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Principle App Crashing or Running Slow

Status
Workaround available
platforms:
macOS
updated:
November 15, 2026
reports:
3
Method
how we research
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RUNBOOK · principle/app-crashes-slow3 FIXES

// quick answer

Principle slows or crashes with big imported files, many artboards or after a macOS upgrade. Update, split the file and simplify layers.

Most likely fix: Update Principle and macOS

How to fix it

// try these in order, the most common fix is first

  1. FIX 1Update Principle and macOS

    1. 01Check for Updates in Principle
    2. 02Install pending macOS updates
    Did this fix it?

  2. FIX 2Reduce file weight

    1. 01Flatten complex vectors to images
    2. 02Split the project into several documents
    Did this fix it?

  3. FIX 3Open a backup

    1. 01Use File > Open Recent or Time Machine copy
    2. 02Re-import from Figma or Sketch
    Did this fix it?

Symptoms

Beach ball, lag in the timeline, crash on open or on import.

Why it happens

  • C-01Large imported bitmaps and many layers
  • C-02Old Principle build on a new macOS
  • C-03Low RAM
  • C-04Corrupt document

// this guide also covers

  • principle app crashing
  • principle for mac slow
  • principle not responding

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