After Effects Error 83::2: Full Fix Guide for Font & Cache Issues

Complete troubleshooting guide for font-related crashes and memory leak errors

Quick Fix Summary

1. Remove problematic fonts: Delete Type 1/corrupted/non-standard fonts, replace with OTF/TTF
2. Clear Adobe font cache: Delete AdobeFnt*.lst files and restart After Effects
3. Rebuild Windows font cache: Remove FontCache*.dat and FNTCACHE.DAT files
4. Safe mode/Reset preferences: Run with plugins disabled → Reset settings if needed
5. Check sync/permissions: Disable Sync Settings, test with admin privileges
6. Update everything: After Effects, Creative Cloud, and fonts

Error Symptoms and Message Types

The 83::2 error can appear in various forms:

• ATM Parse Error (83::2) or cannot access font (83::2)
• CT bad param: invalid glyphID (83::2)
• string memory leak (83::2) (popup when closing the program)

Method 1: Identify and Replace Problem Fonts (Type 1 → OTF/TTF)

Since 2023, modern Adobe applications no longer support PostScript Type 1 fonts. Additionally, fonts with non-alphanumeric characters in their internal names can trigger 83::2 errors.

1. Go to Settings → Personalization → Fonts and remove recently installed fonts (especially Type 1/custom fonts)
2. Replace any missing or problematic fonts in your project with OTF/TTF alternatives
3. If using third-party font management software (like Extensis), temporarily disable it for testing

Method 2: Delete Adobe Font Cache (AdobeFnt*.lst)

Adobe applications store font information in AdobeFnt*.lst cache files. When these files become corrupted, After Effects can't properly recognize fonts, causing 83::2 errors.

⚠️ Important: AdobeFnt*.lst cache files are created not only in common folders but also in user-specific AppData folders!

File paths to delete (check all locations):

📁 Common folders:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\TypeSupport\
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\PDFL\<version>\Fonts\
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\PDFL\<version>\CMAPS\

📁 User-specific AppData folder (must check!):
C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\

📁 User local cache (app/version specific):
C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Adobe\TypeSupport\

💡 Search entire drive for "AdobeFnt" → Delete all found *.lst files
   (folder/file names may vary by app/version)

💡 Tip: Make sure to delete AdobeFnt*.lst files in the AppData\Roaming\Adobe folder as well. These files are automatically regenerated when the program starts, so it's safe to delete them.

Deleting AdobeFnt.lst Cache Files in Windows Explorer

Method 3: Rebuild Windows Font Cache (Step-by-Step)

Windows OS font cache corruption can also cause After Effects errors. Follow these steps in order:

1. Stop Font Cache Services

GUI Method: In Services (services.msc):

• Windows Font Cache Service
• Windows Presentation Foundation Font Cache 3.0.0.0
• Stop both services

CMD (Administrator) Method:

net stop FontCache
net stop "Windows Presentation Foundation Font Cache 3.0.0.0"

※ If the second service doesn't exist, ignore it

Stopping FontCache Services and Deleting Cache Files in Windows

2. Delete Cache Files

Explorer Method:

• Delete FontCache\*.dat in %WinDir%\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\
• Delete FNTCACHE.DAT in %WinDir%\System32\

CMD (Administrator) Method:

DEL /Q "%WinDir%\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\FontCache\*.dat"
DEL /Q "%WinDir%\System32\FNTCACHE.DAT"

3. Restart Services or Reboot

GUI Method: Verify both services are set to Automatic/Running

CMD (Administrator) Method:

net start FontCache

※ Services automatically restart on reboot

4. Verification

Font loading may be slightly slower on first boot (normal). Restart After Effects to check if the error persists.

Method 4: Safe Mode and Plugin Check, Reset Preferences

Third-party plugins or corrupted preference files can also cause 83::2 errors.

Safe Mode Launch Method:

1. Use the Start-up Repair menu when launching After Effects to enter Safe Mode.
2. When the Starting in Safe Mode window appears, select "Disable 3rd party plugins during session".
3. Click OK to run with all third-party plugins disabled.
4. If errors persist, perform a preference reset (hold Ctrl+Alt+Shift during startup).

💡 Tip: If the error resolves in safe mode, a specific plugin is likely the cause. Re-enable plugins one by one afterward to identify the problematic one.

After Effects Startup Repair Menu with Safe Mode Option

Method 5: Sync and Permission Issues

• If string memory leak (83::2) messages only appear when closing the program, try selectively disabling Preferences → Sync Settings (not mandatory; label may vary by version).
• Test running After Effects with administrator privileges to see if symptoms improve.

Method 6: Update Programs and Fonts

Check for updates to After Effects and all installed fonts in the Creative Cloud desktop application and update to the latest versions. Recent updates may include font-related bug fixes.

Resolution Verification Checklist

• 83::2 error no longer occurs when opening projects
• All problematic fonts have been replaced with OTF/TTF formats
• Confirmed AdobeFnt*.lst files have been regenerated (both common and user folders)
• Windows font cache files have been properly regenerated
• Individual plugin re-activation works normally

Additional Troubleshooting Tips

• Backup project files: Always backup your current project files before starting the troubleshooting process
• Step-by-step testing: After completing each step, restart After Effects and check if the error is resolved
• System reboot: It's recommended to completely reboot the system after font cache-related operations
• Creative Cloud logout/login: If sync issues are suspected, try logging out and back into Creative Cloud

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What does the 83::2 error code exactly mean?

Most commonly, it indicates an error occurred during interaction between After Effects' internal font parser or cache system. Sometimes memory leak warnings during program shutdown are also displayed with the 83::2 code.

Q2. Will deleting cache files remove my installed fonts?

No. Cache files (AdobeFnt*.lst, Windows FontCache*.dat) only temporarily store font information and are automatically regenerated after deletion. This is completely different from deleting actual font files.

Q3. Can Type 1 fonts no longer be used?

Modern Adobe applications no longer support Type 1 fonts. Please find and replace them with OTF (OpenType Font) or TTF (TrueType Font) versions of the same typefaces.

Q4. What if I missed cache files in user-specific AppData folders?

Type %AppData% in Windows Explorer to navigate directly to the AppData\Roaming folder. Delete all .lst files starting with AdobeFnt in the Adobe folder within. These files are automatically regenerated when After Effects starts.

Q5. I've tried all the methods above but the error persists?

If the 83::2 error continues after completing all steps, there may be an issue with the specific project file itself or a serious system-level conflict. In this case, contact Adobe official technical support or try transferring your work to a new project file.

Quick Navigation: Error Symptoms · Method 1: Problem Fonts · Method 2: Adobe Cache · Method 3: Windows Cache · Method 4: Safe Mode · Method 5: Sync/Permissions · Method 6: Updates · FAQ