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InDesign blank window when switching displays

Forum|Forum|2 years ago
February 1, 2024
48 replies
15898 views

When having a file open in InDesign 2024 on my Macbook Pro (Sonoma 14.2.1 OS), close the lid, plug into my LG UltraFine external monitor and wake the computer up, the InDesign window is still open and all the tool bars are visible and working, but the area where the artwork is becomes black/blank and I can't see the work. I can see the bounding boxes if I select all, but no image or text. The window is entirely blank. The same thing happens if I'm working on my LG monitor, unplug the display and then open the Macbook to work. I always have my Macbook closed when plugged into the LG display and use both an external keyboard and trackpad. The solution is to always save, quit InDesign and reopen. If I go through that it works again. Is it a bug with Apple? Is it a bug with Adobe?

My LG firmware, OS and Adobe InDesign are all updated to the latest versions.

Correct answer Abhishek Rao

Hi everyone,

Thanks a lot for sharing your experiences and all the details here. I wanted to let you know that the product team is aware of this blank or black window issue when switching displays on macOS Sonoma and has logged it as a bug. The team is actively working on a fix to ensure smoother GPU behavior when connecting or disconnecting external monitors.

In the meantime, toggling the GPU Preview setting or reopening the file, as some of you mentioned, can serve as temporary workarounds. We really appreciate your patience and all the feedback, it's been very helpful for the team to narrow down the cause.

I'll keep you posted once we have an update.

Abhishek

Show previous replies

C

cd93771380

Participant

Same thing happening to me. Have to quit the file and reopen. Kind of annoying.

A

asif_7627

Participant

It sounds like you’re encountering a GPU rendering issue when switching displays with InDesign 2024 on macOS Sonoma. This problem, where the workspace goes blank, is likely due to how macOS handles the transition between the MacBook’s built-in display and your LG UltraFine monitor, especially with GPU-intensive apps like InDesign.

Your current workaround of saving, quitting, and reopening InDesign resets the GPU context, which is why it works. You could also try resetting InDesign’s preferences or adjusting display settings in macOS to see if that helps. If this issue persists, it’s worth reporting to both Apple and Adobe, as it might require a software update from either party.

For more on optimizing your tech setup, consider resources like ThePackagesPK, where you can find guides that might help with similar issues.

J

jeffhalmos

Inspiring

Yes but. The but is that earlier versions didn't have this issue. So, my guess, is that it's Adobe that's done something. It's been happening in Sonoma and dev betas of Sequoia. I believe the first few versions of this year's ID were fine.

S

studio38541005zbny

Participant

have also had this issue for 2+ years. M1 Macbook pro tried all versions of Adobe INDD

lukc666

Participant

Same issue - been going on since I got my M1 macbook. I've been closing and reopening files for ~2 years now. Every few months I check if there's some fix for this.

The CPU preview hack remains the only thing that "works".

I

iHatePrinters

Participant

On the latest version of Mac and Adobe, and still having this issue here.

L

Lublune

Participant

I have the same issue.. Please fix it!

J

jeffhalmos

Inspiring

Latest version, 19.5, doesn't fix the issue.

C

Cody2639767568i8

Participant

Same issue for me as well. Not sure for how long but it's been a while. I thought this was just a bug on my computer. Good to know I'm not the only one with this issue. Fingers crossed for a fix soon.

Brave_guide01AC

Known Participant

InDesign 2024 on my Mac Studio loses the layout window after a few hours of inaction. If I leave a document open while I go to a meeting or something, when I return the main layout window is just a blank gray screen and no amount of effort brings it back, unless I close the document and re-open it. What gives with this and how can I resolve it? Doesn't happen with any other Adobe apps, just InDesign.