Illustrator error "An unknown error has occurred"

[jessicar67402057]

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.

[emilyh97]

I had the same problem and what helped me was putting an extra inch of space between my art boards. Apparently a part of a photo that wasn't visible due to a clipping mask was overlapping the other art board and preventing it from saving, printing, and exporting.

[tracymoon]

Ahh, this I haven't looked at or tried - thanks, I will see if it makes any difference.

[tracymoon]

I am running El Cap 10.11.6 and have just started having the "unknown error" issue as well. However. I have NO locked or hidden layers. The only thing I can do is go to the Finder level, duplicate the file, then rename it. "Save as" results in the error. All of the posts I can find are from 2017 - it's well into 2018, has this not been fixed yet?

[Monika Gause]

When saving causes issues:

- install a printer and turn it on

- check your harddrive

- check your permissions

- save somewhere else to see if it helps

[Carol McEwan designer]

The ('correct' answer) unlock layers thing didn't work for me but hiding all layers and then saving did.

Then by process of elimination by making each group visible and then saving as suggested already, I managed to whittle it down to a pattern fill in some simple objects (a newbie had created a colour swatch by dragging in a red box to the swatches panel). Once I selected all the objects filled with this 'pattern' swatch and changed it to a normal global colour swatch it saved no problem.

Of course this all took me hours to figure out but at least now I know how to fix it when it happens again. And it WILL happen again.

PS This was an issue on CC (mac and PC) and also CS6 (mac and PC). Original file was created by a client in CC using Windows.

[christosp7254065]

I had the same issue in win10 and noticed that when I changed all text to arial font, the file was saved. Then I changed again to the previous font (myriad pro in my case) and noticed some mullfunctioning in presenting text. So I completely removed the font, restarted the computer, started illustrator to load fonts (while the specific was missing). Then closed illustrator, installed again the font and the problem disapeared. (Note: The problem had started after I installed a 64bit version of illustrator.) Hope it helps.

[KateyBut]

Hi...I was having the same issue in CC2019...It turns out 2 linked files disappeared (??) from the layers. They were showing there via bounding boxes but were not visible. I deleted both and reapplied them. Then the entire file saved without issue...

[JennX]

I had the same issue and I solved it by turning off all the layers except one simple layer without any transparency set etc. and then I saved it. It went without trouble. Then I was able to save again right after that, even with other layers turned on

[donna_shultz]

I have had the same problem multiple times, including work that I about to lose today, in multiple versions of Illustrator ... and yes, restarting the program clears whatever the probem is, but you lose what you were working on as only the last saved version remains. I am on Windows 10, I update religiously. I can save my file as an SVG and PDF, but NOT an ai or eps file. I do save to a remote hard drive, but also tried to my dektop and no difference.

[Monika Gause]

This thread is 7 pages long. I assume all kinds of possible solutions have been given. Did you read all pages and tried everything?

[yuszadnan]

i found the solution accidently.

just embedd all the pic in the document and....save!

solved.

[rami shabarek]

Hi... I tried everything I still have the same problem

[Marunus]

Me too... I'm using AI version 25.1 and I've tried everything as well - but the error still occurs when I try to save the file.

[Monika Gause]

This thread has 7 pages. Did you read everything and tried out all the tipps?

[Marunus]

Hi Monika. Yes I've spent the past few hours looking through and trying every solution that people suggested, not one has worked for me. To me it sounds like the 'solution' is completely random, as most people seem to find the solution by trying completely methods. 

[Monika Gause]

"To me it sounds like the 'solution' is completely random,"

Exactly. It's a different cause for different people. If nothing helps, try and contact Customer Care. https://helpx.adobe.com/contact.html

[Marunus]

Okay, I will try and consult them. Thank you for the help 🙂 

[Production@McStatts]

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

[ksymer]

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.

[awee5E6A]

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

[Ashutosh_Mishra · Accepted solution]

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-illu...) & let us know how it goes.

Regards,

Ashutosh

[Dana5ED8]

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

[Maurilio5CFE]

''An unknown error has occurred'' when i try to save files. 
Someone can help me?

Thanks 

[Met1]

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?

[lambiloon]

Hi, when you get such an error copy that objects in photoshop as a smart object and saves it in PSD then close illustrator and double click on it then it will open in illustrator, you can save it...regards