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Last updated on
Oct 20, 2026
Learn how to resolve memory-related crashes in Adobe Illustrator by updating software, resetting preferences, and adjusting system settings.
If Illustrator displays a "Not enough memory" warning and then crashes when you copy artwork, the issue is typically caused by outdated software, corrupted preferences, insufficient scratch disk space, or outdated system drivers.
The following solutions address the most common causes, listed in order of likelihood:
Update Illustrator
Outdated versions may contain memory management bugs that have been resolved in later releases.
Locate Adobe Illustrator in your apps list.
Select Update if an update is available.
Wait for the installation to complete.
Restart your computer.
Launch Illustrator and test copying artwork.
Reset Preferences
Corrupted preference files may be interfering with memory allocation.
Note
When you reset preferences, Illustrator saves your previous settings as "Adobe Illustrator Prefs.err" in the preferences folder for backup.
Configure scratch disks
Illustrator uses scratch disks as temporary storage when system memory is insufficient. If your scratch disk lacks sufficient free space, memory-intensive operations such as copying artwork will fail.
Select Illustrator > Settings > Plug-ins & Scratch Disks (macOS) or Edit > Preferences > Plug-ins & Scratch Disks (Windows).
Review the available space for your current primary and secondary scratch disks.
In the Primary dropdown, select a disk with at least 50 GB of free space.
In the Secondary dropdown, select a different disk with substantial free space.
Select OK.
Restart Illustrator.
Update system drivers
Outdated graphics card drivers or operating system versions can create memory allocation conflicts.
Windows
Check your current GPU driver version.
Visit your graphics card manufacturer's website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel).
Download the latest driver for your specific GPU model.
Run the driver installer.
Restart your computer.
Launch Illustrator and test the copy function.
For detailed instructions on GPU driver updates, refer to Illustrator GPU Performance and Driver Updates.
macOS
Select General > Software Update from the menu.
Install any available macOS updates.
Restart your computer.
Launch Illustrator and test the copy function.
If these solutions don’t resolve your issue, contact Adobe Technical Support with details about your system configuration and the specific circumstances that trigger the error.
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