| Scenario | Likely Cause | |----------|---------------| | | Corrupted file header, incompatible third-party XTensions or plug-ins, or damaged font caches. | | Saving or Save As | Disk permission issues, cloud sync conflicts (OneDrive, Dropbox, iCloud Drive), or a corrupted Illustrator preferences file. | | Applying an effect or filter | Corrupted GPU cache, outdated graphics driver, or a conflicting third-party effect plug-in. | | Copy/Pasting between documents | Clipboard format conflict, especially when copying complex raster data or SVG code. | | Printing or Exporting to PDF | PostScript parameter mismatch, damaged printer drivers, or conflicting font subsets. | | Just opening Illustrator | Launch scripts, corrupted workspace, or damaged default profile. |
Update or repair the application
Quick fixes (try in order — low risk → higher risk) | Scenario | Likely Cause | |----------|---------------| |
The cursor blinked like a taunting heartbeat. Elias had spent eighteen hours on the "Aethelgard Vector"—a sprawling digital tapestry of a thousand overlapping gradients and anchor points. It was his masterpiece, the centerpiece for the city’s new gala. He clicked "Save." | | Copy/Pasting between documents | Clipboard format
