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turner111
Inspiring
June 11, 2026
Answered

Error When Modifying Object Layer Options on Placed Illustrator Files in InDesign

  • June 11, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 14 views

I’ve just discovered a bug in which the following workflow causes an error:

-Create a layered Illustrator file

-Place in InDesign

-Select Object Layer Options and change layer visibility

-Copy placed file

-Paste on next page (file will appear low-res 

-Adjust Object Layer Options

I then get the following message:
 


I haven’t iterated through this to try to figure out other errors or a workaround.

    Correct answer leo.r

    Are you using the latest versions of InDesign and Illustrator? If so, then try to disable Save in Background in Illustrator preferences, resave the Illustrator file, then update in InDesign. Will it make a difference?

    2 replies

    Abhishek Rao
    Community Manager
    Abhishek RaoCommunity Manager
    Community Manager
    June 11, 2026

    Hi ​@turner111,

     

    I'm glad to hear that disabling Save in Background resolved the issue.

    I tried testing the workflow you described on my end with Save in Background enabled using Illustrator 30.5.1 along with both InDesign 21.3 and 21.4, but I wasn't able to reproduce the error. Because of that, I'd like to make sure I'm following the exact same steps and conditions as your setup.

    If possible, could you share a short screen recording showing the issue in action with Save in Background enabled? That would help me confirm whether I'm reproducing the same workflow and behavior.

    Additionally, if you have a sample Illustrator file that consistently triggers the issue, could you share it for testing? If the file contains confidential content, feel free to send it via direct message instead. You can use any cloud-sharing service such as Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, WeTransfer, or a similar platform and share the link with us.

    Looking forward to your update. I'd be happy to investigate further and see if we can identify the exact conditions required to reproduce the issue consistently.

     

    Thanks,
    Abhishek

    leo.r
    Community Expert
    leo.rCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    June 11, 2026

    Are you using the latest versions of InDesign and Illustrator? If so, then try to disable Save in Background in Illustrator preferences, resave the Illustrator file, then update in InDesign. Will it make a difference?

    T
    turner111Author
    Inspiring
    June 11, 2026

    Hi Leo-

    That worked! 

    FYI:

    Illustrator is current; ID is 21.3. I don’t typically like updating mid-project, though.
     

      leo.r
      Community Expert
      leo.rCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      June 11, 2026

      Ok glad it helped. The new Save in Background option in Illustrator 2026 is usually the culprit behind problems with placed Illustrator files in InDesign.

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