Delete the preferences file

Oct 13, 2025 by pinkandtrash.com 137 views

Introduction

Adobe Illustrator is a powerful vector graphics editor that has been a favorite among designers and artists for decades. However, like any software, it is not immune to bugs and errors. One common issue that users have reported is the appearance of random black artifacts or lines in text strokes. In this article, we will delve into the possible causes of this issue and provide a step-by-step guide on how to troubleshoot and fix it.

Understanding the Issue

The issue of random black artifacts or lines in text strokes in Illustrator CC can be frustrating, especially when working on a critical project. The artifacts can appear as small lines, dots, or even entire shapes that seem to be unrelated to the original text. The problem can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Corrupted preferences: Illustrator's preferences file can become corrupted, leading to unexpected behavior and errors.
Graphics card issues: Problems with the graphics card can cause Illustrator to malfunction and produce artifacts.
Font issues: Certain fonts can cause problems in Illustrator, leading to artifacts and other issues.
Stroke settings: The stroke settings in Illustrator can be misconfigured, causing artifacts to appear.

Troubleshooting Steps

To troubleshoot the issue of random black artifacts or lines in text strokes in Illustrator CC, follow these steps:

Step 1: Check for Corrupted Preferences

Corrupted preferences can cause a wide range of issues in Illustrator, including the appearance of artifacts. To check for corrupted preferences, follow these steps:

Close Illustrator: Close Illustrator and all other Adobe applications.
Delete the preferences file: Locate the Illustrator preferences file, which is usually located in the following directory:
- Windows: C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Illustrator\<version>
- Mac: ~/Library/Preferences/Adobe/Illustrator/<version>
Delete the file: Delete the preferences file and restart Illustrator.

Step 2: Check for Graphics Card Issues

Graphics card issues can cause Illustrator to malfunction and produce artifacts. To check for graphics card issues, follow these steps:

Update your graphics drivers: Ensure that your graphics drivers are up to date.
Disable hardware acceleration: Disable hardware acceleration in Illustrator by going to Edit > Preferences > Performance and unchecking the box next to Use Graphics Processor.
Check for conflicts: Check for conflicts between your graphics card and other applications.

Step 3: Check for Font Issues

Certain fonts can cause problems in Illustrator, leading to artifacts and other issues. To check for font issues, follow these steps:

Check the font: Check the font you are using to see if it is causing the issue.
Try a different font: Try using a different font to see if the issue persists.
Check for font corruption: Check for font corruption by going to Type > Font Info and checking the font's metadata.

Step 4: Check Stroke Settings

The stroke settings in Illustrator can be misconfigured, causing artifacts to appear. To check stroke settings, follow these steps:

Select the text: Select the text that is experiencing the issue.
Go to the Stroke panel: Go to the Stroke panel and check the stroke settings.
Adjust the stroke settings: Adjust the stroke settings as needed to resolve the issue.

Conclusion

The issue of random black artifacts or lines in text strokes in Illustrator CC can be frustrating, but it is often caused by a simple misconfiguration or corrupted preference. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the issue and get back to work on your project.

Additional Tips

Regularly back up your work: Regularly back up your work to prevent data loss in case of a crash or corruption.
Use a reliable font: Use a reliable font that is less likely to cause issues in Illustrator.
Keep your software up to date: Keep your software up to date to ensure that you have the latest features and bug fixes.

Common Questions

Q: Why do I see random black artifacts in my text strokes? A: Random black artifacts in text strokes can be caused by a variety of factors, including corrupted preferences, graphics card issues, font issues, and misconfigured stroke settings.
Q: How do I fix the issue of random black artifacts in my text strokes? A: To fix the issue of random black artifacts in your text strokes, follow the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, including checking for corrupted preferences, graphics card issues, font issues, and misconfigured stroke settings.
Q: Can I prevent the issue of random black artifacts in my text strokes? A: Yes, you can prevent the issue of random black artifacts in your text strokes by regularly backing up your work, using a reliable font, and keeping your software up to date.
Illustrator CC Artifacts in Text Stroke: A Troubleshooting Guide ===========================================================

Q&A: Troubleshooting Illustrator CC Artifacts in Text Stroke

Q: What are the common causes of random black artifacts in text strokes in Illustrator CC? A: The common causes of random black artifacts in text strokes in Illustrator CC include corrupted preferences, graphics card issues, font issues, and misconfigured stroke settings.

Q: How do I check for corrupted preferences in Illustrator CC? A: To check for corrupted preferences in Illustrator CC, follow these steps:

Close Illustrator: Close Illustrator and all other Adobe applications.
Delete the preferences file: Locate the Illustrator preferences file, which is usually located in the following directory:
- Windows: C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Illustrator\<version>
- Mac: ~/Library/Preferences/Adobe/Illustrator/<version>
Delete the file: Delete the preferences file and restart Illustrator.

Q: What are the symptoms of a graphics card issue in Illustrator CC? A: The symptoms of a graphics card issue in Illustrator CC include:

Random black artifacts: Random black artifacts or lines in text strokes.
Slow performance: Slow performance or lag when working with complex designs.
Crashes: Frequent crashes or freezes when working with Illustrator.

Q: How do I update my graphics drivers in Illustrator CC? A: To update your graphics drivers in Illustrator CC, follow these steps:

Go to the Adobe website: Go to the Adobe website and navigate to the Support section.
Search for graphics drivers: Search for graphics drivers for your specific graphics card.
Download and install: Download and install the latest graphics drivers.

Q: What are the common font issues that can cause artifacts in Illustrator CC? A: The common font issues that can cause artifacts in Illustrator CC include:

Corrupted fonts: Corrupted fonts that can cause unexpected behavior.
Unsupported fonts: Unsupported fonts that can cause issues with text rendering.
Font conflicts: Font conflicts that can cause issues with text rendering.

Q: How do I check for font issues in Illustrator CC? A: To check for font issues in Illustrator CC, follow these steps:

Check the font: Check the font you are using to see if it is causing the issue.
Try a different font: Try using a different font to see if the issue persists.
Check for font corruption: Check for font corruption by going to Type > Font Info and checking the font's metadata.

Q: What are the common stroke settings issues that can cause artifacts in Illustrator CC? A: The common stroke settings issues that can cause artifacts in Illustrator CC include:

Misconfigured stroke settings: Misconfigured stroke settings that can cause unexpected behavior.
Unsupported stroke settings: Unsupported stroke settings that can cause issues with text rendering.
Stroke settings conflicts: Stroke settings conflicts that can cause issues with text rendering.

Q: How do I check for stroke settings issues in Illustrator CC? A: To check for stroke settings issues in Illustrator CC, follow these steps:

Select the text: Select the text that is experiencing the issue.
Go to the Stroke panel: Go to the Stroke panel and check the stroke settings.
Adjust the stroke settings: Adjust the stroke settings as needed to resolve the issue.

Q: Can I prevent the issue of random black artifacts in my text strokes in Illustrator CC? A: Yes, you can prevent the issue of random black artifacts in your text strokes in Illustrator CC by:

Regularly backing up your work: Regularly backing up your work to prevent data loss in case of a crash or corruption.
Using a reliable font: Using a reliable font that is less likely to cause issues in Illustrator.
Keeping your software up to date: Keeping your software up to date to ensure that you have the latest features and bug fixes.

Q: What are the best practices for troubleshooting Illustrator CC artifacts in text stroke? A: The best practices for troubleshooting Illustrator CC artifacts in text stroke include:

Checking for corrupted preferences: Checking for corrupted preferences to ensure that Illustrator is running smoothly.
Checking for graphics card issues: Checking for graphics card issues to ensure that your graphics card is compatible with Illustrator.
Checking for font issues: Checking for font issues to ensure that your font is compatible with Illustrator.
Checking for stroke settings issues: Checking for stroke settings issues to ensure that your stroke settings are configured correctly.

Conclusion

The issue of random black artifacts in text strokes in Illustrator CC can be frustrating, but it is often caused by a simple misconfiguration or corrupted preference. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the issue and get back to work on your project. Remember to regularly back up your work, use a reliable font, and keep your software up to date to prevent the issue from occurring in the future.