PDF compatabile file

[taco salad]

when I save my files I always select the "Create PDF compatible File" option. I'll see a preview of my image within the finder. But as I develeop the file, the preview within my finder turns into this text document. This only happens with complex files. With my recent work, I re-saved my file and once again I selected the "Create PDF compatible File" option, and the preview in my finder returned. But it only lasted for a short time. what am I doing?

[Monika Gause]

Where do you save your files?

What happens when you turn off "Save in background" in the preferences?

[taco salad]

I save my files on my desktop. I tried deselecting "Save in background" and it didn't work. Should I also deselect "export background"

[Monika Gause]

That won't have an effect on saving your files.

So what seems to happen is that Illustrator automatically turns off the "PDF compatible" option while you work and save? That sounds a little bit disturbing. 

Mac OS generates the preview from the embedded PDF, so that is the reason why you see that message. Maybe @Anubhav M  could perhaps shed some light on this?

[Anubhav M]

Hello @taco salad,

We understand how frustrating it can be to not be able to see previews of your Illustrator files in Finder. As suggested by Monika, it seems to be a problem with the preferences. Would you mind trying to manually reset Illustrator's preferences and checking if it helps:

For macOS

• Close all Adobe applications.

• Go to the following locations

• ~/Library/Caches

• ~/Library/Application Support/Adobe

• ~/Library/Preferences

• Rename Adobe Illustrator, com.adobe.illustrator and Adobe Illustrator 27 Settings folders to Adobe Illustrator.old, com.adobe.illustrator.old and Adobe Illustrator 27 Settings.old

• Launch Illustrator from the Creative Cloud.

Note: Location starting with this "~" sign indicates the User Library, which is hidden. So, you need to copy & paste the exact path in spotlight search or from Finder Menu > Go > Go to Folder > Paste the location in the dialog box like this:

Disclaimer: Please note that renaming preferences folders will remove all the custom settings, and Illustrator will launch with default settings. You can also save a backup of the folders in case you want to. The location is mentioned above.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thanks,

Anubhav