Illustrator 2025: Files are marked as "changed" upon opening

[Ajlouny]

Some existing files are marked as "changed" upon opening although I haven't made any changes, no links were updated, no fonts were substituted or missing... Even if I save the unchanged file, when I close and reopen it, it is marked as changed agian. Save as didn't solve it.

After a lot of investigation, I found that this happens if there is a locked layer that contains linked images. If I unlock it and save the file, it will open normally without being marked as changed (no star after filename in the document tab).

Is there someting I can do to solve this or is it a bug we should report?

[Anshul_Saini]

Hi @Ajlouny,

Thanks for reaching out. I tried replicating the issue on my MacBook but couldn’t replicate the same behavior. Could you please share a screen recording demonstrating the problem and provide a sample testing file to investigate further? Also, please confirm your OS and system specs so we can look deeper into this.

We’re here to help!

Best,

Anshul Saini

[Ajlouny]

Thanks @Anshul_Saini

Recording attached, let me know if you need any clarification.

ZIP files are not supported so I attached two separate files (Ai and the linked PNG) along with the recording.

iMac Retina 5K, 27-inches, 2017

Ventura 13.7

[Ajlouny]

Uplaoding the Ai file keeps failing. Here are all the files on my Drive: Locked layer with linked image (Ai, linked PNG and screen recording video) 

[Anubhav M]

Hello @Ajlouny,

Thanks for sharing the details and the sample file. I was able to replicate this successfully. Kindly allow me some time to check this with the team.

Anubhav

[David22786963by14]

To @Anubhav M, I have a smilier issues with layers unlocking and going back a couple of steps. I have just attached a video showing how the layers are becoming unlocked and not allowing to select shape and change the colour, with it changing the text layer I created. Adoebe Illurstator 29.1 on a Macbook Pro M3. good luck in working out the bugs.

[Anubhav M]

Hello @David22786963by14,

I'm sorry to learn about your situation. I attempted to reproduce this issue on my side but was unsuccessful. To assist you more effectively, could you please check if Illustrator exhibits this behavior with all files?

Additionally, please consider updating macOS (https://adobe.ly/4i15Ihp) and resetting Illustrator's preferences as outlined in this article (https://adobe.ly/3V76v6K) and let me know if that resolves the issue?

Disclaimer: Be aware that renaming preference folders will erase all custom settings, and Illustrator will start with default configurations. You may also wish to back up the folders if you desire. The location is noted above.


Looking forward to hearing from you.

Anubhav