Select File > Print to open the print settings.
Last updated on
Oct 21, 2026
Learn how to resolve file save errors in Adobe Illustrator when a file is reported as damaged or Error 5000 appears.
When Illustrator reports that a file is damaged or displays Error 5000 while saving, use the solutions below to troubleshoot the issue.
Illustrator reports that a file is damaged
The Illustrator file may contain damaged data that prevents it from saving.
Save the file in another format
Select Adobe PostScript File from the Printer menu.
Enter a filename with the .ps extension, then select OK (Windows) or Save (macOS).
Select File > Open and open the .ps file in Illustrator.
Select File > Save As and save the file in the .ai format.
If needed, change the .ai file to another supported format, such as .svg, .png, .jpg, or .ps, and try saving again.
Copy the artwork to a new document
Select Object > Path > Clean Up to remove stray points, unpainted objects, and empty text paths.
In the Layers panel, select More Options, then select Paste Remembers Layers.
Select Edit > Select All to select the artwork.
Select Edit > Copy.
Select File > New to create a new document.
Select Edit > Paste In Front to paste the artwork in its original position.
Identify and remove damaged components
Select Edit > Select All, then change the fill and stroke to process black.
Delete an object suspected of being damaged from the new document, then save and reopen the document to test it.
If the issue does not recur, identify the affected pattern, gradient, or spot color in the original file.
Re-create the affected pattern, gradient, or spot color in the original file.
Restore the original appearance, then save the file again.
Caution
Changing the fill and stroke can remove transparency and layer information.
Remove unused swatches and other components
In the Swatches panel, select Select All Unused, then select Delete.
In the Brushes panel, delete all unused brushes.
In the Symbols panel, delete all unused symbols.
In the Styles panel, delete all unused styles.
Troubleshoot damaged text
Select Object > Unlock All.
Select Edit > Select All.
Select Type > Font, then select a font that is not already used in the document.
Alternatively, convert the damaged text object to outlines. Reinstall the problematic font from the original disk to help prevent text objects from becoming damaged again.
Error 5000 appears when saving
The destination folder may be locked or may not allow write access.
Open the folder where you’re trying to save the file.
Right-click (Windows) or Ctrl-click (macOS) the folder, then select Properties (Windows) or Get Info (macOS).
Verify that you have permission to save files in the folder and that the folder is not locked.
If you can’t change the permissions, select File > Save As and select another destination folder.
Save the file to the new location to test whether the issue is resolved.
If the issue persists, Identify and troubleshoot file issues in Illustrator provides additional guidance for memory, access-permission, network, and removable-media issues. If you still can’t save the file, contact Adobe Technical Support and provide the error message and the steps you’ve tried.
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