Illustrator Export Not Working or Export Fails
Quick answer
When exporting to PNG, SVG, PDF or JPG fails or comes out wrong, check export options, color mode, save location, memory and artboard setting. Test with Export As and Save a Copy.
Most likely fix: Change location and try again
How to fix it
Try these in order — the most common fix is first.
1. Change location and try again
- Export to the Desktop or an internal drive folder
- Free disk space and restart Illustrator
Did this fix it?2. Use the right export tool
- File > Export > Export As, tick Use Artboards and set All or a range
- File > Export > Export for Screens for multiple sizes and formats
- For PDF use File > Save As > Adobe PDF
Did this fix it?3. Fix color and content issues
- File > Document Color Mode: choose RGB for web exports
- Object > Rasterize or Expand effects that render wrongly
- Hide or delete suspect objects to find the one that breaks export
Did this fix it?4. Isolate crashes
- Run in Safe Mode and reset preferences
- Update Illustrator and graphics drivers
Did this fix it?
Symptoms
Export As or Export for Screens does nothing, shows an error, crashes, or produces blank, cropped or wrong-colored output.
Why it happens
- Not enough memory or disk space on the destination
- Saving to a cloud-synced or network folder
- Export set to the wrong artboards or crop
- Complex effects or a damaged object
- RGB vs CMYK color mode mismatch
This guide also covers
- illustrator export not working
- illustrator can't export png
- illustrator export as svg not working
- illustrator export for screens not working
- illustrator export crash
Still not working?
If Adobe Illustrator keeps failing, you're not alone. See every Adobe Illustrator problem users report or the alternatives people switch to.
Have an app idea? Our small team builds any software: web and mobile apps, games, desktop, AI tools. Price agreed together.
Talk to usThe same problem in other apps
Other Adobe Illustrator errors
- How to Cancel Adobe Illustrator Subscription (and the Early Termination Fee)
- Adobe Illustrator Keeps Crashing or Freezing
- Illustrator "Not Enough Memory (RAM)" Error
- Illustrator GPU Performance Error and "Not Enough GPU Memory"
- Why Is Adobe Illustrator So Slow and Laggy?
- Illustrator "File Is Damaged" or Can't Open AI File
- Illustrator Crashes or Errors When Saving
- Illustrator Missing Fonts Warning