Pages couldn't read the file

After the last update to Pages I can't open any old or save any new Pages. For instance when I try and save a new document, I get an error that says "Untitled can't be opened now. Pages couldn't read the file."

MacBook Pro 13", macOS 10.15

Posted on Nov 20, 2019 6:12 PM

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10 replies

Jan 28, 2020 9:22 PM in response to jeannie269

Here are some basic trouble-shooting processes, which have been reported to be successful in solving thie issue described.


  • Copy the contents of the new pages document that you cannot save. Launch TextEdit, open an new document and paste the copied contents into that document, then Save it. You'll lose all formatting, but this will preserve the text while you tackle the Pages issue.


  • Quit Pages. Pause. Re launch Pages and attempt to open an existing document.
  • Restart the Mac, using the Restart command in the Apple menu.
  • Try opening an existing document.
  • Restart the Mac, this time pressing the shift key as soon as you hear the startup chime, and keeping it pressed until you see the log in screen.

This restarts the Mac into Safe Mode. The startup takes longer as additional cleanup routines are run compared to a normal startup. You'll also notice a degradation in video performance.

Learn more about Safe Mode here: Use safe mode to isolate issues with your Mac - Apple Support

  • Try opening an existing document.
  • Restart normally.


Regards,

Barry

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Pages couldn't read the file

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