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Participant
May 20, 2021
Answered

Illustrator Flickering Workspace Background

  • May 20, 2021
  • 22 replies
  • 28018 views

Whenever I move my mouse on some of my Illustrator files, the background grey flicks between two shades of grey really fast and it hurts my eyes. I've recently just converted over to a new Apple Mac Mini with an M1 chip, so I don't know if this has anything to do with it (not sure if the issue is related to GPU or not). It also happens when I zoom in and out too. The only way to make it go away is to close and reopen the document. It will be fine for a while and then it will start up again. Again, not on on all documents, and not all of the time, just sometimes and it's just a minor inconvenience! I've attached a little screen recording as an example. 

I've done lots of searching and I can't find any resolutions yet, I'm thinking it's just a bug. Unless I'm wording this all wrong! 

Correct answer MagnusC

BTW, Unchecking GPU performance doesn't do anything...


When the screen goes crazy to you have to:
1. Open Settings/Performance

2. Uncheck GPU Performance

3. Click OK to close settings

4. Open Settings/Performance again

5. Check GPU Performance

6. Click OK to close settings

22 replies

italosan
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 20, 2021

Hi, have you tried to reset Adobe Illustrator preferences?

Participant
May 23, 2021

Yes I have, and it still happens again eventually. 

italosan
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 24, 2021

Can you try to open your files on another computer and see if the same problem occurs?

Inspiring
May 20, 2021

I have the same issue (M1 MacBook Air). I think this usually happens after the computer wakes up from sleep although it could just be coincidental. Restarting (or reopening the document) solves this so I'm not too concerned. Must be a GPU Preview glitch specific to the M1.

Inspiring
May 20, 2021

By the way, do you use an external screen?

Anshul_Saini
Community Manager
Community Manager
October 21, 2022

Hey, for reference this is still happening for me in illustrator 26.3.1 on this M1 macbook pro:

 

It only happens when using my external monitors. Both are 27" 4K LG monitors, one is a 27UP850 but don't know the other model name. Pretty sure it happens with and without photoshop being open. Doesn't bother me too much but would be nice to resolve it in future. 


Hi @cainamrtin,

 

We are sorry for the trouble & delayed response. Would you mind updating macOS to 12.6 & Illustrator to v27.0 and see if that helps?

 

If it doesn't, please check if pressing cmd+e helps or not. Also, is this happening randomly or constantly?

 

Kindly update the discussion if you still need assistance with it. We'd be happy to help.

 

Thanks & Regards,
Anshul Saini