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jessicar67402057
Participant
Nov 10, 2016 7:56 PM UTC
Answered

Illustrator error "An unknown error has occurred"

I am working in an .ai file that I have saved frequently before. Suddenly when I try to save the file, I get an error that reads "an unknown error has occurred" and the file won't save at all, anywhere. I have not seen this error message before and have had no issues opening or saving the file up until this point.

I need to have the file as an .ai file (not .eps or any other format). I am working in Illustrator CC (2015.3) and using macOS Sierra.

    Ashutosh_Mishra
    Ashutosh_MishraCorrect answer
    Inspiring
    Jun 24, 2021 8:41 PM UTC

    Hi All,

     

    Sorry to hear about this experience. In addition to the suggestions given in earlier responses, we'd recommend you to update the app to the latest version. Steps are shared here.

     

    If the issue still persist, you could check a few more things:

    1. Is the file being saved on network drive/shared folder/external HDD? If yes, try saving it locally & see if it helps.
    2. Is the issue related to a specific file? If yes, please follow the steps shared in this help article (https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/kb/troubleshoot-file-issues.html) to troubleshoot file related issues. You may also try copy-pasting the content to a new file & see if that works.

     

    If nothing works, please try the suggestions given in this community post (https://community.adobe.com/t5/illustrator/resolve-slow-performance-and-unexpected-behaviors-in-illustrator/td-p/11561981) & let us know how it goes.

     

    Regards,

    Ashutosh

    View reply

    110 replies

    pearly_6213
    Participant
    Mar 20, 2025 12:52 PM UTC

    Hi, I have the same problem here. May I know are your problem settle?

     

    Translate
    Monika Gause
    Community Expert
    Monika GauseCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    Mar 20, 2025 1:24 PM UTC
    @pearly_6213  schrieb:

    Hi, I have the same problem here. May I know are your problem settle?

     

     

    Probably a different solution for everyone. The thread is 5 pages long. Did you read them all?

    Translate
    Anubhav M
    Community Manager
    Anubhav MCommunity Manager
    Community Manager
    Mar 20, 2025 7:45 PM UTC

    Hello @pearly_6213,


    Would you mind sharing more details, like the OS/Illustrator version, if this happens when working with specific files or files from a specific folder, and if you get this problem when trying to save or export, so I can better assist you?

    Also, try the suggestions shared here earlier, as Monika suggested, and share your observations.

    Looking forward to hearing from you.

     

    Anubhav

    Translate
    DEAR BD
    DEAR BD
    Participating Frequently
    Dec 21, 2024 7:06 AM UTC

     

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    Srishti_Bali
    Srishti_Bali
    Legend
    Dec 23, 2024 12:34 PM UTC

    Hi @DEAR BD 

     

    Apologies for the inconvenience! Could you please share a few more details to help us better understand the issue?

    • What is your operating system and the version of Illustrator you're using?
    • When does this error occur? Is it while working on a file, using a specific tool, or during saving/exporting?

     

    We’re here to assist, and with a bit more information, we’ll work to resolve this for you.

     

    Regards,

    Srishti 

    Translate
    Jabbar Umar
    Participant
    Dec 7, 2023 4:33 AM UTC

    I tried to delete the assets one by one while I saved the file, apparently "an unknown error" can be solved by rasterizing some png files! I don't know the cause, maybe a problem with the file being too large for enough effects

     

    Translate
      GatzkeRob
      Participating Frequently
      Nov 5, 2021 2:52 AM UTC

      One thing that worked for me was to uncheck the following during the saving process:

       

      "Create PDF Compatible File"

      "Use Compression"

       

      While this might not be a permanent solution, it should allow you to save your current document without losing hours of work.

       

      Once saved, you should check for updates and restart your computer.

      Translate
      Larkef
      Participant
      Aug 30, 2021 1:36 PM UTC

      I solved this issue by freeing up space on my HD. I was working with a 500mb file and did not have enough space to save the changes I made to the file.

       

      Try emptying the trash and remove large files you no longer need.

      Translate
      abdulrahmanSHD
      Participant
      Aug 17, 2021 8:52 PM UTC

      i had the same issue,

      you need to check you have enough space in your harddesk, where Adobe illustrator is installed

      you can try this solution.

      it may or may not work but it did for me

       

      Translate
      Ashutosh_Mishra
      Ashutosh_MishraCorrect answer
      Inspiring
      Jun 24, 2021 8:41 PM UTC

      Hi All,

       

      Sorry to hear about this experience. In addition to the suggestions given in earlier responses, we'd recommend you to update the app to the latest version. Steps are shared here.

       

      If the issue still persist, you could check a few more things:

      1. Is the file being saved on network drive/shared folder/external HDD? If yes, try saving it locally & see if it helps.
      2. Is the issue related to a specific file? If yes, please follow the steps shared in this help article (https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/kb/troubleshoot-file-issues.html) to troubleshoot file related issues. You may also try copy-pasting the content to a new file & see if that works.

       

      If nothing works, please try the suggestions given in this community post (https://community.adobe.com/t5/illustrator/resolve-slow-performance-and-unexpected-behaviors-in-illustrator/td-p/11561981) & let us know how it goes.

       

      Regards,

      Ashutosh

      Translate
      Dana5ED8
      Participant
      Jun 30, 2021 7:40 PM UTC

      Hi 

      I have an error like in the photo. I can't open Adobe Illustrator, I've try to update my app, but nothing works. Can I uninstall Illustrator and again install? Thanks

      Translate
      Maurilio5CFE
      Participant
      May 19, 2021 2:39 PM UTC
      ''An unknown error has occurred'' when i try to save files. 
      Someone can help me?

      Thanks 

      Translate
      Met1
      Met1
      Legend
      May 19, 2021 2:57 PM UTC

      Try saving to a different location.

      Try saving to a different version of Illy, or pdf.

      What are the file characteristics? is it chock full of images?

      Translate
      aweku88
      Participant
      Feb 23, 2021 4:19 PM UTC

      You just Klik menu OBJECT  and than EXPAND and checklit 2 box >>ok   SAVE   ( problem solve )

      Translate
      Production@McStatts
      Production@McStatts
      Participant
      Feb 4, 2021 7:59 PM UTC

      When I get this problem saving as an .ai file, I uncheck the create pdf compatible file box and it will save it.

      Translate
        ksymer
        Participant
        Feb 12, 2021 1:38 AM UTC

        Thank you! This just happened to me tonight for the first time after saving the same file multiple times. I tried another suggestion to make sure layers were unlocked and visible; that had no impact. This solution (unchecking "Create PDF Compatible File" on save properties) is the only one that worked for me.

         

        Running Illustrator 25.1 (64-bit) on Windows 10 Enterprise.

         

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