Inspiring

Answered

Eyedropper tool missing

Forum|Forum|5 years ago
January 12, 2021
15 replies
16522 views

Wondering if anyone else is having this issue with the latest Illustrator update (25.1) on windows 10.
My eyedropper tool is completely gone. When I go to edit the toolbar, the eyedropper tool does not show up in the list. I can't even use the keyboard shortcut to activate it.

Correct answer HeatherS87

I can't upload their PDF file with instructions, so I'm uploading a jpg of it, and including the text from the workaround here.

The mentioned plugins reside in C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator 2021\Plugins\
Esko\Data Exchange\Inspection Setup and C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe
Illustrator 2021\Plug-ins\Esko\Notes

A

artevelde.student

Participant

I had the same issue with a vanished-eyedropper. I saw in the replies that it could have something to do with the Esko plug-ins. After I deleted Esko and restarted my laptop, the eyedropper was back.

Image212

Participant

Mine has been doing this for a long time now. if I reinstall AI it works for a day. like magic, it's gone the next day.

even after all updates.

HeatherS87

Participating Frequently

If it was like mine, the eyedropper tool will disappear the 2nd time you open Illustrator after doing the upgrade. Looks like Adobe hasn't fixed the bug yet.

Have you tried doing the workaround in the answer above? (The post should be from January 27th of this year.)

Image212

Participant

Same. It is a very important tool for it to be missing. It needs to be fixed ASAP!!

HeatherS87

Participating Frequently

Are you running the latest upgrade (25.2) that just came out? I'm running that and haven't had a problem with the eye dropper tool disappearing this time. I did do the work around that Esko found, but with the latest update, I haven't had to do anything. I think Adobe may have fixed whatever thing they did that made 3rd party add-ons not work properly.

Image212

Participant

I got it. I had to reinstall 25.2. for the 2nd time lol

DRock22Author

Inspiring

You are awesome!

HeatherS87

Participating Frequently

Okay, they have a work around that we've tested now on 3 different computers.

There will be a fix most likely in the next version. However, if you all want to help speed the process along, you can contact ESKO support and let them know that you're having the same problem. If they realise this is a universal issue, they may fix it faster.

The work-around is as follows.

1. Update to Illustrator 25.1 if you haven't already. (Test and see if the eyedropper tool disappears after opening, closing, and opening Illustrator 25.1. If it does disappear, close Illustator.)

2. Open a folder on your desktop, navigate to "This PC" then the Windows (C:) drive.
3. Got to Program Files -- Adobe -- Adobe Illustrator 2021 -- Plug-ins -- Esko -- Data Exchange -- Inspection Setup

4. Delete the .aip file in the Inspection Setup folder. (Should be just one file in there.)

5. Open Illustrator 25.1 (if in Basic view, you may need to navigate to the eyedropper tool in the "Modify:" section of All Tools then click and drag the tool where you want it on your toolbar).

HeatherS87Correct answer

Participating Frequently

I can't upload their PDF file with instructions, so I'm uploading a jpg of it, and including the text from the workaround here.

The mentioned plugins reside in C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator 2021\Plugins\
Esko\Data Exchange\Inspection Setup and C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe
Illustrator 2021\Plug-ins\Esko\Notes

milesh63228915

Participant

This worked for me - Thanks so much!!!!!

DeadMoroz1

Participating Frequently

This is ridiculous! How on Earth you can lose an essential tool after updating your software? Not a cheap one for that matter. It's a couple of weeks now and nothing is fixed. The only option is to revert to older version. Adobe, fix it please!

HeatherS87

Participating Frequently

If you'll read some of the comments above, this is not an Adobe problem. This is an Esko plug-in problem. I'm in contact with Esko support and have a meeting later today to trouble shoot some things with their R&D department.

If you are NOT running any Esko plug-ins in Illustrator, then I suggest contacting Adobe support.

milesh63228915

Participant

Same issue here, with Esko installed

HeatherS87

Participating Frequently

I'm in contact with Esko Support, if they come up with a solution, I'll pass along the information here.

DRock22Author

Inspiring

You're the best! Thank you!

HeatherS87

Participating Frequently

I was just informed by Esko Support that they have been able to duplicate the problem on one of their own machines. Support has now escalated the issue to the R&D department. (I'm assuming that means it is now with people able to manipulate the code as needed.)

L

LIC5EFC

Participating Frequently

Same problem!

J

Jackson5C86

Participant

To restore the Eyedropper tool as the default one in your InDesign, just open the program, without a document open. Then in your Tools bar, choose the eyedropper. it will stay as the default for future files you start. (Click on the big ID logo at left below the menu bar to open ID with no document).