What are the most common graphic design software issues and how can you troubleshoot them?

2 Missing fonts

Graphic designers often experience the issue of missing fonts, which can occur when opening a file with fonts not installed on the computer or transferring a file to another device. To resolve this issue, you can install the missing fonts if you have access to them. Alternatively, you can embed the fonts into your file if your software allows it. Additionally, you can convert the fonts to outlines or rasterize them if you do not need to edit them. Finally, if you want to avoid compatibility issues, use web-safe fonts or fonts that are widely available.

3 Color mismatch

Graphic designers often encounter color mismatch, when the colors seen on a screen do not match those seen in printouts or on other devices. This can be attributed to various factors, such as different color modes, color profiles, or color settings. To resolve this issue, you can select the appropriate color mode for your project - RGB for digital projects and CMYK for print projects - and use the same color profile for all your software, monitor, printer, and other devices. You should also calibrate your monitor and printer to guarantee accurate color reproduction, which can be done using online tools or hardware devices. Lastly, you should preview your colors before printing or sharing your file through soft proofing or print proofing.

4 File corruption

Graphic designers often run into the issue of file corruption, which can occur when a file becomes damaged or unreadable due to power outage, virus attack, improper saving, or disk failure. To fix this problem, you can recover your file from a backup, a temporary or auto-save file, a recovery tool, or a different software. For backups, consider using cloud storage or external drives that you can regularly save your files on. To find temporary files, look in your software folder or system folder and rename them to open them. You can also use online tools or software programs to scan and repair corrupted files. Lastly, try opening your file with another program that supports the same format and see if it works.

5 Compatibility issues

Graphic designers may encounter compatibility issues when their file does not open or display correctly on a different software, device, or platform. The cause of this issue could be various factors, such as different software versions, formats, or features. To fix this problem, you can try updating your software to the latest version and checking for compatibility updates. Additionally, saving your file in a compatible format and adjusting any options or settings that affect compatibility can help. Moreover, saving your file in a universal format like PDF, PNG, or JPEG can ensure accessibility and readability. Lastly, if you want to preserve your editing capabilities and features, save your file in a layered format such as PSD, AI, or INDD. You may need to use online tools or software programs to convert, compress, extract, or merge layers if needed.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?