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AI displays the START SCREEN on opening the file and the document view do not switches (refreshes) the file content.

v 22.1

When trying to open an existing file while Illustrator is closed, the software will lag and then hang on the opening screen. The file appears to be opened in the background, but there's no way to access or see it. The opening screen will give options to open additional files or create a new one (as usual) but when trying to do either, nothing will open and no New File Options menu will appear.

Everything will work normally only if I open Illustrator first and then the file.

This happens will every file I've tried, so this isn't an issue of corruption.

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Resolved (Comments Open)  ·  AdminAnkit Goyal(Illustrator Team) (Admin, Adobe Illustrator) responded  · 

Thank you all for reporting this issue and providing us your valuable feedback.

What we have found out so far is that this issue can happen in multiple workflows. For clear tracking, validation and closure. We will closing this thread for given below two scenarios which we believe are fixed now:

1)Double click any Ai file to launch Illustrator
2)Placing files in Illustrator via Bridge.

For two other scenarios that we know of that can cause this, we have created a separate thread :https://illustrator.uservoice.com/forums/601447-illustrator-bugs/suggestions/39220189-ai-displays-the-start-screen-on-opening-the-file-a .If you are encountering the below mentioned issues with latest Version (24.0.1 on Mac and Win), then please vote on newly provided User voice thread and provide Test File via File→Package, Video and steps via dropping email at sharewithai@adobe.com along with this thread link so that we can identify and fix the root cause.

1. On opening a file in Illustrator the START SCREEN do not gets dismissed and the file’s content is not visible.
2. While working on a file and opening a new one the document view sticks to the old file and do not switches to the new file artwork.

Please remember to update graphic driver. We are also seeing cases where updating graphic card driver fixes the issue. You can update your driver via https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/kb/illustrator-gpu-performance-driver-update.html .

With Best Regards,
Ankit Goyal
Illustrator Team

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  • Alyssa Voegele commented  ·   ·  Report

    I have a file that consists of vector art with a complicated mask. Anywhere this art is used, the file will not open, but rather flashes and closes itself. The file and preview shows up in my recent files.

    I've tried several ways to open the file (double click in Finder, from the AI app, recent files, drag to icon). I've also tried copying the file to my hard drive (it's stored on Google Drive). I've even tried changing the file type to PDF as a work around.

    I have a machine that I have not updated to Illustrator CC 2019 and is still running 2018 and the file opens up there.

  • Anonymous commented  ·   ·  Report

    Same issue here.
    Double clicking a file in the Finder open Illustrator but only takes me to the home screen - does not open the file.

  • SV commented  ·   ·  Report

    The update to Illustrator CC 2019 appears to have fixed the problem.

  • SV commented  ·   ·  Report

    Whoa! I think it's fixed in "Illustrator CC 2019" that I just updated today!?

  • K commented  ·   ·  Report

    I have the same issue as everyone on the forum. Thanks for the work around anonymous. However, the issue has been happening consistently for quite a long time. I'm disappointed Adobe has not fixed this yet. Everyone at my office has the same exact issue, so I know this isn't a one-time fluke.

    "Workaround...works for me at least.
    Preferences>General>
    Uncheck "Show the Start Workspace When No Documents Are Open""

  • Charles commented  ·   ·  Report

    I am currently running High Sierra 10.13.6

    My graphics processor is AMD Radeon R9 M380, 2048 Mb.

    My iMac is a 5K retina display from late 2015. No additional monitor.

    I am opening the file the old-fashioned way – using the drop-down menu: File/Open, or File/Open Recent.

    It occurs randomly – not on any one specific file that I am aware of yet.

    It doesn’t occur on any particular file. It has occurred on previously existing files, and it did occur on one new file I created in CC 2019 as well. They are fairly basic. I can send one to you if you let me know where to share it.

    It did not occur until I updated to the new version of CC – 2019.

  • ritika patel(Illustrator team) commented  ·   ·  Report

    Hi Charles,

    Thanks for sharing this issue with us.
    It would be helpful if you share the file with us,along with the machine info that you are working on.

    Regards,
    Ritika

  • Sarah Khan (Illustrator team) commented  ·   ·  Report

    Hi Charles,

    Please can you provide us with the following info:
    1. Your system OS and GPU.
    2. How you are opening the file, double clicking or by using drag and drop?
    3. Are you using more than one monitor?

    Thanks,
    Sarah

  • Josh commented  ·   ·  Report

    Having the same issue on Mac. Open files both within and outside of illustrator and all I can see is the launch window with recently opened files and templates. Slowing my workflow down to a halt.

  • Charles commented  ·   ·  Report

    With the new update, I have been experiencing issues opening existing documents. They will randomly open as a blank document. I have to shut down Illustrator and relaunch the program in order for them to open correctly.

  • Heidi commented  ·   ·  Report

    I am having the same problem. It also happens when opening a file using the 'edit' button from within INDD's Links panel. Using another's commenter's workaround works: Window>>Arrange>>Float in Window then return the "Arrange" view you prefer. Another workaround: "open in new window."

  • Jotham commented  ·   ·  Report

    Can confirm this happens. It appears to be an issue where the file tries to open before all the plugins load so the file opens blank as it doesn't have the plugins to render the image. I'm assuming selecting float in window refreshes the file allowing it to be rendered.

  • Anonymous commented  ·   ·  Report

    I also noticed it's opening the files "dirty" as if they need to be saved, though no edits have been made yet...

  • Anonymous commented  ·   ·  Report

    Same problem here. This issue started for me on Mac OS El Capitan with one of the recent updates.

  • Chris Phillips commented  ·   ·  Report

    When I open Illustrator and open an existing document either from the thumbnail view screen or file>open, it is not visible. Opening from finder says document is open already (it shows under 'Window'). The only workaround is to select Float In Window, which then makes the document appear.

  • Anonymous commented  ·   ·  Report

    Yes - same here. A bug. Initial file you try to open is not editable/viewable on an artboard. To fix this I need to open another file then toggle back to the file I want to edit.
    I am running a Mac version - Illustrator 22.1

  • Anonymous commented  ·   ·  Report

    This is a HUGE problem!!! We cannot get our work done if files cannot be opened!! I am also having this exact problem with every ai file I try to open. Im on MAC Sierra 10.12.6. Also when I'm in InDesign and I try to edit an original AI file illustrator will open but the file does not! I'm going to call and ask for free service until this problem is resolved.

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