# ImageKit "still preparing image" error even after retry **URL:** \ **Category:** General\ **Created:** [May 1, 2026, 6:55am UTC](https://community.imagekit.io/t/imagekit-still-preparing-image-error-even-after-retry/278 "2026-05-01T06:55:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![AyushPatel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/aeb1de/32.png) [@AyushPatel](https://community.imagekit.io/u/AyushPatel)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2026, 6:55am UTC](https://community.imagekit.io/t/imagekit-still-preparing-image-error-even-after-retry/278/1 "2026-05-01T06:55:52Z")
Hello, I am using ImageKit free plan with transformations like: - e-retouch - e-sharpen - e-upscale When I apply AI edit, I get this error: “ImageKit is still preparing the image. Please wait and try again.” I have already: - Added retry logic - Added delay before fetch - Tried new images and old images - Checked internet (working fine) But still this issue keeps happening. Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not. Is this normal behavior for first-time transformation or is there any fix? Because I had edited yestarday more than 20 images and it all edited but why it started showing this error is any getting this error and when it will fix Thank you. ---
**Author:** ![Demo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e47774/32.png) [@Demo](https://community.imagekit.io/u/Demo)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2026, 11:12am UTC](https://community.imagekit.io/t/imagekit-still-preparing-image-error-even-after-retry/278/2 "2026-05-05T11:12:43Z")
Hi AI Transformations can take time to apply for the first time depending on input image / resolution, and the AI operation. Usually it would work after a few seconds. Please check - [AI Transformations (beta)](https://imagekit.io/docs/ai-transformations#limitations-and-considerations). Also confirm that your free account has sufficient extension units available to process new AI transformations.