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Author57
Inspiring
Jun 15, 2026 2:31 AM UTC
Answered

InDesign Custom Workspace Keeps Restoring Hidden Panels

Custom Workspace in Indesign includes extra panels. Some instructions say to set the panels "with no document open." When there's no document open, there are no panels. I've tried doing it in a brand new document, but it still insists on displaying the Swatches panel. I’m on Windows.

    BobLevine
    BobLevineCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    Jun 15, 2026 11:38 AM UTC

    You don’t need to set up a workspace with no documents open. You probably don’t see the panels with nothing open if you have “Show Home Screen When No Document Are Open” enabled in your preferences. Deselect it.

    4 replies

    BobLevine
    Community Expert
    BobLevineCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    Jun 15, 2026 11:38 AM UTC

    You don’t need to set up a workspace with no documents open. You probably don’t see the panels with nothing open if you have “Show Home Screen When No Document Are Open” enabled in your preferences. Deselect it.

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    Author57
    Author57Author
    Inspiring
    Jun 15, 2026 4:22 PM UTC

    Thanks! My workspace setup finally saved properly when I saved it with no doc open.

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    Bill Silbert
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    Jun 15, 2026 9:29 AM UTC

    Could you also post some screenshots showing exactly what is happening?

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    leo.r
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    Jun 15, 2026 2:41 AM UTC

    When there's no document open, there are no panels.

     

    Can you please elaborate on this? I have all panels open even if there are no open documents. What are your InDesign and Windows versions?

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