Widely used to create 2D and 3D animations with vectors and rasterized art, Adobe’s After Effects is a great help in the post-production process of films, video games, and television production. However, amid all the features, lately, many users have complained that the software suddenly crashes right after a message appears on the screen that says, After Effects warning: Unspecified drawing error. What error does the message warn about and how to fix it? We’ll guide you on it in this blog.
Unspecified Drawing Error in After Effects: Causes and Fixes
One more phenomenon that has left users stunned is that while some experienced software crashes after the prompt appeared, for others it just came as a mere warning and they could still use the software.
Here are a few factors that could contribute to the discussed error:
- Insufficient permissions
- Corrupt installation folder
- Conflicting audio panel
- Outdated software
- Glitched custom workspace
Quick Answer
You can rename the After Effects folder to fix the issue.
1. Open File Explorer and click on This PC followed by Documents.
2. In the Adobe folder, right-click on After Effects and add the .old extension to the existing name.
Method 1: Run After Effects as Administrator
Many users have said that running the application as an administrator and giving it privileges easily fixed the discussed error for them.
1. Close After Effects completely, and then right-click on its shortcut on the desktop.
2. Select Properties from the context menu, move to the Compatibility tab, and tick the check box next to Run the program as an administrator.
3. Click on Apply and then on OK.
4. Launch After Effects and check if the issue is resolved.
Method 2: Rename After Effects Folder
Possibly the temporary files or data files in the After Effects folder might have been corrupt or damaged, which could lead to such issues in the software. However, renaming the folder would force your system to create a new one, ultimately fixing the error.
1. Follow the path: File Explorer > This PC > Documents > Adobe.
If your After Effects projects are saved anywhere else, navigate that path.
2. Right-click on the After Effects folder, select the Rename icon from the context menu, and add the .old extension at the end of the name while renaming the folder.
3. Once done, restart the app and check if the error has been fixed.
Similarly, the memory cache on the PC can also build up and become corrupt with time. Check our guide on 14 Ways to Clear Cache in Windows 11 to remove corrupt files from your system.
Method 3: Update GPU Drivers
Occasionally the error could also be caused if the graphics drivers are corrupt and hence, the GPU isn’t functioning properly. Refer to our guide on How to Update Graphics Drivers in Windows 11 and follow the steps. Once updated, the issue will be resolved.
Method 4: Increase Disk Cache Size
Resource-intensive applications such as After Effects require a good amount of memory on the drive to store information, which could trigger an unspecified drawing error when not available. So, here’s how you can increase the disk cache size for it:
1. Open After Effects and click on Edit.
2. Select Preferences, move to the Media & Disk Cache tab and increase the Maximum Disk Cache Size as preferred.
3. Click on OK to save the changes.
Method 5: Close the Audio Panel
When you bring the audio panel to the front, such errors can appear due to conflicts in the workspace. Although you won’t be able to edit your audio in After Effects, however, it can prevent the software crash. Until a new patch is available for the animation software, avoid using the Audio Panel.
Also Read: How to Use Twixtor Plugin in After Effects
Method 6: Switch Work Space
Switching back to the standard or your default workspace can also fix the After Effects unspecified drawing error on your Windows PC. However, this means you would need to stop using the custom workspace.
1. Open After Effects and once your project is loaded up, click on the Windows tab in the upper left corner of the display.
2. Hover the cursor on Workspace and click on Default from the context menu.
3. Go back to the Workspace menu and click on the Reset “Default” to Saved Layout option.
Once done, restart After Effects and check if the unspecified error has been resolved.
Method 7: Update After Effects and Plugins
Outdated apps are prone to bugs and glitches that could cause the discussed error in the program. We suggest you update the After Effects software using the Creative Cloud application. Similarly, if any After Effects plugins are outdated, update them as well to fix the error.
Although the error should be resolved by now, if it hasn’t, uninstall and reinstall the program. By that time, you can also use an alternative After Effects software as well.
We hope our guide on After Effects unspecified drawing error helped you fix the error. If you have any queries or suggestions for us, drop them in the comments box below. Stay tuned to TechCult to find out solutions to more such app-related errors.