Unable to open file in AI, getting error "could not read because plug-in could not understand"

[anastasia.n]

Hi and happy new year, I have installed Illustrator and was working on a file last week. I am trying to open the same file and I receive the attached message. I have restarted my Mac and reinstalled AI, I have also asked colleagues to save the file in a previous AI version and nothing seems to work. Any suggestions?

{Renamed By MOD}

[Guest]

Hi

Take a look at this thread to see if it helps

https://community.adobe.com/t5/illustrator/could-not-read-the-file-because-the-plug-in-could-not-und...

[chanaart]

Try to move the file to a different folder on your desktop and see if you can reopen it.

[anastasia.n]

thank you. I have tried that, not working 😞

[Rishabh_Tiwari]

Hi Anastasia,

Sorry to hear about the trouble you are facing with Illustrator. Could you please refer to the similar discussion below and try the steps shared in the discussion:

https://community.adobe.com/t5/illustrator/help-cannot-open-files/td-p/10289077

If it doesn't help, I would request if you can share a few more details like:

1. The exact version of Illustrator and macOS.
2. Where is the file saved, locally or on any network or shared drive?
3. Is this happening with a specific file?

Regards

Rishabh