blank screen when switching displays
When I have a file open in InDesign 2025 on my MacBook Pro (14-inch, Nov 2023, 15.3.1) and switch between using the built-in display and an external monitor, the document view becomes completely black/blank, though all toolbars remain visible and functional.
Steps to Reproduce:
1. Open a file in InDesign on a MacBook Pro.
2. Close the MacBook lid, connect to an external monitor, and wake the computer.
3. The InDesign window stays open, toolbars are visible, but the artwork area is completely blank.
4. Selecting all (Cmd + A) reveals bounding boxes, but no image or text is visible.
This also happens in reverse:
• If I’m working on an external monitor, then unplug it and open the MacBook to work, the same issue occurs.
• My MacBook is always closed when connected to an external display, and I use an external keyboard and trackpad.
Expected Result:
• The document area should remain visible and fully functional when switching between the MacBook’s display and an external monitor without needing to restart InDesign.
Actual Result:
• The document area turns black/blank, preventing any interaction with the artwork.
• Toolbars, menus, and selection boxes remain functional, but the contents of the document are completely invisible.
Temporary Workaround:
• Saving the file, quitting InDesign, and reopening fixes the issue temporarily.
Additional Info:
• OS, external display firmware, and InDesign are all up to date and have been happening for over a year.
• Issue persists across different external monitors.
• Unclear if this is an Adobe or macOS issue.
There is a thread here with other people having the same exact issue:
https://community.adobe.com/t5/indesign-discussions/indesign-blank-window-when-switching-displays/td-p/14394779