Copy and paste doesn't always work
I've been experiencing problems with Illustrator. When I copy an object with the ctrl + c button and try to paste them it randomly doesn't work.
The problem is that I can't replicate it on command. At first I thought it had something to do with the laptop that I used, but it also happens on a freshly installed desktop.
My version of Illustrator is 22.0.1
I also checked the copy paste functions under the edit tab, and when I copied something it didn't show the ability to paste it. It could also only have something to do with copying files.

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Syed Putra Iqmal commented
Same here. Very annoying as it disrupts with my workflow. Had to open-close the project I'm doing multiple time every 2 minutes is crazy, as I mainly deal with text and typography in my work.
The copy paste function works as usual in other apps.
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Gustavo commented
Updated comment for Admins.
Began when installing 28.0. I revert back a few versions and issue persists.
I have not installed any utilities or browser extensions.
Does not make a difference if I use menu commands or hot keys, or if I use copy when right clicking and using pop up menu. I can make a copy of text by using Shift + Alt and dragging. But cannot copy something inside of Illustrator and then paste text into a new or existing field.
The only time I can paste into an existing field is when I copy from another program, ie excel. I cant copy something in Illustrator and paste into another program. Its like illustrator doesnt save things to the clipboard if it is text.
Sometimes I can make it work if I clear the clipboard in windows 10, but other times I cant. So it is really random.
Would like a solution because reverting to older versions or updating to newer versions does not fix the issue. I am having to change workflow and add extra steps. Restarting only helps sometimes and just for a few copy if that. Unclicking boxes in the clipboard preferences does not make any difference. -
Vincenzo Caivano commented
Lately among the adobe programs the copy and paste text is working. it still doesn't go if I copy and paste into word or crome or just into notepad
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Gustavo commented
I have the same issue. I can copy and paste object or text that has been outlined but I cannot copy and paste editable text.
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Hugo Guardado commented
Cut Copy and paste not working correctly or work sometimes with menu, but not with shortcuts
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J C commented
I have this problem too, it's really messing with my workflow. I tried different troubleshooting but all is good. I can copy-paste and cut-paste on other software without a problem, so I believe it's a problem with Illustrator.
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Rodrigo Meiriño commented
I have the same problem. Please do something Adobe. ITS ANNOYING AND I COMPROMISE MY WORKFLOW.
This often happen with text box (I have to outline everything and then the program allows me to copy and paste).
I have already tried several times with erase the clipboard and also with restore the preferences (Edition --> General). Those two methods sometimes work, but lately this bug got RANDOM and right now is happening again and nothing is working, I DONT WANT TO RESTART THE PROGRAM.
Again, ANNOYING AND IM PAYING FOR THIS!
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Rodrigo Meiriño commented
I have the same problem. Please do something Adobe. ITS ANNOYING AND I COMPROMISE MY WORKFLOW.
This often happen with text box (I have to outline everything and then the program allows me to copy and paste).
I have already tried several times with erase the clipboard and also with restore the preferences (Edition --> General). Those two methods sometimes work, but lately this bug got RANDOM and right now is happening again and nothing is working, I DONT WANT TO RESTART THE PROGRAM.
Again, ANNOYING AND IM PAYING FOR THIS!
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Rodrigo Meiriño commented
I have the same problem. Please do something Adobe. ITS ANNOYING AND I COMPROMISE MY WORKFLOW.
This often happen with text box (I have to outline everything and then the program allows me to copy and paste).
I have already tried several times with erase the clipboard and also with restore the preferences (Edition --> General). Those two methods sometimes work, but lately this bug got RANDOM and right now is happening again and nothing is working, I DONT WANT TO RESTART THE PROGRAM.
Again, ANNOYING AND IM PAYING FOR THIS!
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Rodrigo Meiriño commented
I have the same problem. Please do something Adobe. ITS ANNOYING AND I COMPROMISE MY WORKFLOW.
This often happen with text box (I have to outline everything and then the program allows me to copy and paste).
I have already tried several times with erase the clipboard and also with restore the preferences (Edition --> General). Those two methods sometimes work, but lately this bug got RANDOM and right now is happening again and nothing is working, I DONT WANT TO RESTART THE PROGRAM.
Again, ANNOYING AND IM PAYING FOR THIS!
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Cristofer Sprenger commented
I'm having problems with copying and pasting any object. Every time I need to undo the action and copy again the same object to be able to paste, because the first copy/cutout, that shows me the action actually exist, the program does not allow to paste the object.
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Vincenzo Caivano commented
hello Egor
no, I didn't install extensions utilities. the problem started from the installation of this latest version.
it makes no difference if i use the keyboard or the menu to copy and paste. The problem is only in the text because everything else (objects, images or other) copy and paste it without problem.
I can't copy text from Illustrator and paste it into other applications. From other applications to Illustrator does.
On first startup it works, then suddenly nothing more.
If you repeat copy from menu several times then paste.
I have disabled SVG Code -
Vincenzo, please tell more. The problem is not new, happens sometimes for different users, but the cause of it is often different.
Have you installed any utilities or browser extensions recently?
Does it make any difference if you use menu commands for that or hotkeys?
Does it help if you copy several times in a row?
Are you able to copy and paste in other applications?
Does it help if you disable Include SVG Code option in Preferences > Clipboard Handling section? -
Vincenzo Caivano commented
I can no longer copy and paste text into illustrator. HELP
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Michael De Jonghe commented
I have Illustrator 27.4.1 on a DELL Precision 7560 and this is the first time I encounter this problem.
It has been since recently that the objects that are copied or cut are not being pasted after using CTRL+P, CTRL+F or CTRL+B. As other people have mentioned, it is indeed randomly that the problem occurs and it is very frustrating in certain situations where you have to copy paste things repeatedly.
Please look this up and fix it because the community needs these simple functions in order to work efficiently and quick.
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Sekeva commented
This has been an issue for years, judging by the unresolved Reddit / Adobe forum posts. It's infuriating, such a basic and needed feature doesn't work! I find it super annoying, 4 out of 5 times it doesn't paste.
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Mike Choo commented
Also, when I just quit Illustrator this message appeared in After Effects:
After Effects (Beta) error: could not parse mask shape on clipboard.
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Mike Choo commented
Win 10, v27.2, NVIDIA 497.29
Hi, I can sometimes copy / cut and paste in Illustrator, sometimes not. This has only been noticed in the last day or so. Could be tied to certain documents, unclear as of yet. I have tried copying (when it works) a document's contents into a new do, and the problem persists, which may indicate that there is a problem with some of the artwork?
When it doesn't want to copy it doesn't matter if I'm using keyboard shortcuts or the menu option, the copy operation does not work and the paste menu items remain greyed out. Very similar to the symptoms reported here: https://community.adobe.com/t5/illustrator-discussions/copy-paste-command-not-working/td-p/13368238I'd class this as a critical bug, as it's affecting basic system functions. Copy and paste are working fine in all other apps tested.
Any help or guidance much appreciated, as this is seriously affecting my ability to deliver for clients.
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Anonymous commented
this has never been rectified, it isnt only not copying but when the paste does work it sometimes changes the colour competely a soid black will turn into 4 colour black etc and text will completely change font.
not only one one computer but several comuters and copies of illustrator (latest versions included)
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Alex Smith commented
Cut/Copy/Paste are not working properly in the most recent version of Illustrator (Windows version). I'll cut/copy something, and then it'll refuse to paste. This is not an error with my hardware, the clipboard works fine on every other program.