Unable to use ArcGIS extension in Illustrator 2025

[DaveWiosna]

After updating to Adobe Illustrator 2025 (version 29.0), the ArcGIS map extension will not open. It returns a "missing required components" error and prompts to run repair and restart Illustrator after repair is complete:

But after running repair, it comes up with the same error. Fortunately, I can go back to the previous version of Illustrator and the extension works just fine. I'm guessing the extension needs an update to work correctly with the new version of Illustrator. Can we get that, please? I really don't want to keep using the old Adobe version.

[KeithWitt]

Can you tell me how to download ArcGIS Maps for Adobe 3.7 so I can run it with Illustrator V28 or newer? I updated Illustrator and ArcGIS Maps for Adobe before discovering the installation problem and this thread, and did not keep Illustrator V27. Adobe will allow me to revert back only as far as Illustrator 28.0, but my latest version of ArcGIS Maps for Adobe (3.4) works only with Illustrator 2021 (v25.3.1) to 2023 (V27). This is very frustrating because we have lost our GIS to Illustrator workflow.

[Ashley_kuhn]

Hi, you can download the latest ArcGIS Maps for Adobe 3.8 here - https://www.esri.com/en-us/arcgis/products/maps-for-adobecc/downloads It is compatible with all Adobe CC versions 2023-2025.

Install instructions:

• We recommend upgrading the the latest Illustrator v29.
• After installing Illustrator, install ArcGIS Maps for Adobe 3.8

Here is a resource on the software requirements - https://doc.arcgis.com/en/maps-for-adobecc/latest/install/requirements.htm 

[Ashley_kuhn]

Hi, you can download the latest ArcGIS Maps for Adobe 3.8 here - https://www.esri.com/en-us/arcgis/products/maps-for-adobecc/downloads It is compatible with all Adobe CC versions 2023-2025.

Install instructions:

• We recommend upgrading the the latest Illustrator v29.
• After installing Illustrator, install ArcGIS Maps for Adobe 3.8

Here is a resource on the software requirements - https://doc.arcgis.com/en/maps-for-adobecc/latest/install/requirements.htm 

[KeithWitt]

I successfully installed Illustrator v29 and ArcGIS Maps for Adobe 3.8 but only after installing it "Only for me" instead of the default "Anyone who uses this computer". That option was discussed in an earlier comment but not included in the solution or the latest suggestions, so others may want to try that.   

[ColleenMiller2]

That worked for me as well.  Uninstalled the ArcGIS Maps for Adobe 3.8.  Reinstalled using the "Only for me" option.  Rebooted and was up and running using Illustrator v29.

[Ashley_kuhn]

Thanks @KeithWitt  and @ColleenMiller2 for posting your solution. We are not able to reproduce the issue you are experiencing installing with  “Anyone who uses this computer”. Would you be able to give us some more details on your computer’s environment and installation folders? We will keep looking into this.

[SHK_ESRIuser85]

Is this fixed yet?? It's been months. It's not unreasonable for the amount of $$ people and orginizations spend on this, that you all would be able to update your products appropriately. 

[BradW]

We also recently noticed that the ArcGIS Maps for Adobe plugin is failing to work now (Oct 25th 2024). We also tried reverting back to version 28.7.1 and Illustrator still does not recognize .AIX files. We also attempted to "repair" the extension, as it prompted us that the extension was missing a required component, but it did nothing to resolve the issue.

This is incredibly frustrating as many government agencies, including ours, use this Adobe function to produce maps for the public. We're basically at a stand still until ESRI and Adobe can update the plugin to serve version 29.0.

[Ashley_kuhn]

@BradW Have you tried uninstalling ArcGIS Maps for Adobe 3.7 and doing a fresh install?

I also have some questions to help us troubleshoot.

What is your system’s environment? (windows 10, 11, mac etc.)

What order did you run the installation process? Did you first install Illustrator 2025 and then try reinstalling ArcGIS Maps for Adobe 3.7?

Where are your installation folders located? The default is generally C:\Program Files\

When installing ArcGIS Maps for Adobe 3.7, are you installing for "Anyone who uses this computer" or "Only for me"?

[BradW]

Hey, Ashley.

We’re running Windows 11 64-bit OS. The order was first installing compatible version of illustrator and then the plugin from the Adobe Creative Cloud plugin menu.

However, we just tried uninstalling everything, going back to Adobe Creative Cloud page, reinstalling illustrator version 28.7.1, then installing the ArcGIS Maps for Adobe plugin from the ESRI site, not from Adobe’s Creative Cloud page. After doing this exact sequence, it seems to recognize .AIX files now.

ESRI Link: https://www.esri.com/en-us/arcgis/products/maps-for-adobecc/downloads#getstarted

Hoping an updated plugin for version 29 is released soon, as I'm sure we won't be the only people experiencing this. Also hoping the two companies can give each other a proper heads up when updates are underway. This plugin is amazing for map making when it works.