Launch Illustrator. If the application detects corrupt files, it exits immediately.
Last updated on
Oct 25, 2026
Learn how to use diagnostic testing in Adobe Illustrator to identify and resolve fonts, plugins, and drivers that cause crashes.
Safe Mode activates automatically when Illustrator detects corrupt fonts, incompatible plugins, or damaged drivers during startup. It prevents these problem elements from loading so you can continue working on your documents.
When Safe Mode runs, Illustrator identifies each problematic element, disables it, and provides troubleshooting guidance.
This workflow applies when Illustrator crashes unexpectedly. If you're experiencing repeated crashes, enable auto-backup and recovery settings to minimize data loss.
Run diagnostics after a crash
Reopen Illustrator: on Windows, relaunch the application; on macOS, select Reopen from the crash dialog.
Sample of an error on a Mac computer with options as Ignore the message, Report it, or Reopen it to diagnose.
When the diagnostic prompt appears, select Run Diagnostics to enable Safe Mode testing. Alternatively, select Launch Illustrator to attempt normal startup again.
Wait while Illustrator performs diagnostic tests. The startup screen shows progress as each problem element is identified and disabled.
This step repeats automatically for each detected problem file.
When diagnostics are complete, Illustrator launches in Safe Mode and displays the Safe Mode dialog listing all disabled fonts, plugins, and drivers.
Note
Do not interrupt the diagnostic process. Illustrator must complete testing for each problem element to ensure a successful startup.
After completing diagnostics, choose one of the following resolution paths based on your needs.
Resolve issues and re-enable items
In the Safe Mode dialog, select a row from the disabled item list.
Review the Troubleshooting Tips area for specific guidance about the selected item.
Follow the recommended actions:
- Replace damaged fonts
- Update outdated plugins
- Uninstall incompatible drivers
After resolving an issue, select the checkbox next to that item.
Select Enable on Relaunch, save your work, and restart Illustrator to verify the fix.
Continue working in Safe Mode
In the Safe Mode dialog, select Close to continue working with problem items disabled.
Complete your current tasks using available fonts, plugins, and features.
Address disabled items later by accessing the Safe Mode dialog from Help > Safe Mode or by selecting the Safe Mode indicator in the App Bar.
You can reopen the Safe Mode dialog at any time to review disabled items or mark issues as resolved for re-enablement.
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