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Missing required system fonts or CMap files

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I am unable to start indesign because this message pops up "Adobe InDesign is missing required system fonts or CMap files. Please reinstall InDesign". I have uninstalled, restarted and reinstalled the InDesign App to no avail. Any advice on how to fix the problem?

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william_galindoCorrect answer

Inspiring

If one is going to make a copy of their preferences--reset the prefs, change the prefs as desired, quit ID, THEN make a copy. DON'T make a copy right before resetting the prefs--if that is the problem, they are already corupt.

I think the problem in my case was the cache, cause after I deleted the cache and preferences the problem was solved and I was able to restore my old preferences without a problem.

Stellar_Wonderland5049

Participating Frequently

That error means CMap files or system fonts are missing. Use the Adobe Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool to fully remove InDesign, then reinstall. Also check core fonts like Arial/Times are installed. This usually fixes it.

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debmundy

Participating Frequently

I uninstalled InDesign using the CC Cleaner tool then reinstalled it again and it still had the "missing CMAP file message'! I checked all my fonts and installed more core fonts from CC. The only way it works is if I install the 2018 InDesign and all this stuffing about took me hours with my 5G wifi and the enormous size of InDesign. My Mac needs more RAM to cope with it! If I purchase a new Mac it will fix the problem probably as new MacOS is compatible. BUT I DONT HAVE THE MONEY UNFORTUNATELY!

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Abhishek Rao

Community Manager

Hi everyone,

I hope you've been doing well. I wanted to check in regarding the'missing required system fonts or CMap file' issue in InDesign. Could you please confirm if you are still seeing this problem with the latest version of InDesign 2025?

Confirming this will really help the product team investigate the issue further and work toward a resolution.

Your observations and feedback are much appreciated, and I look forward to hearing your updates.

Thanks so much for your help!

Abhishek

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cedric_1574

Participant

Yes, the problem still occurs in InDesign 2025, at least on MacOS Ventura.

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printroom_7768

Participant

what would my solution be if on a High Sierra runnin mac, and the cleaning isn't installable

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debmundy

Participating Frequently

Me too! Very frustrated!

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abdel_hamid_9752

Participant

same issue, I tried all solutions available, and I reset my iMac and reinstalled my OS Ventura, and it's not yet fixed

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Samir Patra

Participating Frequently

I’m experiencing the same issue. I’ve tried all the suggestions from Steve Werner, but nothing worked. Please review the attached screen recording.

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Screen_Recording_2025-03-13_at_1-10-06_AM.zip

Dave Creamer of IDEAS

Community Expert

I would suggest using the Adobe CC Cleaner app, remove ALL, manually make sure all your caches are deleted, manually remove any Adobe folders left in the Libraries, reinstall the Creative Cloud app, reinstall the software from that app.

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David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)

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Samir Patra

Participating Frequently

Thanks, Dave. I took it a step further—I formatted the iMac (3.8 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5), updated the OS to Ventura 13.7.5, installed Creative Cloud, and then reinstalled the apps. Unfortunately, the issue persists. I suspect it might be related to a font problem. Both InDesign and Illustrator are failing with errors, while Photoshop and Acrobat seem to be working fine.

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Samir Patra

Participating Frequently

I have exactly the same issue. Please help!

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emilyb92197408

Participant

This is still an issue @Adobe.

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Dave Creamer of IDEAS

Community Expert

Read the solution--don't just uninstall InDesign.

As Steve Werner said, run the Adobe CC Cleaner tool and remove EVERYTHING Adobe, not just InDesign.

https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/kb/cc-cleaner-tool-installation-problems.html

Download the Creative Cloud app, then install InDesign from the app.

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David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)

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william_galindo

Inspiring

Did this solution work for you? I tried this and I still had same exact problem.

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Dave Creamer of IDEAS

Community Expert

Just to confirm--with the CC Cleaner, you selected ALL.

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David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)

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william_galindo

Inspiring

I'm having this exact same issue. Running Mac Os Sonoma with Indesign 2025. Tried unsintall and resinstalling Indesign multiple times, tried installing older versions. Also tried clean up tool and nothing has worked! P

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Ian_Newell2603

Participant

Same - have done everything I can think of. Still on Ventura. Full uninstall, cleaner tool, Mac OS system repair. System fonts and CMap files will not re-install.

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victoria5ED5

Participating Frequently

I have the same problem (as Ian, above) vand have been over the advised solutions again and again, but no positive result., I always get the same message:

Adobe InDesign is missing required system fonts or CMap files. Please reinstall InDesign.

I have tried chats, AI, etc etc. Always the same advice, nothing works.

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