Warning panel:The file"...ai" is an unknown format and its styles cannot be imported

[lenores41203248]

Warning panel:The file"...ai" is an unknown format and its styles cannot be imported. I get this warning with every brush, style or pattern. I can find the files on the computer, but they are not available through Illustrator. Sorry, I'm not experienced enough to know where to go or how to reload them. My version is up to date. My internet connection is good. And I can't seem to figure out how to get a staff person to answer the question. For example, I found this: "The file "Arrowheads.ai" is in an unknown format and its styles cannot be imported." error Seem to be the same problem, or not, don't know. Should I email the person who answered that question directly. Very frustrated inexperienced Illustrator user.

[Monika Gause]

What kind of files are they and where did you get them?

Have the files been zipped or compressed in any way?

How exactly are you trying to open them?

[lenores41203248]

They are what I've always thought of as standard illustrator styles, brushes and patterns. They are in my file library:

C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator CC 2017\Presets\en_US

C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator CC 2017\Presets\en_US\Brushes

C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator CC 2017\Presets\en_US\Brushes\Borders

But illustrator can't access them.

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

THis looks like something has gone really wrong.

You could try (in this order):

- restart the computer (maybe even a few times)

- reset preferences (2 methods described here: How to set preferences in Illustrator  )

- uninstall, run the Cleaner tool, reinstall: Use the Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool to solve installation problems

[austinl57345458]

Hey, im pretty new to illustrator, and I'm also having the same problem with a brush, so I came here to seek a solution. Then when I saw this solution I tried it, but nothing happened, Im still getting a "the file "" is in an unknown format and can't be opened/imported" error message. I uncompressed it and everything, it's currently in a .ABR file. I've tried about every solution I've seen. PLEASE HELP

[Monika Gause]

.ABR are Photoshop brushes. Custom Illustrator brushes are .AI files.