Cannot open EMF file in illustrator "The operation cannot complete because of an unknown error"

[brandi5E58]

Hi folks,

Can someone help me understand why I am having this error? Is there a way to troubleshoot?

Thanks in advance!

[Mylenium]

Without any idea about where the file came from, i.e. which program generated it and what it contains this is impossible. Just like native AI files or PDFs EMF is just a broad container format that can contain anything from vector data to embedded fonts to pixel images or even custom parametric entities from the origtijnal creation program. The usual "the devil's in the details" applies. A lot more specific info is required.

Mylenium

[brandi5E58]

Thank you for the reply. The file was created in powerpoint. It is a fairly complex figure that has been grouped several times. I am wondering if the grouping is the issue.

[Monika Gause]

Maybe the complexity is the issue.

Can't you export a PDF from PowerPoint?

[brandi5E58]

Thanks for this suggestion. I have tried it and the image quality is poor when I export to PDF. That's why I saved the file as an EMF. The publishers to whom I will submit the figure work with Adobe Illustrator. I will just send it as a powerpoint file and hope that it makes the cut.

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

If it's not good quality when exporting to vector, then it might not be reproducable as a vector file. And then Illustrator might not be able to import that EMF.

Also: the EMF might be just as bad.

If you can upload that EMF, I might try and open it in CorelDRAW.