Error -54 in Illustrator CC 2017

[erinp87175303]

Hi,

I'm getting an error message when I start up Illustrator that says: "Can't open the illustration. The file is locked or in use."  ID:-54 (pictured below)

Someone please help! I've already uninstalled and reinstalled several times.

[Monika Gause]

Is the file on your harddisk? Or on a server?

If on a server: download it to your harddisk first, then open.

If on your harddisk: check access privileges.

[ghadaf71263547]

Hello I got the same message and the file is on hard disk 

[julietc30864518]

I updated to Illustrator CC2018 and get the same message when I launch the program and try to make a new document.  It makes no sense. Here is what I see every time.  Can anyone please help?

[Monika Gause]

So this is High Sierra? Is it updated to the latest version?

Which file system?

[julietc30864518]

I am on Sierra.  I usually wait just a little before I update my operating system to get the bugs fixed.

[Monika Gause]

julietc30864518  schrieb

I am on Sierra.  I usually wait just a little before I update my operating system to get the bugs fixed.

That's good.

When did you last restart the computer?

Are any third party plugins installed?

Is a printer connected and turned on?

Can you try and rebuild the preferences?

Rename the folder so that you can revert in case it doesn't help:

How to set preferences in Illustrator

[denni2579]

June 2020 and this issue is still very much prevelant. I have just bought a new MacBook and have installed illustrator and I am trying to open my work from OneDrive and it gives me this error. 
error -54

why am I paying adobe money?? 

[Monika Gause]

What happens when you move the file to the local harddrive?

Also: is a printer installed, set up as default printer and turned on? If not, install a PDF printer.

[RonPaul2016]

Same happens to me even after I move files to local HD. 

[Anshul_Saini]

Hi @RonPaul2016,

Sorry to hear about that. Would you mind sharing a few more details like:

• OS & version of Illustartor
• Is this happening with a specific file or all?
• Are you using any backup software (TimeMachine) or Antivirus?
• Is the file located in a local shared folder or Cloud service folder like Dropbox, OneDrive, or Creative Cloud files folder?

Also, please check & confirm if you are getting this error while running the app in Safe Mode (Mac/ Windows) & Root/ Hidden Admin account (Mac/ Windows).

We will be looking forward to your response.

Thanks & Regards,

Anshul Saini

[Kerplunk_667 · Accepted solution]

For me, the issue was Dropbox smart sync. After CTRL clicking the containing folder and selecting "Smart Sync>Local", I was then able to open the file in illustrator 2020

[KT3!]

Thank you! After looking/trying several options this solution finally fixed the error and gave me access to my working files again! 

[defaultu2w56z952mn1]

What did you try? I'm having this same issue when trying to access a file from a different computer to the one I created it on via dropbox. I have also tried to duplicate it (error message said file cannot be read) and I have tried to take it out of dropbox but this didn't help either!

[bpbcadob2]

This solution worked for me. Thanks.

[ellen-kidpik]

I tried doing this and it didn't work for me. I also tried copying these files to my hard drive and it still didn't work.

[justsoho]

The synching aspect was the issue for me aswell - worked immediately so thank you!

[Lisa Viviani]

Same here! Dropbox "smart" sync was the culprit for both AI and XD files that wouldn't open. 😤

[ellen-kidpik]

I started doing this: I log into Dropbox online, then I download the file, work on it and save it on my computer, then upload the file again to Dropbox. It only happens every once in awhile, so that's how I solve the problem.

[stacya012416]

This worked for me too (it's Nov 2021) thanks!

[B.Jaewon]

Thx bro 

[Bea22003680ts81]

I had this same issue with a drive file. I renamed the file in drive, redownloaded and was able to successfully open it! 

[Chetu22653454tf3d]

Hi Team,

I am facing the same issue, i have created a plugin using SDK, its simple Hellp Word sample plugin, when i try to install .AIP file inthe illustrator i am getting the same error. "Can't Open the Illustration. The file is locked or in use. ID: -54"

i am new in the plugin developmenet, using the Xcode adn C++ for creating the plugin. please help me out to install the plgin.

Thanks

Amit 

[Bea22003680ts81]

I changed the file name manually outside of illustrator and then was able
to open the previously locked file.

[bryce22801753v7h0]

im using a western digital my cloud and this is driving me nuts. I had hoped the rename would get me back in action but no luck. Fustration is high!