneDrive folder.  But so far, it's been working pretty well, and I get my files stored in two places, so it's a no-brainer.

I've also tried turning off syncing for both services, and that doesn't seem to make a difference to file availabilty.

I am aware that syncing may be discontinued. I have other options, thankfully, and backup regularly. You only have to get bit once, then you realize how important it is to have everything in two or more places. I never did take advantage of the syncing capability with my personal CC profile (separate Photography plan, not the Enterprise personal profile), but it comes in handy when traveling with my personal computer and having to deal with something work-related. 

[Monika Gause]

I am absolutely not discussing your backups. You can never have enough of them. And yes, I too learnt that from experience.

The files being not synched or the double layer of synching might indeed disrupt your experience

[dDembicki]

Well, knowing that CC syncing is going away, I should probably start adapting my workflow sooner rather than later. I will probably turn off CC syncing and rename my local CC folder. Continue syncing with OneDrive (jeez I cannot stand MS products) and continue with regular backups. I also copy my files in the evenings up to a server folder, manual process, but others can get to my files if needed. Those three locations should be enough. If needed, with my personal machine I can log into my OD if I need work files. 

I will report back the results. Might be a while, working on a deadline right now. Thanks for your suggestions!

[dDembicki]

Update: The latest CC app (v6.1.0.587.7) doesn't offer a way to change where your Creative Cloud folder is. Therefore, I moved everything into the OneDrive sync folder, and just deleted with the CC folder. I assume Adobe removed the option because of the twilighting of syncing for individual accounts, and there's no separate CC app for enterprise accounts... 

As I was working through moving everything, I also found out that I did NOT have the CC folder in my OneDrive. I think I changed it a few weeks ago to test out this issue. Which is still happening regardless of sync service. I'm seriously impressed with the sync speed of the OD. CC is still syncing and I took most of the files out of it. OD is finished. When does that happen, lol!!?

So the next thing I might try is moving my working files out of any folders that sync. But not right now, deadlines loom. 

[richardesignerUK]

I also have the same issue. If I create a new PSD image in Photoshop - when I go back into illustrator and then try and place the newly created image the file name is greyed out (all the others are black) and I cant click/link to it. If I cancel this Illustrator action and then repeat the sequence, the file is no longer greyed out, and I can click on it. It does this 90% of the time - which is very annoying and wastes loads of my time daily.  I am not using/working from the cloud but just working off my desktop. I recently updgraded to a new M3 Mac Mini hoping this problem would go away - but it still persists! I am using all the latest Adobe apps. Why is this happening and how can I fix it? 

[Anubhav M]

Hello @richardesignerUK,

Would you mind sharing more details, like the version of Illustrator installed, the folder location where your files are saved, and a small screen recording of your workflow and the problem so I can better assist you?

Also, try granting Full Disk Access for Illustrator (https://adobe.ly/4aCnXX0), relaunch, and share your observations.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Anubhav

[dDembicki]

I've found that choosing ALL FILE TYPES when placing something that is grayed out works. Still annoying that I have to even do that, but I'll take it. 

[dDembicki]

An update: I'm still seeing this off and on. The above workaround is still valid.

Specs:

MBP M3max/64gb, OS 15.3.

OneDrive standalone version 25.004.0109.0002.

Creative Cloud v6.5.0.348.

Note, I am still NOT syncing a Creative Cloud folder, just my OneDrive folder. (And still backing up locally and to our server.)

[Mike_Gondek]

What happens if you try to place a file that is NOT from the Creative Cloud folder?  Are they still greyed out? 

Try dragging & dropping file from your Mac finder to the canvas.

[dDembicki]

Yes, they are still greyed out. I thought if I dragged to place an image that it embeds it? Hm. I'll try it out, good idea.