Illustrator 2023 v27.1.1 can't save any files

[DAS323i]

Hi. Really hoping someone can help out here.

I'm running Illustrator 2023 v27.1.1 on macOS Monterrey version 12.5.1. 
I can't save any files I've been working on, either to the cloud or to my computer. The save window doesn't even open. Nothing happens when I select save, save as or export as. I've tried using keyboard (eg. control @S) and that doesn't work either. 
These aren't large files, maybe 1MB max.
I've searched past discussions and tried the various suggestions (e.g. turning off save in background) but no luck.  
There are no error messages etc. so I can't screenshot and post.

This has happened on and off in the past, and I've had to restart the computer in order to get Illustrator to save files. But, that's not a workable solution for obvious reasons. I really don't want to lose all the work I've done, especially if this happens when I try again after restarting my computer.
Any suggestions? 
Many thanks in advance.

[Bill Silbert]

I would suggest updating your Monterey to the current 12.6.5. I would also suggest trashing your Illustrator preferences. This will restore Illustrator to its defaults and, hopefully, fix the issue that you're having.

To reset preferences on a Mac:

For Macintosh Users: The User Library folder in which Illustrator’s preferences are stored is hidden by default on most Macintoshes. To access it make sure that Illustrator is closed and click on the desktop to launch a Finder Window (Command-N).With this window in column view follow the path User>Home folder (it’s the folder with an icon that looks like a house—it may have the user’s name rather than “Home”) and click on the Home folder. With the Option Key pressed choose Library from the Finder Go Menu. “Library” will now appear within the Home folder. Within the Library folder find the folder called Preferences and within it find the folder called “Adobe Illustrator <Version #> Settings” (earlier versions of Illustrator might just say “Adobe Illustrator”) and the file called “com.adobe.Illustrator.plist” and delete both that folder and that file. When Illustrator is next launched it will create new preference files and the program will be restored to its defaults.

The advantage of manually deleting preference files in this manner is that after you’ve reset up the program to your liking, you can create copies of your personalized “mint” preference files (make sure that you quit the program before copying them—that finalizes your customization) and use them in the future to replace any corrupt versions you may need to delete.

[DAS323i]

Thanks very much for your response and advice. Of course, files are saving without issue all of a sudden, so with any luck that'll keep up. If it doesn't, i'll be sure to give your recommendations a shot.

Thanks again and all the best.

[Monika Gause]

Can you try and turn off "Save in background" in the Illustrator preferences?

Did this previously work?

What's in the files?

[DAS323i]

Hi. Thanks so much for you response and thoughts. Files are saving without issue again for some reason.... I'm not complaining, of course! Fingers crossed no further issues arise. 
I had tried turning off "Save in background" without success. The files were just basic Illustrator illustrations... nothing fancy or complex at all.  Maybe it was just a frustrating glitch that's come and gone. We'll see!
Anyway, thank you again

[Anubhav M]

Hello @DAS323i,

We understand that encountering technical issues can be frustrating. I hope the suggestions shared by Bill and Monika to try updating the macOS and Illustrator, resetting preferences, and turning off Save in Background helped resolve the problem.

If not, kindly try running Illustrator under a different administrator account and check if it helps.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thanks,

Anubhav

[DAS323i · Accepted solution]

Thank you. 
Files appear to be saving without problems. I didn't make any changes or updates, so not sure what the issue was. Hopefully, it's won't reoccur. If it does, though, I'll reach back out.

Many thanks