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Participant
October 27, 2022
Question

InDesign 2023 makes a read only file

  • October 27, 2022
  • 64 replies
  • 73708 views

I have just updated to the 2023 InDesign, and now suddently my documents are read-only and I cannot save the file, but have to make a save as version and give the document a new name everytime I have to save my work.

Do you know why this is happening? And how to avoid this?

64 replies

karend23069192
Inspiring
February 28, 2024

I have the same problem with InDesign files opening as Read Only files. None of the "tips" resolve the issue. It's very disruptive to my workflow and frustrating. Not sure why Adobe isn't putting more effort into resolving the issue as it's clearly a widespread problem for many users. I remember when Quark, who once was the industry standard, didn't put the effort into their software that customers expected and eventually something else came along (InDesign) and everyone jumped shipped. Waiting for either Adobe to fix the problem or something better to come along...whichever one comes first.

pifath67
Participating Frequently
January 31, 2024

I am absolutely with you...
It's the same in our company.
I wrote a personal message about this a week ago to an Adobe employee - who has posted a meaningless message here every few months. Unfortunately, no response to date.
I guess that says it all...
Sad, sad.

Participant
February 1, 2024

I seem to be able to bypass the "Read Only" by opening the file through the Windows Explorer (PC). If I open the file in InDesign, I get the "Read Only" message. All the other "fixes" have not helped. I'm currently on v19.1

 

Participating Frequently
January 30, 2024

WHEN WILL THIS BE FIXED???? This is not a small bug it is a fundamental issue for 1000's of users worldwide. Adobe??????????????

Participant
January 30, 2024

This problem has not been fixed or addressed in any way. I'm making mistakes making edits against deadlines in the wrong file because I have to keep saving versions. Adobe is costing me money at this point. Thanks for nothing. 

Participant
January 26, 2024

I have the same problem in my environment. I have Synology NAS as a small server and 3 computers that are connected. On two it appears non stop read only file.
I have tried all possible options that exist. And everyone has rights to everything. A passerby can wink and smile now but it still doesn't work.
This is very unserious that things like this are not announced or published so that people know they have a problem and not spend my time like this and hire people to solve this and the problem is in the program.
Really rude.

And when do you think this will be resolved??? I pay for a package to use it and now I can only watch......

Participating Frequently
January 23, 2024

After a year of this, I was really hoping it was fixed. I see that it is not just me. It doesn't happen to my co workers at all, so I am really frustrated. It has caused so many errors and so many duplicate files. Such chaos. Really expected more from Adobe.  ugh, so frustrating. Infuriating that Adobe no longr repsonds.

Participating Frequently
January 23, 2024

This is a constant problem since version 18 and has never been properly fixed by Adobe. I'm pretty sure it's caused by a timing issue in SMB packets but it should be Adobe's problem to fix this not mine.

pifath67
Participating Frequently
January 16, 2024

We have just updated to InDesign 19.1.
Surprise, surprise: absolutely NOTHING has changed with regard to the problem of write-protected files and the problem with overwriting in PDF export.
I think I'm giving up hope.
The only thing we can probably expect from Adobe is that the subscription will get more and more expensive and the software will get worse and worse...

Participating Frequently
January 17, 2024

pifath67 man I feel your pain. you have been a loud voice here and I for one appreciate it. nothings seems to be happening. The Adobe reps don't even comment anymore. not even comments with false hope! just silence. Isn't this an actual Adobe forum? Not sure. One thing I am sure of is, Read Only files seem to be here to stay. What a complete pain  after almost 20 years of using InDesign and me singing it's praises all those years.... I feel like I have been punched in the gut. This is really sad.

 

[Abuse removed by moderator]

pifath67
Participating Frequently
December 12, 2023

I don't know if I'm the only one who has another problem with InDesign, but I think this has already been mentioned in this discussion:
It is very often the case that an existing PDF cannot be overwritten during PDF export. The message then appears that this file is already open.
I then have to close the folder window with this file and usually also close Acrobat, even though I had not opened the file before.
After several attempts, the overwriting then works.
This problem has also occurred since the problem with the write-protected files.
Maybe I only have this problem on the Mac?
How is it with you?

Participating Frequently
December 12, 2023

Hi there. YES. We have this problem in our office too. These PDFs are exported to one of our job folders on the server, and if I try to open it to make changes to the PDF, layour, magnification etc..... it says it is in use. When we know it is not in use.

So my workaround for a year, has been to export PDFs to my desktop, so I can make changes to the file. Then I move it to the server folder. Once again, another workaround.

pifath67
Participating Frequently
December 7, 2023

Short Story:

The first InDesign file today was immediately write-protected again...
As I had criminally not paid attention to this (to compensate for Adobe's inadequacy and sloppiness), I had to save it under a new name so as not to lose my work on the file.
Then rename the old file, rename the new file, open it again - oops, read-only! - so open it three more times until it was no longer write-protected.
Then I could continue working.
Now that's what I call an effective workflow...
WHEN WILL THIS FINALLY BE FIXED, ADOBE?

Participating Frequently
December 7, 2023

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