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displaced7
Inspiring
March 4, 2020
Question

AI files will not import into InDesign

  • March 4, 2020
  • 4 replies
  • 2459 views

I have a few very important AI files that I need to import into ID.  I have been using versions of these files for years with no problem but now they will not import.  I get the infamous "Failed to open PDF file".

 

AI file is the latest CC version, saved with PDF compatibility and ICC profiles.

ID is the latest version.

 

I tried down saving the AI file to CS6 and using an older ID, but still no go.

 

 

What is the problem?  How do I fix this?  It's a 2gb AI file with dozens of layers, it cannot be remade.

This topic has been closed for replies.

4 replies

L
Community Expert
LaubenderCommunity Expert
Community Expert
March 4, 2020

Hi Bob,

FWIW: Some features in Illustrator require embedded images.

Like Illustrator symbols or the image cropping feature. Other features require symbols, so it's not that easy to go without embedded images at all.

 

Regards,
Uwe Laubender

( ACP )

D
displaced7Author
Inspiring
March 4, 2020

I believe I found a workaround.  I split the AI file into 2 files, one 750mb, one 1.25gb.

 

I'll assume that this must be a bug with ID.  Very annoying.  Hopefully this is fixed soon.

BobLevine
Community Expert
BobLevineCommunity Expert
Community Expert
March 4, 2020

750 megs? 1.25 gigs?

 

What the hell is in those files?

    D
    displaced7Author
    Inspiring
    March 4, 2020

    Mostly images, all linked (very, very rarely would I embed images, that would make the file sizes exponentially larger), some linked logos, very little text.  Illustrator files balloon very quickly.  I'd say, on average, our files are 500mb+.  I've yet to find a software that file sizes don't balloon as the file grows.

    BobLevine
    Community Expert
    BobLevineCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    March 4, 2020

    Select show options when placing the file. The settings there are sticky and if the PDF does not conform to the choices already there, you'll get that error.

      D
      displaced7Author
      Inspiring
      March 4, 2020

      I always do but it won't go past that (it pops up the error message).

      Dov Isaacs
      Dov Isaacs
      Legend
      March 4, 2020

      Try re-opening the .AI file in Illustrator and save a copy as PDF using the PDF/X-4 joboptions (don't convert to CMYK). Place the resultant PDF directly in InDesign.

       

      - Dov Isaacs, former Adobe Principal Scientist (April 30, 1990 - May 30, 2021)
        D
        displaced7Author
        Inspiring
        March 4, 2020

        I get the same error with the PDF

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