Check System Requirements: Ensure your computer meets the minimum requirements for the version of Illustrator you're using.
Update Illustrator: Keep your software up to date via the Creative Cloud App.
Restart Illustrator: Close and reopen the program to clear temporary issues.
Reset Preferences: Reset Illustrator preferences to defaults by pressing Alt+Ctrl+Shift (Windows) or Option+Cmd+Shift (Mac) when launching Illustrator.
Check GPU Compatibility: Ensure your GPU driver is updated, as Illustrator uses GPU acceleration for better performance.
Cause: Large files, too many open documents, or insufficient system resources.
Solutions:
1. Optimize Performance Settings:
- Go to Edit > Preferences > Performance and enable GPU acceleration.
- Adjust the Document Raster Effects Settings to 72 PPI under Effect > Document Raster Effects Settings.
2. Simplify Artwork:
- Use Object > Path > Simplify to reduce anchor points.
- Flatten transparencies: Object > Flatten Transparency.
3. Close Unused Files and Programs:
- Free up memory by closing other applications and unused Illustrator files.
Cause: Tool settings or corrupted preferences.
Solutions:
1. Reset Tool Settings:
- Right-click the tool in the Toolbar and choose Reset Tool.
2. Check Selection or Layer:
- Ensure the correct layer or object is selected.
3. Reset Preferences:
- Launch Illustrator and hold Alt+Ctrl+Shift (Windows) or Option+Cmd+Shift (Mac) to reset preferences.
Cause: Missing fonts or corrupted font files.
Solutions:
1. Replace Missing Fonts:
- Go to Type > Find Font, and replace missing fonts with installed ones.
2. Activate Adobe Fonts:
- Open the Creative Cloud App, go to the Fonts tab, and activate missing fonts.
3. Check Font Installation:
- Ensure fonts are installed on your system (Control Panel on Windows or Font Book on Mac).
Cause: Corrupted preferences, incompatible plugins, or hardware issues.
Solutions:
1. Reset Preferences:
- Hold Alt+Ctrl+Shift (Windows) or Option+Cmd+Shift (Mac) while launching Illustrator.
2. Disable Plugins:
- Temporarily move plugins from the Plugins folder to another location and restart Illustrator.
3. Update GPU Drivers:
- Visit your GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and update drivers.
Cause: Unsupported file formats, large file size, or corrupted artwork.
Solutions:
1. Choose the Correct Format:
- Go to File > Export > Export As, and select the appropriate format (e.g., PNG, JPG, SVG).
- For PDFs, use File > Save As > PDF and choose settings for high-quality print or web.
2. Reduce File Size:
- Compress artwork: Go to Object > Path > Simplify.
- Use File > Save As > Illustrator Options, and uncheck Create PDF Compatible File.
3. Check Layers and Artwork:
- Ensure there are no hidden or locked layers that could interfere with exporting.
Cause: Snap settings are off, or grid/alignment options are incorrect.
Solutions:
1. Enable Snap Options:
- Go to View > Snap to Point or View > Snap to Grid to enable snapping.
2. Check Align Settings:
- Open the Align Panel and ensure "Align to Artboard" or "Align to Selection" is set correctly.
3. Adjust Snap Tolerance:
- Go to Preferences > Selection & Anchor Display, and increase snap tolerance.
Cause: Incorrect color mode or monitor calibration issues.
Solutions:
1. Check Color Mode:
- Go to File > Document Color Mode, and ensure it’s set to RGB (for web) or CMYK (for print).
2. Assign or Convert Color Profiles:
- Use Edit > Assign Profile to assign the correct ICC color profile.
- Convert colors using Edit > Convert to Profile.
3. Calibrate Your Monitor:
- Use your system’s built-in calibration tool or a hardware calibrator for accurate color display.
Cause: Locked layers, hidden objects, or incorrect selection tool.
Solutions:
1. Unlock Layers:
- Go to Object > Unlock All, or unlock layers in the Layers Panel.
2. Check Selection Tool:
- Use the Selection Tool (V) for general objects or the Direct Selection Tool (A) for specific paths/points.
3. Reveal Hidden Objects:
- Go to Object > Show All to display hidden elements.
Problem: Exported artwork lacks sharpness.
Solutions:
1. Export at Higher Resolution:
- Use File > Export > Export As, and set resolution to 300 PPI or higher for print or 150 PPI for web.
2. Check Anti-Aliasing:
- Select "Type Optimized" or "Art Optimized" for anti-aliasing when exporting.
3. Use Vector Formats:
- Export as SVG for web or PDF for print to retain vector quality.
Problem: Curves or anchor points don’t align as expected.
Solutions:
1. Enable Rubber Band Preview:
- Go to Preferences > Selection & Anchor Display, and enable Rubber Band to preview path segments.
2. Reset Tool Settings:
- Right-click on the Pen Tool and select Reset Tool.
3. Snap to Grid/Point:
- Turn off Snap to Grid under View if paths are snapping unintentionally.
Problem: Large Illustrator files slow down performance and are hard to share.
Solutions:
1. Remove Unused Swatches, Symbols, and Brushes:
- Delete unused assets in the Swatches Panel or Symbols Panel.
2. Flatten Layers:
- Merge layers or groups to simplify the structure.
3. Use Linked Images:
- Instead of embedding images, link them: File > Place > Link.
Problem: Text is outlined or locked.
Solutions:
1. Check if Text is Outlined:
- Select the text. If it’s outlined, convert it back manually or request the original file with editable text.
2. Unlock the Text Layer:
- Go to Object > Unlock All or unlock the text layer in the Layers Panel.
Problem: Gradient doesn’t apply correctly.
Solutions:
1. Ensure Object is Selected:
- Select the object before applying the gradient.
2. Check Gradient Type:
- Use Linear, Radial, or Freeform gradient in the Gradient Panel.
3. Reset Gradient Tool:
- Click Reset Tool in the Gradient Toolbar.
If none of the above solutions resolve the issue, contact Adobe:
- Adobe Help Center: https://helpx.adobe.com/support.html
- Community Forums: Engage with the community on Adobe Illustrator Forums.