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InDesign 21.3 freezes with endless loading cursor when placing images on Windows 11

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Hi

Each time I import an image into Indesign, the image loads okay, but I get the blue swirling ‘loading’ icon that never stops. I can save my document, and the menus still work but I can’t work on the actual page, and the only way I can clear it it to Force quit Indesign using Task Manager.

This started about 2 weeks ago, and was fine before and I haven’t made any changes to my PC. I thought maybe it started after an update of Indesign, so I tried reverting to an older version, but still had the same problem.

I have tried re-installing Indesign. (version21.3) I use Windows 11.

I really hope you can help please?

Thanks Chris

Abhishek RaoCorrect answer

Community Manager

Hi everyone,

Thanks again for continuing to share your reports and test results.

We’ve confirmed that some users are still experiencing the spinning cursor/freezing issue when placing or updating files in InDesign 21.5.1. The team is aware of the issue and is continuing to investigate a fix.

For now, disabling the Generative AI options in InDesign Preferences remains an effective workaround for several affected users. If the issue persists even after disabling these options, please let us know and share your InDesign version and workflow so we can continue tracking the reports.

I’ll keep this thread updated as soon as we have more information to share.

Thanks for your patience,
Abhishek

S

stylish_experts8043

Participant

I’m experiencing an issue with Adobe InDesign on Windows.

When I try to place an image using File > Place (Ctrl+D), the image does not finish loading. The mouse cursor changes to the spinning/loading icon and remains stuck indefinitely, making it difficult or impossible to continue working normally.

The issue occurs even with a relatively small JPG file (approximately 1.5 MB) exported directly from Photoshop. The image itself opens and exports correctly in Photoshop, so it does not appear to be a corrupted file or a file-size issue.

I have already tested the following:

Disabled and re-enabled GPU Performance.
The issue persists with GPU acceleration disabled.
Tested with both JPG and PNG files.
Tested with a newly exported JPG directly from Photoshop.
Tested placing the image in a new InDesign document.
Disabled and re-enabled the Generative AI features in InDesign, but the problem persists.
The issue continues even after restarting InDesign.

I am using the official Adobe Creative Cloud version of InDesign on Windows.

The problem appears to be related specifically to InDesign getting stuck when placing images, as the same images work correctly in Photoshop.

I would like to know if this is a known bug in the current version of InDesign and what the recommended fix or workaround is. I can provide my exact InDesign version, Windows version, system specifications, and a screen recording if needed.

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leo.r

Community Expert

Usually, disabling Generative AI options fixes the issue you describe, but evidently not in your case. Are you using InDesign 21.6?

Also, you can try the public beta of InDesign 2027 (use Beta tab in Creative Cloud app). Will it work there?

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stylish_experts8043

Participant

Yes, I am using the latest version, 26.1.

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CCramm

Participant

Stop forcing this crappy Generative AI on us. I'm not paying you a monthly subscription to screw up the software and basic functionality of Indesign.

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brianartbat

Known Participant

Maybe Adobe should stop forcing their AI tools on us! If they insist on forcing AI on users, how about making sure it works without causing more problems then it addresses.

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Flamboyant_Moond155

Participant

14.Oktober.26
I had the Issue for months now, it just happened again, i previously thought it had something to do with the size of the pictures but even with small pictures it keeps happening

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leo.r

Community Expert

Did you disable Generative AI options in preferences?

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Marghe2705

Participant

I disabled the AI features but I still have the same problem. Both InDesign and Windows are up to date.

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leo.r

Community Expert

Try resetting your preferences and caches:

https://www.rockymountaintraining.com/adobe-indesign-rebuilding-preferences-cache/

Will it make a difference?

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wise_mentor073e

Participant

Hi,

The problem sadly to me isn't resolved by just disabling the Generative AI options. I keep getting the rolling loading icon. Is there a different solution to this problem already?

Thanks beforehand!

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Enchanted_arta760

Participating Frequently

How do i turn of genrative AI?

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Abhishek Rao

Community Manager

Hi @Enchanted_arta760,

You can disable the Generative AI options by going to Edit > Preferences > Generative AI in InDesign, then uncheck both Generative AI options listed there.

Once disabled, restart InDesign and check whether the issue persists.

Thanks!
Abhishek

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Talitha_N�llen9692

Participant

I still have the issue with 21.6 and after disabling the AI features..

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