Illustrator is flattening vector files to a flat image.

[maishaa13068633]

Illustrator kept crashing so I updated. After update I openeded a file. It said it could not read all info and would do it's best. When the file opened it was a flat image. I've uninstalled the new version and reinstalled the version I created it in and opened the file but it is still flat. It was saved as a pdf file. I made a new document with vectors, saved and opened and it did not flatten. However I'm afraid to try an open anything else. 

[Monika Gause]

Did it crash while that document was being saved?

[michelew83603738]

I would try to copy an existing file before you open it to see what happens. Mostly there was a glitch and now that you have reinstalled the new version, everything is ok.

[Comunicada]

This just happened to me in 2025. File crashed and Illustrator converted my art to linked, flattened files. I don't understand and am depressed that I have to remake everything. I tried restarting the computer,  Adobe updates, and making a copy of the file and nothing worked. I didn't have my time machine external drive hooked up either. GUH. 

[Anubhav M]

Hello @Comunicada,

I'm sorry to hear about your experience. Could you confirm whether the file was saved on a network, removable drive, or a cloud-synced folder, such as Google Drive or Dropbox? Storing files in such locations can sometimes lead to corruption issues. To prevent this from happening in the future, we recommend saving your work locally first and then manually copying it to your desired backup location.

Additionally, for help with crashes, please try the troubleshooting steps outlined in this help article (https://adobe.ly/3IzrA6N) to see if it resolves the problem.

Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions or require assistance. We're here to help.

Anubhav