Layer panel keeps disappearing

[Geoff Vane]

During my workflow, with copy and paste and opening files, I find my Layer panel gone every time.

I have to press F7 again and wait.
How can I make the Layer panel (or any panel) persistant in presence in Illustrator?

[Monika Gause]

Is your Layers panel perhaps docked to the side of the screen? If that is the case, you can set up in Preferences > User interface that Panels do not automatically minimize by unchecking that option.

[Ton Frederiks]

Do you have Preferences > User Interface > Auto Collapse Iconic Panels checked?

[Kurt Gold]

In the Illustrator preferences there is an option called "Auto-Collapse Panels".

Is that option turned on or off?

[Geoff Vane]

Well, lemmie check that option. Since three people point in that direction, this might be it. thanks.