Adobe InDesign: Bugs
When filing a new bug, please provide:
- Version of Adobe InDesign, InCopy or InDesign Server
- Steps to reproduce the issues
- Expected result
- Actual result
- Test file, screenshot, video or GIF capturing the issue (optional)
- or
No existing idea results
- ~ No ideas found ~
7741 results found
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Pointer disappears / shows unrelated shape after ~10–15 min of use — requires force quit
Environment:
InDesign 21.5.1
macOS Tahoe 26.6.2
Mac Studio, Apple M1 MaxDescription:
After roughly 10–15 minutes of normal use, the pointer stops behaving correctly. No specific action seems to trigger it — it just starts happening during regular work. The pointer either disappears completely or displays a random shape unrelated to the current tool or action. Once this occurs, InDesign becomes unresponsive and the only way to recover is to force quit and relaunch the app.Steps to reproduce:
Open InDesign and work as usual.
Continue working for approximately 10–15 minutes (no specific trigger identified).
Observe the pointer.Expected behavior: Pointer reflects the active tool/action as normal.
Actual behavior: Pointer disappears or shows a random, unrelated shape. InDesign then stops responding and must be force quit.
Workaround: None. Force quit and restart InDesign to restore normal function.
Frequency: Consistent, occurs after ~10–15 minutes of use.
Environment:
InDesign 21.5.1
macOS Tahoe 26.6.2
Mac Studio, Apple M1 MaxDescription:
After roughly 10–15 minutes of normal use, the pointer stops behaving correctly. No specific action seems to trigger it — it just starts happening during regular work. The pointer either disappears completely or displays a random shape unrelated to the current tool or action. Once this occurs, InDesign becomes unresponsive and the only way to recover is to force quit and relaunch the app.Steps to reproduce:
Open InDesign and work as usual.
Continue working for approximately 10–15 minutes (no specific trigger identified).
Observe the pointer.Expected behavior:…
2 votes -
Incorrect PDF Tagging for Tables Split Across Pages with Repeated Header Rows
When exporting a tagged PDF from InDesign, tables that span multiple pages and use repeated header rows are tagged incorrectly.
Instead of generating a single table structure, the exported PDF creates repeated <THead> and <TBody> elements within the same table:
<Table>
├─ <THead>
├─ <TBody>
├─ <THead>
└─ <TBody>This results in an invalid or semantically incorrect table structure for PDF accessibility.
Expected Behavior:
Option 1 (structurally correct, though not ideal semantically):
Each table continuation on a new page should be exported as a separate table:<Table>
├─ <THead>
└─ <TBody>
<Table>
├─ <THead>
└─ <TBody>Option 2 (preferred, semantically and structurally correct):
The entire table should be exported as a single tagged table:<Table>
├─ <THead>
└─ <TBody>In this case, the automatically repeated visual table header on subsequent pages should be marked as an Artifact and not be included as a second <THead> element in the tag structure.
Impact:
The current tagging can lead to accessibility issues, incorrect table semantics, and potential PDF/UA compliance problems for assistive technologies.When exporting a tagged PDF from InDesign, tables that span multiple pages and use repeated header rows are tagged incorrectly.
Instead of generating a single table structure, the exported PDF creates repeated <THead> and <TBody> elements within the same table:
<Table>
├─ <THead>
├─ <TBody>
├─ <THead>
└─ <TBody>This results in an invalid or semantically incorrect table structure for PDF accessibility.
Expected Behavior:
Option 1 (structurally correct, though not ideal semantically):
Each table continuation on a new page should be exported as a separate table:<Table>
├─ <THead>
└─ <TBody>
<Table>
├─ <THead>
└─ <TBody>Option 2 (preferred,…
2 votes -
UNDO doesn't work and/with cursor issue
Several times a day, at random, my cursor suddenly gets stuck on a tool (while remaining usable). Then UNDO stops working. At that point I can save my document and close it, but I'm forced to quit InDesign via Task Manager and restart it for things to work again.
I updated to version 21.5.1 yesterday, but the problem persists.
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MacBook pro nov 2023
Apple M3 - 8 GoMac OS Tahoe 26.5.1 (25F80)
InDesign 21.5.1
2 votes -
undo not working properly InDesign 2026
Undo not working properly InDesign 2026. It will work upon initially opening the application then randomly stop working with no history. On a Macbook Pro Nov 2024 - OS Tahoe 26.5.1
2 votes -
Undo for Indesign does not work consistently for v21.5.1
Undo for Indesign does not work consistently for v21.5.1. I have to quit and restart. I will work again, but then randomly stop working and I have to restart again. On MacBook Pro Nov 2024, OS Tahoe 26.5.1
2 votes -
Object Export Options / addig Alt Text issues
1) InDesign 21.5 on MacBook Pro Tahoe 26.6.1
I'm experiencing various issues when adding Alt Text to images. The longer I work with the Object Export Options dialog, the more likely it becomes that one or more of the following issues will occur:
A) The Object Export Options dialog is open and an image is selected. The existing Alt Text is highlighted and a new text is entered, but instead of replacing the existing Alt Text, the new text is inserted into a new text frame on the page.
B) An object is selected and the Object Export Options dialog is open. Alt Text is entered, and then the next object is selected. However, the text displayed in the Alt Text field does not update, even though the newly selected object has different Alt Text assigned or no Alt Text at all. The Object Export Options dialog must be closed and reopened before it reflects the correct Alt Text.
C) No object is selected and the Object Export Options dialog is opened. A graphic frame is then selected, but the Alt Text options remain greyed out and cannot be edited.
D) When the Object Export Options dialog is opened with no object selected, all Alt Text-related options sometimes remain greyed out even after selecting different objects.
Feature Requests:
I) Generating Alt Text takes a moment, but there is no visual indication that the generation process is in progress. It is unclear whether clicking the button was successful until the generated text eventually appears. Please add a progress indicator or other visual feedback while Alt Text is being generated.
II) Why is there no keyboard shortcut available for opening the Object Export Options dialog? It would significantly improve accessibility workflows and efficiency when adding Alt Text to large numbers of images.
1) InDesign 21.5 on MacBook Pro Tahoe 26.6.1
I'm experiencing various issues when adding Alt Text to images. The longer I work with the Object Export Options dialog, the more likely it becomes that one or more of the following issues will occur:
A) The Object Export Options dialog is open and an image is selected. The existing Alt Text is highlighted and a new text is entered, but instead of replacing the existing Alt Text, the new text is inserted into a new text frame on the page.
B) An object is selected and the Object Export Options dialog…
2 votes -
InDesign Relink Search do not find files on SMB share
We're experiencing an issue when attempting to relink missing assets stored on an SMB network share.
Environment
Adobe InDesign (Latest Version)
Files stored on an SMB network share.
macOS (Fully up to date)
The Problem
When a linked file is missing and we choose Relink in InDesign, searching for the filename returns no results, even though the file exists on the SMB share.
However:
Finder can locate the file immediately.
Spotlight also finds the file without any issues.
Screenshot 1 Attached – InDesign Relink search returns no results
What We Have Tried
We found a script that can be run from within InDesign. When the script performs a search of the same SMB share, it successfully finds the missing files.
This suggests that InDesign itself can access the share, but the built-in Relink search is behaving differently from the script.
Script Details
Network issue accessing images | https://community.adobe.com/questions-671/network-issue-accessing-images-840124
Screenshot 2 Attached– Script successfully returns search results
Questions
Has anyone encountered this behaviour before?
We're looking for a solution that would allow InDesign's relink process to locate files on an SMB share. Possible solutions could include:
A preference or macOS setting we've overlooked.
An enhanced version of the script that could automate the relinking process after locating the files.
A third-party plug-in or utility that improves the Relink workflow with network shares.
All suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated.
We're experiencing an issue when attempting to relink missing assets stored on an SMB network share.
Environment
Adobe InDesign (Latest Version)
Files stored on an SMB network share.
macOS (Fully up to date)
The Problem
When a linked file is missing and we choose Relink in InDesign, searching for the filename returns no results, even though the file exists on the SMB share.
However:
Finder can locate the file immediately.
Spotlight also finds the file without any issues.
Screenshot 1 Attached – InDesign Relink search returns no results
What We Have Tried
We found a script that can be run…
2 votes -
multiple files not placing correctly when placing multi-page pdf into frames
I found this error posted as a bug; since that post was from 2022 with a version of inDesign well past I'm making a new post.
Adobe InDesign version 21.4.1
I need to impose several 2 sided cards for printing.
File>Place... Select multiple pdfs - Open
Place PDF - Choose All under Pages - Repeat for all placed items (doing 4 in my example)OK so in recording for this post I figured out that if I place on to blank pages, this didn't happen -- all pages of all 4 pdfs placed for 8 total. If I do my usual habit of placing the crop marks and a frame on a parent page, then place my multiple pdfs into frames on the main pages so I can step and repeat them all, it SKIPS EVERY OTHER PDF. :( Placing into an empty frame ensured correct placement and saved me a step.
The unplaced pdf files show up in the links menu but are otherwise in an inaccessible limbo.
I found this error posted as a bug; since that post was from 2022 with a version of inDesign well past I'm making a new post.
Adobe InDesign version 21.4.1
I need to impose several 2 sided cards for printing.
File>Place... Select multiple pdfs - Open
Place PDF - Choose All under Pages - Repeat for all placed items (doing 4 in my example)OK so in recording for this post I figured out that if I place on to blank pages, this didn't happen -- all pages of all 4 pdfs placed for 8 total. If I do my…
2 votes -
InDesign illogically selects guideline instead of a line drawn on it
We use the line tool to draw change bars along a guideline in page margins. I just needed to copy one, but found that InDesign was selecting the guideline instead of the line drawn on it, which I was clicking on.
Nothing was locked, and nothing was on separate layers, etc.
Please fix this defect.
2 votes -
Display glitch when multiple files open
This has been most noticeable when we have multiple files open simultaneously. We work in a two-screen setup, so each of my team members will have the main INDD window on one screen and a reference INDD file on the second screen. As you're working in the main file, it will glitch at a diagonal to where most of your document is not visible. (see screenshot). This has been happening constantly for at least a month, if not longer. Version 21.4.1
2 votes -
2 votes
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Epub Export Via InDesign Images are Left Instead of Center Aligned
Since installing 21.4.1 a week ago, reproducible Indesign export to reflowable ePub:
all images align LEFT despite export settings align center and object export custom align center.
I rolled back to 21.4, same result.
Rolled back to 21.3, issue resolved.
It's a bug.2 votes -
Color Picker eyedropper freezes UI — invisible modal dialog blocks all interaction and saving
Version:
Adobe InDesign 21.4.1 / 2026 — macOS Tahoe 26.5.1, Apple Silicon M1 MaxSteps to reproduce:
Select an object with a fill color.
Double-click the Fill color swatch in the Tools panel to open the Color Picker dialog.
Try to sample a color from the document using the eyedropper inside the Color Picker.
Nothing happens (the eyedropper does not pick up any color).
Close the Color Picker dialog.Expected result:
The eyedropper samples the color under the cursor and applies it. After closing the dialog, the UI is fully responsive again.Actual result:
After closing the Color Picker, InDesign becomes unresponsive to all commands. Some UI elements are clickable but no action executes — menu items are greyed out or only trigger a warning beep. Menu commands (Save, Window > Arrange, etc.) do not respond. Attempting to quit triggers the warning "Die Anforderung kann nicht bearbeitet werden, da ein modales Dialogfeld oder eine modale Warnmeldung aktiv ist." ("The request cannot be processed because a modal dialog or modal alert is active."), but no such dialog is visible anywhere on screen or on any connected display. It appears an invisible modal dialog remains active and locks the whole application, blocking even saving.
Workaround found: The document tabs remain clickable — clicking the tab's close (×) triggers the normal "save changes?" prompt, which allows saving the file before force-quitting. Without this, all unsaved progress would be lost.
- Attachment: Screenshot of the modal warning attached.
Version:
Adobe InDesign 21.4.1 / 2026 — macOS Tahoe 26.5.1, Apple Silicon M1 MaxSteps to reproduce:
Select an object with a fill color.
Double-click the Fill color swatch in the Tools panel to open the Color Picker dialog.
Try to sample a color from the document using the eyedropper inside the Color Picker.
Nothing happens (the eyedropper does not pick up any color).
Close the Color Picker dialog.Expected result:
The eyedropper samples the color under the cursor and applies it. After closing the dialog, the UI is fully responsive again.Actual result:
After closing the Color Picker, InDesign…
2 votes -
INDESIGN 21.4 CRASH
-When I change the image, the spinning wheel appears instead of the arrow cursor.
-During use, the program stops working, freezes completely, and I can't even close the window; I can only close the program via Task Manager.
-Sometimes it doesn't write text; I can select and delete, but it doesn't write.I have also worked with larger files in the past with previous versions of InDesign without any problems.
It's impossibile to work!
2 votes -
Taking much time to load, i have to wait until loading completes.
I have been using InDesign since 3 years and have handled a lot more heavy files. From 2 days, i have been facing a problem that after placing the subject in frame box, the InDesign starts loading and till the time checking not completed i am unable to do anything else. This is more frustrating because the file is not too heavy.
2 votes -
2 votes
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In the "Share for editing": Track changes feature required
Since many people are going to work on the "Share for editing" feature, there needs to be a log of what changes are made on the cloud so that the designed within INdesign is aware of it once the changes are synced
2 votes -
Justification Alternates (jalt) ignored by the HarfBuzz World-Ready shaping workflow
In the recent InDesign versions Adobe has introduced HarfBuzz as the default text shaping engine but the Justification alternates feature is now not working in OpenType fonts at all, we have confirmed it by testing with several Arabic fonts. For Adobe legacy text rendering engine this feature still works seamlessly but not for Harfbuzz
It has disturbed all the Arabic users past documents.I have attached a test Arabic document with Adobe Naskh font, as this font has justification alternates feature.
Apply the World-Ready Paragraph Composer.
Justify the Arabic paragraph.
In Arabic Enabled InDesign set the Insert Kashidas to: None (image attached)
Enable Justification Alternates. (image attached)Compare the broken result under HarfBuzz with the correct result under Legacy Text Shaping.
In the recent InDesign versions Adobe has introduced HarfBuzz as the default text shaping engine but the Justification alternates feature is now not working in OpenType fonts at all, we have confirmed it by testing with several Arabic fonts. For Adobe legacy text rendering engine this feature still works seamlessly but not for Harfbuzz
It has disturbed all the Arabic users past documents.I have attached a test Arabic document with Adobe Naskh font, as this font has justification alternates feature.
Apply the World-Ready Paragraph Composer.
Justify the Arabic paragraph.
In Arabic Enabled InDesign set the Insert Kashidas to: None…2 votes -
Screen does not refresh in all cases
Every now and then, InDesign shows things in a previous state, which is very confusing.
E..g. when adding a page break, the break is added, but the text remains, until the document is scrolled. The screen does not seem to refresh after this action.I am on a Mac Studio M3 Ultra, InDesign 21.4
2 votes -
Cursore cambia in clessidra
Versone 21.4 x 64
Il cursore si trasforma in clessidra e resta così per tutto il tempo rendendo impossibile comprendere ad esempio i punti di input del testo.
Ho provato ad installare nuovamente il software ma il problema è sempre lì.
Credo anche che sia correlato alla presenza di immagini nel documento poichè mi pare che a volte inizi da quando si inseriscono immagini.Per favore aiuto perché non si riesce a lavorare così.
Grazie
2 votes
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