When going to “Open” and selecting a file a blank window opens with no data in it at all

[TonyT]

I’ve been using Sublime text regularly for years but have encountered this issue and need some help please. I must confess I’ve taken it for granted after so long as it has always open my files.

I’ve had to do a complete delete and re-install of my system (Mac OS) and I’ve downloaded & installed a fresh version2 (build 1469) and tried to open any of my existing files all edited in the past with the app.

When going to “Open” and selecting the file a blank window opens with no data in it at all.

The name of the file appears in the side bar but that’s all.

Same app works as ‘normal’ on my MBA.

[bschaaf]

Build 1469 doesn’t exist. What does it show in Sublime Text > About Sublime Text?

[TonyT]

Ooops! Sorry, big typo.
It’s Build 4169
Regards,
TonyT

[TonyT]

The same build still functions perfectly on my MacBook in that I can open my files and see the contents.
Just in case this helps.
Many thanks

[bschaaf]

Does it work in safe mode?

[TonyT]

I’ve re-launched the app in safe mode (holding down alt key) but the same blank screen continues.
Same app, same build on a different Mac works as normal.
Many thanks

[bschaaf]

Can you provide a screenshot of the blank screen?

[TonyT]

Screenshot showing 2 open files with invisible content!
I haven’t got around to registering this new copy yet.
13|690x422

[TonyT]

[bschaaf]

Do you see any errors in the console (View > Show Console)? Have you confirmed that those files aren’t in fact empty using a different program?

[TonyT]

Hi,
I’ve just been using the app on my laptop and it’s working perfectly in that I’ve edited a couple of pages.
This is what “cosole” states:-
startup, version: 4169 osx x64 channel: stable
executable: /Applications/Sublime Text.app/Contents/MacOS/sublime_text
application: /Applications/Sublime Text.app
working dir: /
packages path: /Users/tonyt/Library/Application Support/Sublime Text/Packages
state path: /Users/tonyt/Library/Application Support/Sublime Text/Local
zip path: /Applications/Sublime Text.app/Contents/MacOS/Packages
zip path: /Users/tonyt/Library/Application Support/Sublime Text/Installed Packages
ignored_packages: [“Vintage”]
pre session restore time: 0.264674
OpenGL Context Information:
GL API Version: 4.1 ATI-5.5.17
GLSL Version: 4.10
Vendor: ATI Technologies Inc.
Renderer: AMD Radeon Pro 5300 OpenGL Engine
startup time: 0.344671
first paint time: 0.360903
environment variables loaded using: /bin/zsh -l
reloading plugin Default.arithmetic
reloading plugin Default.auto_indent_tag
reloading plugin Default.block
reloading plugin Default.colors
reloading plugin Default.comment
reloading plugin Default.convert_color_scheme
reloading plugin Default.convert_syntax
reloading plugin Default.copy_path
reloading plugin Default.echo
reloading plugin Default.exec
reloading plugin Default.fold
reloading plugin Default.font
reloading plugin Default.goto_line
reloading plugin Default.history_list
reloading plugin Default.html_print
reloading plugin Default.indentation
reloading plugin Default.install_package_control
reloading plugin Default.keymap
reloading plugin Default.kill_ring
reloading plugin Default.mark
reloading plugin Default.new_templates
reloading plugin Default.open_context_url
reloading plugin Default.open_in_browser
reloading plugin Default.pane
reloading plugin Default.paragraph
reloading plugin Default.paste_from_history
reloading plugin Default.profile
reloading plugin Default.quick_panel
reloading plugin Default.rename
reloading plugin Default.run_syntax_tests
reloading plugin Default.save_on_focus_lost
reloading plugin Default.scroll
reloading plugin Default.set_unsaved_view_name
reloading plugin Default.settings
reloading plugin Default.show_scope_name
reloading plugin Default.side_bar
reloading plugin Default.sort
reloading plugin Default.switch_file
reloading plugin Default.symbol
reloading plugin Default.transform
reloading plugin Default.transpose
reloading plugin Default.ui
reloading plugin CSS.css_completions
reloading plugin Diff.diff
reloading plugin HTML.encode_html_entities
reloading plugin HTML.html_completions
plugins loaded

[TonyT]

The app also worked OK on this same iMac pror to my doing a complete system re-install.
(All other applications are working normally)
Thanks for your continuing assistance.

[bschaaf]

Have you confirmed that those files aren’t in fact empty using a different program?

[TonyT]

No, all 60 plus of my pages are still available and editable using the app on another computer.
I’ve just finished doing just that.
Only after installing afresh on the iMac are the pages unpopulated with data readily available on other computers.
Very puzzling.

[TonyT]

Both Macs are using the same Mac OS version by the way.

[bschaaf]

It doesn’t matter if the files are editable on another computer, it matters what those files are on the computer you’re having this issue on. I suspect whatever you’re using to sync files is not working.

[TonyT]

I think I’ve found the culprit!
I use Sublime in conjunction with DropBox and Site44 which is where all my files are stored.
Please see:

How to open online-only files on macOS

By following the advice therin the pages are now populated.
This is strange as I had never had to do this on the laptop.
Very many thanks for your time and patience… much obliged.
Tony