Save for web error - Mac OS Catalina

[#1]

Hello everyone,

I have an issue saving gif for web with my OS to Catalina (10.15.2).

When I try to save, there's a message saying :

"Adobe save for web error. Could not complete this operation. An unknown operating system error has occured."

I tried to delete "save for web prefs.psp" but nothing has changed.

[#2]

Hello everyone,

I have an issue saving gif for web with my OS to Catalina (10.15.2).

When I try to save, there's a message saying :

"Adobe save for web error. Could not complete this operation. An unknown operating system error has occured."

I tried to delete "save for web prefs.psp" but nothing has changed.

[#3]

I have a map image that I've sliced into separate areas, so that each can have its own hyperlink when the image is reassembled as an invisible "mosaic" on a web page. I've done this successfully with previous versions of Photoshop -- using Save for Web / Legacy to generate a folder of images slices that I then bring into a web page or wiki page for display and linking, 

Now, however, in my new installation of PS 21.01, when I try to use Export > Save for Web / Legacy to generate the component sub-images from a single image that I've sliced, all I get is an error message saying "The operation could not be completed. An unknown system error has occurred."

I need to complete this procedure for a time-sensitive project, and I was relying on Photoshop's previous dependable Export functions to meet a deadline. What's the workaround in 21.01 please? 

[#4]

Hi there,

We are sorry about the error you are getting in Photoshop while trying to Save for Web.

Would you mind sharing the operating system version you are using? Do you get the same error when trying to use Export As or Save As?

You can try resetting the preferences of Photoshop to check if that helps.

https://helpx.adobe.com/in/photoshop/using/preferences.html

Note: Please back up your actions, presets, etc. before resetting the preferences. You can check: https://helpx.adobe.com/in/photoshop/using/preset-migration.html

Regards,

Nikunj

[#5]

Thanks for your quick reply, Nikunj.

I'm running Mac OS Mojave -- 10.14.16. That's pretty current.

I get the error with the Export - Legacy option. "Save As" is irrelevant. It offers no option for exporting Slices. All it gives me is a complete version of the source image -- which I already have. I need the divisions as individual files. That's the whole point of Slices.

I viewed the Julianne Kost video on the Reset Prefs page you referenced. Nikunj, that's ancient! It's based on PS CS6! Please get your team to generate something more current. The Photoshop Prefs folder is enormously more complex now than it was in those days.

With that said, and with Photoshop not running, I located the Save for Web prefs file and removed it from the folder, then restarted Photoshop. The change made no difference. I still got the error. Moreover, when I quit Photoshop again to replaced that prefs file, I saw that Photoshop hadn't regenerated a fresh copy. There was no replacement for the file I'd temporarily removed.

Advice on next steps would be appreciated. Thanks again. 

[#6]

Sorry -- typo on the OS in my previous reply. That should have read "Mac OS 10.14.6."

[#7]

Hi, Nikunj.m -- Following up on previous replies: I exported the subject image to another machine, which has Photoshop 20.0.7 on Mac High Sierra OS 10.13.6. I tried making some test slices in the image, then exporting using Export > Save for Web (Legacy).

The export -- to a folder containing multiple image slices -- was successful. Behavior and resulsts as expected. No errors. 

This suggests that the bug is with Photoshop 21.x Possibly the OS version is a factor, but it seems less likely.

The Mac running on Mojave with Photoshop 21.x is still my main production machine, so I would appreciate a solution to the problem. Bucket-brigading to and from another Mac running a previous version of Photoshop is a workaround, but not a great one. Thanks again. 

[#8]

Would you mind going to the System Preferences for Mac then navigate to Security and Privacy > select the Privacy Tab > Select Accessibility from the list on the left and add Photoshop to the list? Once done, restart the computer to check if that helps.

[#9]

Unfortunately – Catalina does not let me add both Photoshop 2020 AND Photoshop 2019 to Security and Privacy > Privacy > Accessibility. It's absurd. I can't use Photoshop 2020 because it + Catalina make it impossible to use my Wacom/Cintiq due to an 8-10 sec lag. I have to use Photoshop 2020 for other applications. But I mean, seriously, how did these kind of problems happen? I just don't understand what's going on with testing at Adobe.

[#10]

Is there an update for a workaround yet? I get this error on every single file now if I try to save for web. This is also not allowing me to export gifs, which I need to do for my job. This only started happening when I updated Photoshop. If there is no workaround, how can I revert back to an old version of Photoshop? I have had a ridiculous amount of errors because of this update. PLEASEEEE HELPPPPP

[#11]

Hi marinam48419036 - Can you confirm you are running Photoshop Version 21.0.3?

[#12]

Same problem with me. I don't know why, but some files works with save for web, and some don't. I've made a animated gif from a movie in AE, and opened in photoshop to correct some things, and when I try to export save for web, gives me the Error. The file is small, 450x500 px, with no more than 5 basic colors, the animation has 1 second, and the file has 174kb. So it´s not big.
If I open a single image from other file, and try to export, it works! So, for me it works sometimes with some files, and others don't. It´s extremaly frustrating work with this new version o PS.

[#13]

hi i have the same problem unfortunately... i'm using MAC OS Catalina and latest version of photoshop

[#14]

Same error here... (OS and PS up to date)

[#15]

Hi there,

We are sorry about the experience.

Would you mind going to the System Preferences for Mac then navigate to Security and Privacy > select the Privacy Tab > Select Accessibility from the list on the left and add Photoshop to the list? Also, if you are using macOS Catalina, grant Photoshop permissions to the Files and Folders then restart the computer to check if that helps.

Regards,

Nikunj

[#16]

Hi Nikunj, 

I'm having the same issues. V21.0.3, macOS Mojave 10.14.5.

I just tried your solution with no luck - is there another workaround?

[#17]

same problem same eror -

Adobe Photoshop CC 2019   version 20. 0. 4

Mac Os Catalina 10.15.2

it realy kills all work pleasure - how to fix it? anyone helps  Please!

[#18]

same problem same eror -

Adobe Photoshop CC 2019   version 20. 0. 4

Mac Os Catalina 10.15.2

it realy kills all work pleasure - how to fix it? anyone helps  Please!

[#19]

I'm having the same issue now on all of my files. Everytime I try to save for the web, I get that error message. I have followed all of the suggestions you provided, including adding photoshop in the system's accessibility. I restarted my iMac, and when I tried saving for web, I still recieved the error message. 

[#20]

I'm having the same issue. Cannot export "Save for Web/Legacy." Big problem for me because I teach Photoshop classes and this is a part of what I teach. I've tried every fix mentioned on this site. I've reinstalled preferences, running latest mac operating system, latest version of Photoshop, etc.

Same error. Every time.

[#21]

Same problem here. Always get the error 😞 

I have the latest Adobe CC Photoshop and Catalina version installed on my mac. 

Please fix it, Adobe! 

[#22]

Same problem as above users here.  Really frustrating. 

[#23]

Has anyone got a solution for this? Is still happening to me! Thanks!

[#24]

I know this is an old thread, but I wanted to report that over here, I encountered the same error.

I have an image which I am slicing into a grid of 8. The images will be uploaded into a website gallery where they will appear to be one fullscreen seamless image, but as you roll over each section, the image dims and a clickable navigation header appears. So the slice tool is perfect for this. I sliced image into perfectly sized 8 pieces and went to Export > Save for Web (Legacy) and got that same error everybody mentions! 

What I did:
I'm running Mac OS Catalina 10.15.5 
I updated from PSD 2017 to PSD 2020 (version 21.2.4). When I updated, I unchecked "Save Preferences" just in case.

I exported the slices to a folder and all went perfectly this time, no error...

[#25]

Hello everone,

I have an issue saving gifs for web with my photoshop. I recently updated my OS to Catalina.

When I try to save the gif, there's a message saying

"Could not complete this operation
An unknown operating system error has occurred."

I've uninstalled and reunstalled my photoshop but it stilll didn't work. and I also resetted PRAM but it still didn't work. I've also reduced the image size but it didn't work. I also resetted photoshop preferences It didn't help. This problem happens after I updated my OS to Catalina. I've googled it but I couldn't find solution. If anyone knows how to solve this problem that would be really helpful, thank you!

[#26]

Hi there,

That isn't a great user experience as Photoshop is crashing when using the Save for Web command, we're sorry to hear about this. Let us help make it right.

Could you try resetting Photoshop's preferences & see if it helps? 
https://t.co/ulJI7cGn1G

You may want to backup your settings beforehand: 
https://t.co/4dX7gkr36D

Thanks,

Akash

[#27]

I tried this too, and it didn't work.

[#28]

Does the suggestion mentioned below by NB__colourmanagement helped the cause? Let us know so that we may help with further troubleshooting.

Thanks,

Akash

[#29]

I'm pretty sure that all of us having this problem (me included) have attempted to save files to a variety of different folders, and even folders on other drives. OUR settings and preferences aren't the problem. This is obviously a problem within Photoshop and related to Mac OS Catalina. This is also a very inconvenient problem, and it would be good if you would continue following up and invest all available resources to solve the problem. Thank you.

[#30]

Hi

maybe try saving to a new location, it could be that the destination folder is locked or has the worng permissions.

to repair permissions on a mac have alook at Apples help pages.

I hope this helps

if so, please "like" my reply and if you're OK now, please mark it as "correct", so that others who have similar issues can see the solution

thanks

neil barstow, colourmanagement.net

[please do not use the reply button on a message in the thread, only use the one at the top of the page, to maintain chronological order]

[#31]

I'm having the same issue. I've tried many things like restarting, changing preferences, even reinstalled it but it is the same issue whenever I try to Export Save for Web(Legacy).

Anyone have any solution?

[#32]

I am having the same issue. I have updated Photoshop, Catalina, and I have followed instructions on other threads to reset various aspects of my computer and preferences. I am putting this in so that someone from Adobe sees the issue and actually does something about it. 

[#33]

I'm having the same issu. This is INSANE , I'm freaking out.

[#34]

Hello, what is the version of Photoshop ?

[#35]

Hey! I am ahving the same problem. I am using Photoshop CC 2019. I try to export using Save for Web (Legacy) but it gives me the same error. I tried using a windows computer too but it did not work.

[#36]

I am also having the same problem and using the most current photoshop, 19.1.0.  I weekly have to save images for the web and then now it will not work.  Thought my file might be corrupt, but tried several I made legacy jpegs for and I get the same error.

I then thought it was maybe a memory problem, so purged lots of files to free up space.  Still same error.

This is a big problem for since I just updated to Catalina 10.15.2

[#37]

19.1 is not the most current update to Photoshop. The current update is 21.0.2 and this issue is resolved in that version.

[#38]

You keep telling people to use the latest Photoshop upgrade, and to reset preferences. THIS IS NOT SOLVING THE PROBLEM! I've tried every single one of the suggestions from both Adobe and the support forum, and nothing works. Still cannot use Save for Web feature, and the "Export As," while usable, is very limited. Come ON Adobe! Get on this. Someone said the Save for Web feature was legacy and no longer supported. Is this true? And if so, was the upgrade to Mac OS Catalina the straw that finally ended it? Please don't tell me to trash old preferences or make sure I'm using the latest versions. I assure you that I am. 

[#39]

21.0.2 - CC 2020

[#40]

I am ahving the same problem

[#41]

This error appears today in my MacBook Pro, when I choose to Export -> Save for Web -> set for JPG, GIF or PNG -> Save, shows the following error message. I already delete the files Adobe Save For Web CC 2018 and Adobe Save For Web CC 2019, but remains.

Any real solution?

[#42]

Hi there,

Sorry to hear about the save for web error, could you please try updating Photoshop to version 21.0.2 via the Creative Cloud Desktop app and let us know if it helps?

Regards,
Sahil

[#43]

Hi, I have the same problem. Got a solution?

[#44]

I have the same problem. It is a BUG 

[#45]

I have the same problem.

Is it widespreaded or just particular cases?

[#46]

Having the same issue. I just finished chatting with Adobe support and was told it is a known issue with Catalina that they are working on... And I thought I'd waited long enough to update. : /

[#47]

There is an update it's CC2020. This issue was addressed with that update as far as I know.

[#48]

Currently having the same problem in Photoshop 2020 in Catalina. Did not have this problem with  PS 2019.

[#49]

This is NOT a correct answer. I've updated to the latest Photoshop 21.0.3 and the latest Catalina, and the problem is still persisting. I tried to allow Photoshop Full Disk Access, and my machine won't allow me to add PSD to this list in Privacy (System settings). 

[#50]

Its a known issue with CC2019 and Catalina. The solution is to update your Photoshop to CC2020 (21.0.2)

[#51]

Hello, I have the same issue with photoshop CC 2020. Anyone has a solution ?

I work on Mac Catalina 10.15.2

[#52]

did you run all available updates for Photoshop?

[#53]

I've updated it to the latest version and now works perfectly!

[#54]

still not working for me too...

[#55]

Dear Adobe Community Professionals,

Please read all the comments. I, along with many others in this thread and elsewhere, have tried everything – and still get this same annoying error. I always run every update, and have in this case too. For Catalina and for Photoshop, This is absolutely an issue with the new Photoshop. Someone needs to be straight and tell us if the Save For Web (legacy) version is Dead and Gone. I've heard this from some other people, but I'm trying not to trust it until it comes from Adobe, and I never get a straight answer.

[#56]

I too can't solve this for the life of me. The only work around I found is: file > export > save for web legacy.... then adjust your settings to whatever you like...> click the PREVIEW button IN THE BOTTOM LEFT CORNER ...when the preview window pops up you can save the file from there by CONTROL clicking (on a mac) on the image > save image as.

Such an idiotic way to have to do this I know. It works for all file types including animated gifs.   

[#57]

That's the ONLY workaround I've found, too. And, of course, Adobe remains silent. Since I first started using Adobe products daily in 1988 (with Illustrator '88), I've never seen a non-response like this. Or a bigger screw up. Ignoring a problem won't make it go away. This has been such a huge blunder. This adds 10 seconds to every image I process for the Web. It's like taking a step back to the mid 1990s or something. Pre-Photoshop layers, even! 

[#58]

I've tried this workaround but every time I get this error, insights would be appreciated!

[#59]

The fix that worked for me for this is to give Google Chrome full disk access in System Preferences (Security & Privacy > Privacy > Full Disk Access > + > Google Chrome.

[#60]

dont save file directly, click on preview (bottom left) it will open the file in safari, download from there!

[#61]

Folks, I can happily say that the latest version of Adobe Photoshop CC2020 that I updated to (21.1.2 release), and the latest updates to Catalina (now running v 10.15.4) – those 2 updates – have finally allowed the Save for Web function to work again! Yay! How long this lasts, since the Save for Web (legacy) seems to be being phased out, I have no idea.