Error on InDesign exported PDF document

Hi Ørjan,

Glad you were able to correct the problem.

That's a great question: how to prevent it in the future.

You gave 2 clues as to what is happening:

1. You tried the file on different computers but the problem persisted. That shows that it was something in the file, not the software or workstation.
2. And you mentioned that it's a large catalog layout.

Catalogs are notoriously complex files--lots of frames, lots of different fonts, lots of graphics, and often with some special effects thrown in. Every element is another string of code. A 1,000 page novel with just text would be a much simpler file than a 128-page catalog!

So consider your files to be "delicate:" any little glitch in the system can cause it to become corrupted. You'd be surprised at what we've had cause glitches over our 30 years in the business: cell phones near bluetooth devices, loose USB plugs, heavy traffic on the file server/network, super-mini power dip, thunderstorms, coffeepot turned on ...

Here are some tips from our working studio that help us avoid such casualties during production:

1. Equipment: has to be top-of-the-line for this type of work. 32GB or 64GB Ram, fast processor, latest processor, 8GB or 16GB VRAM for your display card, fast SSI hard drive.
2. File storage: don't work off a file server. Copy your working files to your local hard drive, and then back them up nightly to the server. And don't work off a USB drive, either.
3. File size: if possible break the project into smaller files and use InDesign's Book panel to manage them and export them to a single PDF.
4. Save vs Save As: a plain "Save" just updates the file with your latest changes, adding the new code at the end of the file (regardless of where the item actually appears on your visual page). "Save As" rewrites the file from start to finish, reorganizes the code nicely, and removes any history of old content. It alone can prevent glitches from creeping into your file, so we recommend doing it at least once a day, usually at night before quitting for the day.
5. Save as IDML: do this every so often. We don't find it as necessary as a "Save As", so maybe every other day. But really, it's just another data file so who cares how many you have!
6. Save sequential versions: We save numbered, sequential versions of the file, at last one a day, as a CYA measure. Can't count how many times we've had to pull out a version from 2 or 3 days earlier to recover from a disaster. When the job is done (and your paycheck is secured), delete all but the last version.
7. Run lean: That is, close all apps but those that are essential. If you're not using Photoshop at the minute, close it. And when you do hop into Photoshop, Illustrator, or your email program, save your INDD file before your do, just to make sure nothing is lost or glitched during the switch over. In other words, don't "stress out" your computer hardware and operating system.
8. Condition your electricity: back in the early days of computers, they were very sensitive to interference and dips, and we rewired the studio with multiple separate power outlets just for computers (no lamps, coffeepots, or printers allowed on those circuits). Today, you don't have to be that extreme, but we still use high-quality Furman brand power conditioners on each computer workstation and printer. Expensive, but they are the most accurate brand on the market.

Yes, we do all of these. And we rarely have corrupted files. It's been years since we had a file go bad.

Best to you!