Can't switch to tabbed files/windows, screen turns gray, can't view any open files/windows.
When I have several files open, I can't switch tabs to another file. It gets stuck on one file, even if I click on different tabs, and eventually the screen goes grey and I can't view any open files.
The only way to fix is to close files (without being able to see them!) and restart Illustrator. Hugely inconvenient to close files without seeing them.
Sarah
shared this idea
AdminAnkit Goyal(Illustrator Team)
(Admin, Adobe Illustrator)
responded
Closing this ticket due to lack of activity on this thread.
Incase you are still facing this issue, please get in touch with us at sharewithai@adobe.com or any of the other support channels.
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Mike
commented
Happened through several versions of Illustrator and just happened again in the new 2021 version. Macbook Pro 2012 Retina running Macbook display and external monitor. If I click on the tabs at the top to select different documents I only see the original file that was open when the problem started which is not necessarily the first opened file. I can see and work on the "invisible" files if I pull the tab away and float the window. If I try to anchor the tab back with the others all files turn gray so it appears to have something to do with the tabbed system. It is very inconvenient to keep closing all of my files and restart Illustrator. Sometimes it happens again within minutes.
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Kenan
commented
I have the same problem on a MacBook Air 2017, High Sierra 10.13.6. I’m using Illustrator CC (v 24.2).
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Anonymous
commented
This exact issue is happening to me, was there a fix? I am using CC .
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Anonymous
commented
I'm working on an old piece of junk Apple at work. It's 4 years old so it's outlived its average lifespan 4 times. Any time I put any heavy load on illustrator, suddenly I can't switch between files. I can still see and edit the last one I was on before the error occurred, even if I click on other tabs, I can still only see end work on one. Also, no panels will open anymore. I have to force quit illustrator every time and this loses me about a half hour of working time every day.
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Anonymous
commented
Yes! This is happening more often for me. I think it is the file size or quantity that are causing it. I have had it happen with only a few large files, and also many smaller files open simultaneously. The problem, as you mentioned, is that you can't resolve this without exiting and closing all open files. If there were changes made, you can no longer see any open files to confirm you need to save those changes (only their tabs with a big grey work area, no artboards).
To repeat in my own words in case it makes it easier for Adobe to address...
I have multiple files open. I can switch between each by using their tabs. I open another file. Its tab shows up, but the artboard for the file does not, its like I am stuck on the previous file I was working on. I can click the tab for the new file but I am still seeing the previous open file. Eventually all files display as blank (no artboards, no artwork) but everything still responds. You have to exit Ai all together before it will go back to normal, forcing you to close all open files and HOPE you are saving changes you wanted to save as you can no longer see anything in the work area.System is a MacBook Pro 2015, MacOS 10.14.4, Ai version 23.0.3