Unknown Error When Saving A Vector - One Possible Solution

[patrickq86174197]

I was getting this warning: the operation cannot complete because of an unknown error [!now]

I had imported a non-vector line graphic, which I traced, adjusted and expanded. I then tried to Export As a PNG and got the above warning.

I found many possible solutions offered, but none worked for me, the solution was simple, but elusive, so I thought I'd share in case it is what is causing a problem for others. It probably doesn't matter what version of Illustrator or computer you are using, but mine is Adobe Illustrator CC 2017 on a MacBook Pro running El Capitan.

Solution

The original PNG image I opened in Illustrator was at 72dpi, when exporting the final vector I was saving as a 600dpi PNG. This gave me the error.

I adjusted the original image size to 600dpi in Photoshop, before opening in Illustrator.

It then exported easily as a vector.

Hope this helps at least one other

[Monika Gause]

Why did you even trace that image when you then export it as a PNG.

That doesn't sound like it would make sense.

Also: your steps to solving this problem don't make too much sense.

I would guess your issue was simply that you tried to export an image that was way beyong the pixel dimensions that Illustrator can handle when rasterizing and/or exporting.

But again: This first vectorizing then rasterizing again doesn't make sense.

[patrickq86174197]

It makes sense for what I have to do.

The image is going into an adult colouring book, so the size I export it as is the correct size for the book. If I use the original PNG it looks jagged when published . . . as I found out when getting the first proof of my first book The vector image is crisp and perfect.

I am a beginner at Illustrator and so this was to help those who are in a similar situation, maybe overlooking the obvious, as I found no posts that covered this reason. Most were extremely involved and failed to resolve the issues that many people were experiencing. So, I feel it worth sharing an alternative possibility.

Wouldn't it be great if Illustrator popped up with "Can't handle the pixels!" instead of giving a completely useless error notice.

[Monika Gause]

When you export a PNG out of Illustrator, then you don't have a vector image.

[batarilo]

Dear Monika,

i just got this error and stumbled across this thread after some hours.

i had to scale my image down, to be able to export it to PGN and not have this error.

so my question: what is the pixel limit for exporting? and - why is there a pixel limit for exporting?

Best,

Bernard

[Monika Gause]

I don't know what is the limit.

The reason for this is that the pixels need to be rendered, which might get complicated when a lot of objects, transparency, effects and other stuff is affected. After rendering the pixels then it needs to be converted into the PNG standard, and all of this requires computing power and enough RAM. And while nowadays RAM is not a problem anymore (Illustrator is 64 bit), but might have been back when the export module has been introduced)

[CHMprepress]

Can't you send us a example so we see what you are talking about.

And why exporting it again to PNG?

If you do the work by verctorizing the job in Illustrator why go back to a pixel format, can't you link pdf instead?

[batarilo]

Because what I needed it for was a logo, which would be stitched on a cap. And that program

only allows for JPG, GIF or PNG .. so PDF wouldn't be usable.

I'm rather new to Adobe's products, so some questions may seem funny to some people, but I'm catching on quite well 🙂

[Monika Gause]

But for a cap you don't need a larger than life image.

[batarilo]

haha i know! that‘s what i wrote before, i managed to export it by scaling down - i just wanted to know where the limit is, i was curious.

thanks

[patrickq86174197]

I realise that my original post was unclear, mainly because I'm not a professional graphic designer and don't have the terminology engraved in my brain

I was vectorising a PNG in Illustrator, to clean up the lines and remove pixellation, then I was exporting it as a PNG (not Vector) to use in a book. Because I was exporting at the precise size I required in the book, I was effectively exporting it as a vector . . . as no change in size was being made and an exported vector would have been changed into a PNG when I saved the elements of the book for transfer to a PDF.

The thread title should have been: Unknown Error When Saving A Vector To PNG - One Possible Solution
Not sure if I can change it, I will take a look.

That is all probably even less clear now