How to reset Illustrator Preferences

[Om Nath Jha]

Backup and Reset Illustrator Preferences on Windows	Backup and Reset Illustrator Preferences on macOS

To restore preferences quickly using a keyboard shortcut

Press and hold Alt+Control+Shift (Windows) or Option+Command+Shift (macOS) as you start Illustrator. The new preferences files are created the next time you start Illustrator.

To manually restore preferences to default

Remove or rename the Adobe Illustrator Preferences file. When you restart Illustrator, a new preference file will be created in the original location.

Folder location:

macOS: <OSDisk>/Users/<username>/Library/Preferences/Adobe Illustrator <version number> Settings/en_US*/Adobe Illustrator Prefs

A simple way to access user library in Mac.

Windows: <OSDisk>\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator <version number> Settings\en_US*\x64\Adobe Illustrator Prefs

*If you need to keep a backup of the old Preferences, copy the folder to the desktop or simply rename it.

Here’s a help article with more details: https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/setting-preferences.html

[Bill Silbert]

I always recommend that after trashing preferences and then resetting up the program as you like it, it is extremely helpful to make a copy of the new (pristine) preference file and store it somewhere handy. That way if ever you have a preference related problem and need to trash preferences you can simply substitute the corrupt file with (a copy of) the pristine one and all of your favorite settings are ready to go.

[Om Nath Jha]

That's indeed a great workflow Bill!

[chrisl41501719]

Good idea. I do a lot of reprints for customers I've had for decades iso I appreciate how vital good organization of run dates, legacy versions, and color preferences are a MUST if you want to keep your customers. 

[chrisl41501719]

And it's those long-term clients are what keeps any company in the black.

[jim_parrillo]

Has the file folder names and location of this changed? I looked under

<OSDisk>/Users/<username>/Library/Preferences/Adobe Illustrator <version number> Settings/en_US*/

and there are three folders related to Illustrator (see below). It's strange because I only have version 24.2.1 installed, but it's still showing the old version "23 Settings" folder.

In addition, the folder lstings / location are not as previously described.

[Mike_Schwabauer]

Should command-option-shift at launch work for Illustrator 2021? I've been trying and it doesn't seem to. Or does it just reset without a dialog like Photoshop gives?

[Ton Frederiks]

Yes it should work, it does not give you a warning that it does.

[Barbara24864902w3dz]

The comand+option+shift on macOS WORKED PERFECTLY! Thank you!