
Paint Tool Sai 2 is a popular software for digital creators, especially those in the anime and sketch communities. However, many users have reported issues with saving their work. This may be due to the software saving in a different file format from its predecessor, requiring a separate license, or another unknown bug. The saving issue has been a cause for concern for many users, who have taken to online forums to seek solutions and workarounds. While some have suggested fixes, others have pointed to it being a Windows issue rather than a problem with the software itself.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | $45 US |
| File format | .sai2 |
| Maximum canvas size (64-bit version) | 100,000 x 100,000 px |
| Maximum canvas size (32-bit version) | 10,000 x 10,000 px |
| Installation instructions | Do not put SAI in the program folders. Place SAI's folder on the C Drive. |
| Saving instructions | Go to File > Uncheck "Always Use FileViewer". Try selecting another folder other than the desktop. |
| License | Requires a different certificate that can be reissued from the Systemax website. |
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What You'll Learn
- Save files in Paint Tool SAI 2 use a different format from SAI 1
- SAI 2 requires a different certificate, reissued from the Systemax website
- You can unlock all features with a new license file generated from the website
- Try saving to a new folder and copy the 'path' to that folder
- Make sure to place the SAI folder on the C Drive

Save files in Paint Tool SAI 2 use a different format from SAI 1
Paint Tool SAI 2 saves files in a different format from SAI 1. The file extension for SAI 2 is ".sai2", whereas SAI 1 files are saved with the extension ".sai". This difference in file format means that users cannot get things mixed up between the two versions.
To unlock the save features in Paint Tool SAI 2, you must first purchase a license for the software. The cost for the license is $45 US. Once you have obtained the license, follow these steps:
- Find your Software License Number and your Password.
- Copy this information and paste it into the necessary fields.
- After the file has downloaded, navigate to your Documents -> SYSTEMAX Software Development folder -> Sai2 Demo.
- Create a new Canvas and attempt to save it.
- If you see the "Save As" function, it means you have successfully unlocked the save features.
It is important to note that some sources suggest placing the SAI folder on the C Drive rather than in the program folders. Additionally, when starting the application, you may encounter a warning message stating that it is a restricted version due to the lack of a license. Simply click continue, and the program should start without issue.
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SAI 2 requires a different certificate, reissued from the Systemax website
Paint Tool SAI 2 requires a different certificate to its predecessor, which can be reissued from the Systemax website. This is because SAI2 saves in a different file format from SAI 1. To unlock all features, you will need to generate a new license file on the website. This is done using your purchase email and the system ID supplied by SAI2.
To do this, first, extract everything to a folder. You can put it on your desktop or your C Drive. Then, start the Sai2.exe application. You should get a warning that it's a restricted version because you don't have a license. Click continue, and the program should start. Find your Software License Number and your Password and enter them into the necessary field. After the file has downloaded, go to your Documents -> SYSTEMAX Software Development folder -> Sai2 Demo.
Make sure to back up your brushes and settings before unlocking the save feature. To do this, go to Documents/SYSTEMAX Software Development/SAI2 Demo and copy the contents somewhere else. Then, enter your new System ID and place that within the SAI 2 folder. Now, make a new canvas and try to save it. If you have the "Save As" function visible, you've done it right!
Reissuing the certificate is free and can be done multiple times a month or year.
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You can unlock all features with a new license file generated from the website
To unlock all features in Paint Tool SAI 2, you will need to purchase a license. The cost of the license is $45 US. The Paint Tool SAI website is not very clear about how to purchase the license for version 2. However, you can purchase the license for version 1, and version 2 will be included as a freebie.
Once you have purchased the license for version 1, you will need to generate a new license file for version 2 on the website. This will be based on your purchase email and the system ID supplied by SAI2.
To do this, go to the main page of the Paint Tool SAI website and scroll down until you see a section named "Development room". Click the link, and you will be taken to the v2 page with instructions on how to use your v1 license on v2. Input the generated system ID from Sai 2 to get the SLC file.
After you have downloaded the SLC file, you will need to extract everything to a folder. You can put this folder on your desktop. Go into the folder and start Sai2.exe. You should get a warning that it is a restricted version because you don't have a license. Click continue, and the program should start.
Now, find your Software License Number and your Password. Copy these and put them in the necessary fields. After the file has downloaded, go to your Documents -> SYSTEMAX Software Development folder -> Sai2 Demo. Make a new canvas and try to save it. You should now have the demo version of Sai 2 with save features.
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Try saving to a new folder and copy the 'path' to that folder
If you are having trouble unlocking the save function in Paint Tool Sai 2, try saving to a new folder and copying the path to that folder.
Firstly, make sure not to put SAI in the program folders. Instead, place the SAI folder on your C Drive (hard drive alone). Then, go to your Documents folder, and find the SYSTEMAX Software Development folder. If you cannot find this, you may need to download the file again and ensure that you extract everything to a folder. Once you have located the SYSTEMAX Software Development folder, find the Sai2 Demo folder. This should include "settings.ssd".
Now, make a new canvas and try to save it. If you are able to see the Save As function, then you have successfully enabled the save features. If you cannot see the "Save As" function, you may need to try saving to a new folder and copying the path to that folder.
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Make sure to place the SAI folder on the C Drive
When installing Paint Tool SAI 2, it is important to note the location where you place the SAI folder. While you may be inclined to put it in the program folders, it is recommended to place the SAI folder directly on the C Drive (hard drive). This means that the folder path would typically look like "C:/PaintToolSAI/.html".
By placing the SAI folder on the C Drive, you can avoid potential issues with saving files. Some users have reported problems when trying to save .sai files or other formats in folders inside the hard drive, only to be directed to images on the PC that are not in the intended hard drive folders. Keeping the SAI folder on the C Drive ensures a more straightforward file management system, making it easier to locate and manage your SAI-related files.
Additionally, placing the SAI folder on the C Drive can simplify the installation and uninstallation process for additional tools or extensions. For example, when installing SaiThumbs, an extension for Paint Tool SAI, it is recommended to have the .dll file located in a stable location, such as next to your Sai installation folder. This way, if you need to uninstall SaiThumbs, you can simply double-click on the "uninstall.bat" file located in the same folder.
It is worth noting that the installation process for Paint Tool SAI 2 may vary depending on the source from which you downloaded the software. Some sources may provide specific instructions on where to place the SAI folder, so it is always a good idea to refer to the documentation or support forums associated with your chosen download source. However, as a general guideline, placing the SAI folder on the C Drive can help ensure a smoother installation and file management experience.
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Frequently asked questions
You need to generate another license file on the website, using your purchase email and the system ID supplied by SAI2.
You can find this within the SAI 2 folder.
It costs $45 US.
SAI 2 saves in a different file format from SAI 1, with the file extension ".sai2".






































