Keynote: Cannot insert images or open existing presentations

Question

Level 1

14 points

Keynote: Cannot insert images or open existing presentations

I’m experiencing a persistent issue in Keynote where images cannot be inserted into presentations and old files can not be opened. The issue started while I was using Keynote 13.1 and has continued after updating to Keynote 15.2.1.

System information:

Mac: 2020 M1 Mac mini
OS: Tahoe 26.5.1
Keynote version before update: 13.1 (was running OS Sequoia a month ago)
Current Keynote version: 15.2.1
Keynote was opened directly from the Applications folder

Timeline:

Got the image can't be inserted error.
- I got this error every step of the way and continue to get it now. At each step I would do the following:
  - Restart Keynote
  - Make a brand new presentation
  - Try to insert a .jpg and a .png from both the desktop and our local server.
  - I've tried multiple of each including a fresh screenshot from the desktop.
Restarted Keynote.
Restarted the Mac.
Deleted version 13.1 and installed version 15.2.1.
Error:"xxx.key" can't be opened right now. Operation not permitted.
- From here on out I was able to create a new presentation but not open any existing ones.
Restarted the Mac.
Confirmed Keynote already has Full Disk Access.
Changed Keynote’s media optimization/compatibility setting under Keynote settings and restarted Keynote.
Reset Keynote network-volume permissions using Terminal.
Restarted the Mac.
Deleted Keynote and reinstalled.
Restarted the Mac.

Posted on Jun 9, 2026 1:01 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

TwinkleToads Author

Level 1

14 points

Jun 23, 2026 9:19 AM in response to TwinkleToads

If anyone in the future has the same problem - it was fonts. I'm a graphic designer at an agency so I have to have thousands of fonts I use regularly.

I went through fontbook, adobe, and our font manager to get the total number of fonts under 2,000 (which will create problems in my workflow later but solves my immediate problem). I also validated and resolved any duplicates through fontbook.

I'm still not able to open old files from the desktop app but if I open the old file in the web based version of icloud then download it I am able to open that download in the desktop app. Kinda stinks for big files but it's the only way I've been able to do it.

Also if you gave keynote full disc access through terminal server, like I did, to try and solve the media insertion issue - turn that OFF. Somehow it solved inserting images after I figured out the font thing.

[Edited by Moderator]

Reply

Answer 2

Jun 10, 2026 9:51 AM in response to TwinkleToads

How are you trying to "insert" images? I usually copy and paste onto the slide. Sometimes I drag an image from Finder to the slide. What are you doing?

Are you using Photos?
Where does your Mac's Photos Library reside-- in the Pictures folder of your internal drive, or on an external drive? or on a network? on iCloud drive?
Are you using iCloud Photos to synchronize your devices? If so
…Do you have “Optimize Storage” checked in Photos’ Settings
…Do you see all your Mac’s Photos pictures at iCloud.com?
…Have you checked to see if the Apple Account is really really the same on the Mac and at iCloud.com?
…What is your storage at iCloud.com? At System Settings>[name]>icloud>Storage , my Mac says 745 GB of 1TBB used. What does yours say?
What is your storage on this Mac? At System Settings>General> Storage, my Mac says 745 GB of 1TBB used. What does yours say?

Have you tried re-starting in Safe Mode? This bypasses certain potentially disruptive processes, and it often helps. Safe Mode is different for different computers, so see this:

Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support

Reply