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November 23, 2025
Question

Error message "unable to set boundary box" appears when placing PDF file into InDesign:

  • November 23, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 105 views

I have been trying to place a PDF file into InDesign, and it converts 9/10 pages into .indd format successfully, but then the error message "unable to set boundary box" appears. I am unable to close it or click anything behind the screen to try and ungroup objects or see what is causing the issue.

1 reply

Willi Adelberger
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 23, 2025

Which program was the PDF creator? Some programs dail to write correct PDF boxes, like   Canva. You can repair those files in Acrobat Pro > Preflight. 

November 23, 2025

Hello! The PDF was saved on Adobe Acrobat.