Suddenly can't edit live type in an Illustrator file (that only I've had access to)

[JWoo1]

I recently lost the ability to edit type in an extensive, mission-critical Illustrator file.  Upon hovering over live text, I first see a pencil cursor with circle/line indicating "can't edit". When I attempt a workaround by selecting text first with the direct select arrow, then type tool, I get the error message: "This type was created in a different version of Illustrator. Editing the text may cause some changes to your text layout. Basic formatting will not be affected. Do you want to continue?"  (Yet I created the entire file myself in Illustrator CS6 and was the only one manipulating it in the same version!) 

When I select "Continue", then click on live type anywhere in the document, the subsequent error message simply states "Can't edit the type".  And I really can't.  Not sure what to do, as my whole process depends on copying and modifying chunks of content throughout this extensive web app mock, in which months of labor have been invested.

So, I upgraded to CC/CS7 hoping that might help, but am getting the same error there.  This file (among many others) that is basically priceless to my job security now appears useless.

The font I'm using is Source Sans Pro, an Adobe font I downloaded from http://www.google.com/fonts/specimen/Source+Sans+Pro.  It has worked flawlessly all year.  Absolutely puzzled and trying not to panic on deadline.  Thanks for any insight you all have!

[Mylenium]

Well, did you install any other fonts recently? Changed system language settings? Changed settings on one of the text-centric panels like Glyph substitution options and all that? Have you tried to open the file on another system?

Mylenium

[JWoo1]

Yes, I upgraded machines to brand new MacBook Pro, upgraded work CS to subscription CC like I have at home studio, and unfortunately the bug followed my affected file(s) through all of that.  Quite pernicious.  My accidental workaround is described above, with Dhanuka's answer being partly correct.  Copy/pasting content, though highly impractcal, became my only option as my desperation grew (which I discovered as a workaround on my own).  In that process, though, of copying from the original seemeingly corrupt doc, I was able to rather inexplicably break through the error messaging loop & edit the type again, THANK GOODNESS.

Also did some minor cleanup w/ font management, but didn't notice a clear correlation w/ that and my success.  Sheer stubbornness pays, I guess.

[Neeraj Nandkeolyar]

It would be great if you could send a sample file for the Adobe Illustrator team to investigate. Please zip the file and send that as an attachement to: ShareWithAi@adobe.com

Thanks!

- Neeraj

[Dhanuka]

Have you tried copy pasting the entire document or only the text into another Illustrator document ?

[JWoo1]

Update: This problem is very mercurial.  Stumbled upon a sideways solution after learning by hands-on trial and error that I could copy/paste frozen content to a different doc and edit it there.  In this process, I was eventually able to restore editing capability to the original doc, inexplicably.  The warning comes up sometimes, but I just keep bashing through with various tools (direct select/type alternately), and I generally find a way through.  Puzzling and concerning though.  This bug has cost me dearly, and rebuilding from scratch really wasn't an option.  The copy-pasting would have been ridiculous with my multi-artboard & layered file, but less so than starting from scratch.

Thanks for taking the time to reply!

[Crizzz]

I Am experiencing the same problem with a deadline tomorrow...

[Monika Gause]

Crizzz schrieb:

I Am experiencing the same problem with a deadline tomorrow...

This thread is from 2014.

So you have the exact same problem with the exact same version, font, system?

[Crizzz]

No, different font. I get loads of error messaging when I copy/paste: "Can't edit the type". I tried re-installing illustrator CC 2 times today, cannot even try to type within existing text. Type is Open sanss and Roboto Slab. most of the time illustrator just quits, without notifications afterwards. Really odd, never experienced this before... Document is 800 MB. But never been a problem before..

[Crizzz]

Whenever I try "Command + X" on text, illustrator just quits. It all started when I tried to copy text this afterneen from email text to illustrator cc (latest version 2105.3)

[Crizzz]

PS working on iMac with El Capitan. Also tried on a macbook pro. Both from 2011, both having the same problem...

[pablosanj3260242244]

I was able to work around this by simply selecting all (Ctrl+A) and then copy (Ctrl+C) but then doing nothing else. This unlocked all the text. Hope this helps someone.

[default9j4agijjpnvw]

Pablosanj,

OMG, it worked!!!  Thank you so much.

I can't tell you how many hours I wasted!

Ella

[Mike_Gondek · Accepted solution]

The original post should have been resolved by  setting all text. Type >> Legacy Text >> update all legacy text.

If the other posters did not encounter an error of "This type was created in a different version of Illustrator. Editing the text may cause some changes to your text layout. Basic formatting will not be affected. Do you want to continue?" you  should start your own post as your problem is coming from another cause.

[monteg73010959]

In a similar vein,

I updated my Illustrator last night and today wanted to work on an .ai file that I easily worked with previously and now I can't.

I have two immediate issues that came up:

1.) I cannot use command-A to select all the live text of a word,

2.) Or when I do have highlighted text and try to re-type the word, it won't and a pop-up appears saying "Can't edit live text." I went to "Type" in the menu bar but Legacy Text is grayed out. I cut and pasted into a new document, same deal.

Update bug? Font? Default Setting?

[Mike_Gondek]

Can you please post a file using dropbox or similar,  with just the problem area. You can start your own past as will have better response and targeted feedback for you.

[monta17march]

I had the same problem suddenly not being able to select and edit any text.

For me the answer was very simple.

Under "VIEW" on the top menu, it must say "HIDE EDGES". If is says "SHOW EDGES" just click on it and it will change to Hide Edges.

You will notice that the keyboard command for changing this is Command H, which is probably something I did by mistake and then it through me into a panic.

[Peggy Nehmen]

that worked for me!