Adobe Illustrator Keeps Crashing: A Deep Guide Here!

This article offers a comprehensive exploration of the causes behind Adobe Illustrator crashes and provides an array of solutions, including detailed steps for updating drivers, adjusting system requirements, handling corrupt files, and using MyRecover for file recovery.

By @Lori Last Updated November 12, 2024

If you've ever experienced Adobe Illustrator crashing in the middle of a project, you know how frustrating it can be. Not only does it disrupt your creative flow, but it can also lead to data loss. This comprehensive guide is designed to help you understand why Adobe Illustrator keeps crashing and provide you with detailed, step-by-step solutions to fix and prevent these issues. Let's get your Illustrator back on track!

How to Fix Adobe Illustrator Keeps Crashing

First of all, you can learn something about why your Adobe Illustrator keeps crashing. Then find an effective solution for it.

1. The Importance of Meeting System Requirements

Adobe Illustrator is a resource-intensive program, and having a system that meets or exceeds its requirements is essential for smooth operation. Here’s how to ensure your system is up to the task:

  • Check Adobe's Official Website: Visit Adobe's website to find the latest system requirements for Illustrator.
  • Compare with Your System Specs: Access your computer's system information (via "About This PC" on Windows or "About This Mac" on macOS) and compare it with Adobe's requirements.
  • Consider Hardware Upgrades: If your system falls short, especially in areas like RAM, processor speed, or graphic capabilities, consider upgrading your hardware.

2. Updating Drivers and Software

Out-of-date drivers and software versions can lead to compatibility issues and crashes. Here’s how to keep everything current:

Update Graphics Card Drivers:

  • Identify your graphics card model (via "Device Manager" on Windows or "System Report" on macOS).
  • Visit the manufacturer's website (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and find the latest drivers for your specific model.
  • Download and install the drivers, following on-screen prompts.

Update Adobe Illustrator:

  • Launch Adobe Illustrator.
  • Navigate to "Help" > "Check for Updates" on Windows or "Adobe Illustrator" > "Check for Updates" on macOS.
  • Install any available updates following Adobe's instructions.

3. Dealing with Corrupt Files and Preferences

Corrupt files and preferences can cause instability and crashes in Illustrator. Here’s how to address these issues:

Identify and Remove Corrupt Files:

  • Open different files to see if the crash is file-specific.
  • If a file consistently causes crashes, try opening it on a different machine or reverting to a backed-up version.

Resetting Illustrator Preferences:

  • Close Adobe Illustrator.
  • Restart Illustrator while holding Alt+Control+Shift (Windows) or Option+Command+Shift (Mac).
  • Confirm the deletion of the settings folder when prompted.

4. Optimizing Illustrator Performance

Performance optimization can significantly reduce the chances of crashes. Here’s what to do:

Manage Your Workspace:

  • Keep your workspace organized by closing panels and windows that are not in use.
  • Try to work on smaller sections of large files or use lower resolution images when possible.

Adjust Performance Settings:

  • Within Illustrator, go to "Edit" > "Preferences" > "Performance" on Windows or "Illustrator" > "Preferences" > "Performance" on macOS.
  • Experiment with the GPU Performance settings and adjust according to your system’s strengths. 

5. MyRecover: A Lifesaver for Lost Work

In case of illustrator 2023 keeps crashing leading to data loss, MyRecover can help you recover unsaved work.

You can see many shining points in MyRecover:

  • It supports recovering Illustrator files, and deleted Word, Excel, PPT, photos, videos, audio, emails, compressed files, and 200+ type formats deleted files.
  • It will automatically run a quick scan and deep scan to get your deleted files back, and you can quickly locate your desired files by Filename, Path, Date, Size, etc.
  • Support for NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and ReFS file systems in Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, or Windows Server PC.
  • Ensure high recovery rate and fast recovery speed.

Download and Install MyRecover:

  • Go to the MyRecover website and download the software compatible with your operating system.
  • Follow the installation guide to install MyRecover on your computer.
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Using MyRecover to Recover Files:

1. Launch MyRecover. Hover the mouse over the drive saved deleted files before, and click Scan.

2. Once the scan completes, preview the files that can be recovered.

3. Choose the files you need and select a destination to save them. Click the Recover x files button to recover Adobe files.

Conclusion

Illustrator keep crashing can be a significant obstacle in your creative endeavors. By understanding the potential causes and implementing the solutions provided in this guide, you can greatly reduce the frequency of crashes. Regular system and software updates, managing your workspace, optimizing performance settings, and having a recovery plan with tools like MyRecover are key to a stable and efficient Illustrator experience.

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FAQs about Adobe Illustrator Keeps Crashing

1. How can I tell if my computer meets Adobe Illustrator's system requirements?

Check your computer's specifications and compare them with the requirements listed on Adobe's website. Pay particular attention to RAM, processor speed, and graphics capabilities.

2. Can large Illustrator files be a reason for frequent crashes?

Yes, working with large or complex files can strain system resources, leading to crashes. Try breaking down large projects into smaller, more manageable files.

3. What should I do if Illustrator crashes in the middle of a project?

First, try to reopen Illustrator and check for the recovery of unsaved work. If the file is lost, use a recovery tool like MyRecover to attempt to retrieve it.

4. How often should Illustrator's preferences be reset?

Resetting Illustrator's preferences is a troubleshooting step and should be done when you experience consistent issues or crashes with the software.

5. Is it necessary to update my graphics drivers for Illustrator?

Yes, keeping your graphics drivers updated ensures that Illustrator can run smoothly and leverages the latest performance and compatibility enhancements.