Skip to main content
I
InHo25362947iljg
Participating Frequently
July 23, 2022
Answered

Layers panel is there but not showing any layers

  • July 23, 2022
  • 4 replies
  • 16401 views

yeah so i have my file opened and layers panel is there but the layers dont show

not on my second monitor or anything

    Correct answer Daniel31793927dwd8

    I had the same problem, but when I clicked 'control' in the 'window' drop down menu to reinstated the top tool bar and the layers and properties suddenly appeared. Then I hid the toolbar again and the layers stayed visible.

    4 replies

    patt_PSD
    patt_PSD
    Participant
    February 5, 2025

    Double click at layer panel name, layer will be appeared and double click again it will be hidden.

    Anshul_Saini
    Community Manager
    Anshul_SainiCommunity Manager
    Community Manager
    July 26, 2022

    Hi @InHo25362947iljg,

     

    We are sorry for the trouble. I would like to know if the issue is resolved for you or if you are still dragging layers off and on to resolve this? If it is not resolved, would you mind sharing a few details like:

    • The exact version of OS (Windows/macOS) & Illustrator
    • Are you using an M1 Mac (apple silicon)?
    • When did this start happening? Are there any recent changes made to your system? For example, any antivirus, system updates, plugins, or web extensions installed recently.
    • What is the make & model of your monitor(s) and its display resolution?
    • Have you tried the steps suggested by Monika?

     

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

     

    Thanks & Regards,

    Anshul Saini

    eclecticscribe
    eclecticscribe
    Participating Frequently
    July 11, 2023

    This is still happening in July 2023. Occastionally I open AI and the layer panel is empty, but dragging the panel off the tab makes them visible again. I consiider this a minor problem because it's a simple fix. Before coming accross this solution I was resetting the preferences to solve the problem, and that was a bit painful having to rebuild them. I really grateful for the easier fix by InHo…. I don't recall having this problem until I replace my acient 2013 iMac with the the one below. I haven't noticed a pattern, but so far it only happens a few times a month and I use Illustrator almost every day, usually in conjuction with After Effects. The only plugin I'm using in Illustrator is Overlord for shapelayer transfers to AE.

     

    Mac Studio M1 Ultra

    64GB

    macOS Ventura 13.4.1

    Apple Studio Display (default 2560 x 1440)

    HP w2408 Display (Default @ 1920 x 1299)

    D
    Daniel31793927dwd8Correct answer
    Participant
    August 21, 2023

    I had the same problem, but when I clicked 'control' in the 'window' drop down menu to reinstated the top tool bar and the layers and properties suddenly appeared. Then I hid the toolbar again and the layers stayed visible.

    I
    InHo25362947iljgAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    July 23, 2022

    i dont know why but i just draged the layers tab off and back on and now it works

     

      Monika Gause
      Community Expert
      Monika GauseCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      July 23, 2022

      When was the last time you rebooted the computer? Maybe now would be a good time?

      I
      InHo25362947iljgAuthor
      Participating Frequently
      July 23, 2022

      yeah it didnt work

      Monika Gause
      Community Expert
      Monika GauseCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      July 23, 2022

      Does it work in a newly created file?

      If not, you will hate the next step even more: reset the Illustrator preferences. You might want to do it by renaming the folder (this way it can be undone)

      https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/setting-preferences.html

      Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
      Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices