# My Frames are just randomly disappearing

**URL:** <https://discuss.pencil2d.org/t/my-frames-are-just-randomly-disappearing/5894>\
**Category:** Bug Reports\
**Created:** [19 September 2021 02:03 UTC](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/t/my-frames-are-just-randomly-disappearing/5894 "2021-09-19T02:03:36Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![MatticsAnimations](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/m/41988e/32.png) [@MatticsAnimations](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/u/MatticsAnimations)\
**Post date:** [19 September 2021 02:03 UTC](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/t/my-frames-are-just-randomly-disappearing/5894/1 "2021-09-19T02:03:37Z")

</div>

I know this is discussed a lot, but only recently has this happened to me. My frames just go missing and when I test export they are STILL MISSING!! When I reload the program though- they are still there. PLEASE HELP!!

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![MatticsAnimations](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/m/41988e/32.png) [@MatticsAnimations](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/u/MatticsAnimations)\
**Post date:** [19 September 2021 02:06 UTC](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/t/my-frames-are-just-randomly-disappearing/5894/2 "2021-09-19T02:06:37Z")

</div>

Also I will add that they are not the same every time, they are disappearing in random order

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![JoseMoreno](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/user_avatar/discuss.pencil2d.org/josemoreno/32/7_2.png) [@JoseMoreno](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/u/JoseMoreno)\
**Post date:** [19 September 2021 02:08 UTC](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/t/my-frames-are-just-randomly-disappearing/5894/3 "2021-09-19T02:08:33Z")

</div>

@MatticsAnimations Hi. Sorry to hear you’re having issues with Pencil2D. If you’re using an older version of Pencil2D It’s possible that you have ran into a bug which was patched on the latest version where the frames would disappear and people would save over the file losing their work.

On the other hand if you’re using a newer version of the software, and considering your report on how the lost frames are random, it is also possible that an antivirus or antimalware software is clearing up the temporary file folder automatically and once you save your file it will literally save as if there are no images, since those were deleted by the external program.

We’ve had various reports like these, the workaround is to force these apps to exclude the Pencil2D temp folder from their periodic cleanup.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![MatticsAnimations](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/m/41988e/32.png) [@MatticsAnimations](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/u/MatticsAnimations)\
**Post date:** [19 September 2021 02:11 UTC](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/t/my-frames-are-just-randomly-disappearing/5894/4 "2021-09-19T02:11:08Z")

</div>

id say the time of download was around 7 months ago. yes maybe that could be the solution but i wouldnt know how to go about stopping those antivirus stuff, plus it seems to only be happening with this one project

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![MatticsAnimations](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/m/41988e/32.png) [@MatticsAnimations](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/u/MatticsAnimations)\
**Post date:** [19 September 2021 02:12 UTC](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/t/my-frames-are-just-randomly-disappearing/5894/5 "2021-09-19T02:12:21Z")

</div>

also when i go in and i click around for a bit maybe click play then poof its gone

 ![image](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/uploads/default/original/2X/6/64e9d8288bc05aba45cd593dfd9a4f9efa1df26c.png)

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![MatticsAnimations](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/m/41988e/32.png) [@MatticsAnimations](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/u/MatticsAnimations)\
**Post date:** [19 September 2021 02:12 UTC](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/t/my-frames-are-just-randomly-disappearing/5894/6 "2021-09-19T02:12:57Z")

</div>

also its only the background layer

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![JoseMoreno](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/user_avatar/discuss.pencil2d.org/josemoreno/32/7_2.png) [@JoseMoreno](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/u/JoseMoreno)\
**Post date:** [19 September 2021 02:13 UTC](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/t/my-frames-are-just-randomly-disappearing/5894/7 "2021-09-19T02:13:22Z")

</div>

@MatticsAnimations For now I can only advise to have a habit of creating numbered backup files, that is don’t save on the same file over and over but start saving new progress on new files with suffixed numeric sequences to keep your work safe. Additionally you can try using a file versioning system to prevent you from losing work and develop a healthy work habit to register your work as milestones.

I personally use GIT (it’s called that), but there’s also SVN. There are various clients but you can use Fork or GitAhead as a visual app to manage this. Of course these are advanced solutions, for simpler solutions you can enable Windows or macOS respective file versioning systems as mentioned in our prevention guide on point 6

> [@Pencil2D Project File Corruption Prevention / Partial Recovery Guide](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/t/pencil2d-project-file-corruption-prevention-partial-recovery-guide/3105#backup):
>
> If you’re just starting out with Pencil2D, the development team has been fixing a few bugs that have to do with saving and loading. Release version 0.6.5 and above should minimize these issues download it here: [http://pencil2d.org/download](http://pencil2d.org/download)Table of Contents [Corruption Prevention Tips](#prevention) a. [OS Agnostic Tips](#agnostic)[Recovery Scenarios](#scenarios)[Recovery Considerations](#considerations)[Recovery Procedure](#recovery) a. [Windows](#windows) b. [MacOS](#mac)[Save File Verification](#verification)[OS File Backup & Recovery Settings](#backup)[Experimental Recovery Methods](#experimental) CORRUPTION PREVE…

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![JoseMoreno](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/user_avatar/discuss.pencil2d.org/josemoreno/32/7_2.png) [@JoseMoreno](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/u/JoseMoreno)\
**Post date:** [19 September 2021 02:14 UTC](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/t/my-frames-are-just-randomly-disappearing/5894/8 "2021-09-19T02:14:27Z")

</div>

@MatticsAnimations As for the antivirus stuff if you are using Windows we have a guide to iron out most windows issues related to permissions and antiviruses in general

> [@Pencil2D Project File Corruption Prevention / Partial Recovery Guide](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/t/pencil2d-project-file-corruption-prevention-partial-recovery-guide/3105#backup):
>
> If you’re just starting out with Pencil2D, the development team has been fixing a few bugs that have to do with saving and loading. Release version 0.6.5 and above should minimize these issues download it here: [http://pencil2d.org/download](http://pencil2d.org/download)Table of Contents [Corruption Prevention Tips](#prevention) a. [OS Agnostic Tips](#agnostic)[Recovery Scenarios](#scenarios)[Recovery Considerations](#considerations)[Recovery Procedure](#recovery) a. [Windows](#windows) b. [MacOS](#mac)[Save File Verification](#verification)[OS File Backup & Recovery Settings](#backup)[Experimental Recovery Methods](#experimental) CORRUPTION PREVE…

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![MatticsAnimations](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/m/41988e/32.png) [@MatticsAnimations](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/u/MatticsAnimations)\
**Post date:** [19 September 2021 02:15 UTC](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/t/my-frames-are-just-randomly-disappearing/5894/9 "2021-09-19T02:15:24Z")

</div>

thanks for the help, but for now how can i fix the export issues, should i just close the application and then open it back up and try to quickly export? before it disappears i mean

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![JoseMoreno](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/user_avatar/discuss.pencil2d.org/josemoreno/32/7_2.png) [@JoseMoreno](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/u/JoseMoreno)\
**Post date:** [19 September 2021 02:16 UTC](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/t/my-frames-are-just-randomly-disappearing/5894/10 "2021-09-19T02:16:03Z")

</div>

@MatticsAnimations Just in case, if it’s possible for you can you share the file itself so I can inspect it? also please make sure to download the most recent version of Pencil2D at

> **[Download](https://www.pencil2d.org/download/)**
>
> An easy, intuitive tool to make 2D hand-drawn animations.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![JoseMoreno](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/user_avatar/discuss.pencil2d.org/josemoreno/32/7_2.png) [@JoseMoreno](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/u/JoseMoreno)\
**Post date:** [19 September 2021 02:16 UTC](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/t/my-frames-are-just-randomly-disappearing/5894/11 "2021-09-19T02:16:53Z")

</div>

@MatticsAnimations No please don’t close the program nor save over the previous file, or you’ll overwrite your save file with empty frames.

Please let me know if you’re using Windows or MacOS

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![MatticsAnimations](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/m/41988e/32.png) [@MatticsAnimations](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/u/MatticsAnimations)\
**Post date:** [19 September 2021 02:17 UTC](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/t/my-frames-are-just-randomly-disappearing/5894/12 "2021-09-19T02:17:47Z")

</div>

it says new users cant upload files

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![JoseMoreno](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/user_avatar/discuss.pencil2d.org/josemoreno/32/7_2.png) [@JoseMoreno](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/u/JoseMoreno)\
**Post date:** [19 September 2021 02:19 UTC](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/t/my-frames-are-just-randomly-disappearing/5894/13 "2021-09-19T02:19:10Z")

</div>

@MatticsAnimations Please upload it here [www.wetransfer.com](http://www.wetransfer.com) and use the anonymous link option. The file itself will be delete din 7 days automatically

[https://wetransfer.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004254743-How-do-I-send-a-link-transfer-](https://wetransfer.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004254743-How-do-I-send-a-link-transfer-)

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![MatticsAnimations](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/m/41988e/32.png) [@MatticsAnimations](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/u/MatticsAnimations)\
**Post date:** [19 September 2021 02:19 UTC](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/t/my-frames-are-just-randomly-disappearing/5894/15 "2021-09-19T02:19:47Z")

</div>

wait what do you mean deleted like the project itself deleted?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![JoseMoreno](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/user_avatar/discuss.pencil2d.org/josemoreno/32/7_2.png) [@JoseMoreno](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/u/JoseMoreno)\
**Post date:** [19 September 2021 02:21 UTC](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/t/my-frames-are-just-randomly-disappearing/5894/16 "2021-09-19T02:21:50Z")

</div>

@MatticsAnimations Yes, if you get random frames erased, and you save over it will be saved as if the frame is empty.

I’m asking not to save over right now but make a backup of the file you originally opened (copy / past in the file explorer), then if you’re on windows please follow the Guide recovery procedure to get to the temporary files folder and find the actual images on that folder, then copy those to make sure you wont’ lose new work you’ve done.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![MatticsAnimations](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/m/41988e/32.png) [@MatticsAnimations](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/u/MatticsAnimations)\
**Post date:** [19 September 2021 02:22 UTC](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/t/my-frames-are-just-randomly-disappearing/5894/17 "2021-09-19T02:22:20Z")

</div>

no i meant on wetransfer like you said the file itslef will be deleted in 7 days

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![JoseMoreno](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/user_avatar/discuss.pencil2d.org/josemoreno/32/7_2.png) [@JoseMoreno](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/u/JoseMoreno)\
**Post date:** [19 September 2021 02:24 UTC](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/t/my-frames-are-just-randomly-disappearing/5894/18 "2021-09-19T02:24:24Z")

</div>

@MatticsAnimations Ah right, yes the file will delete itself automatically on the cloud, it’s so you don’t worry about someone else accessing it or forgetting to delete it yourself. I didn’t mean it would erase the project on your computer, that’s not how cloud services work, fortunately 🙂

If you upload to wetransfer and send me the link I can share the file to the developers so they can inspect if it’s a problem with the file as well. The potential problems on your computer I can think of I’ve already mentioned as well as potential solutions.

As for export I’ll try to export myself as well and send you the video for inspection.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![MatticsAnimations](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/m/41988e/32.png) [@MatticsAnimations](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/u/MatticsAnimations)\
**Post date:** [19 September 2021 02:25 UTC](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/t/my-frames-are-just-randomly-disappearing/5894/19 "2021-09-19T02:25:47Z")

</div>

The last reply:

Okay great thanks for your help, I will let you know when I am done and HOPEFULLY in future projects it will be fine.

My overall thoughts:

The file is big, but I’m not even halfway done with the animation. which is wack, also im afraid if i save while it is white on me im afraid that it will delete those missing frames. If it is the antivirus stuff ill gladly check out the solution you sent.

Best of luck, Matt.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![JoseMoreno](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/user_avatar/discuss.pencil2d.org/josemoreno/32/7_2.png) [@JoseMoreno](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/u/JoseMoreno)\
**Post date:** [19 September 2021 02:27 UTC](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/t/my-frames-are-just-randomly-disappearing/5894/20 "2021-09-19T02:27:19Z")

</div>

@MatticsAnimations Alright give me a few minutes i’ll download, inspect and try to export. BRB.

Meanwhile however please try the suggested steps to salvage your work in case there are still drawings in the temp folder that weren’t saved on the latest version of your file.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![JoseMoreno](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/user_avatar/discuss.pencil2d.org/josemoreno/32/7_2.png) [@JoseMoreno](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/u/JoseMoreno)\
**Post date:** [19 September 2021 02:35 UTC](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/t/my-frames-are-just-randomly-disappearing/5894/21 "2021-09-19T02:35:14Z")

</div>

@MatticsAnimations Hey, can you check if this exported video file has all the things it should have?

> **[MatticsAnimations.mp4](https://wetransfer.com/downloads/077e315ff52264cf5c811213af85593520210919023329/8241fb)**
>
> 1 file sent via WeTransfer, the simplest way to send your files around the world

I only saw one frame that could potentially have a background missing and it was when the camera zooms onto a paper, when it zooms back out the conference room is no longer there, but that’s easily fixable by deleting the blank frame since the previous drawing is the same room.

Edit: By the way I didn’t export the entire animation until the end of the soundtrack, it was exported up until the last drawing only.

[Next page](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/t/my-frames-are-just-randomly-disappearing/5894.md?page=2)
