Text not visible when there’s a PNG layer (InDesign)

Forum|Forum|3 months ago
October 31, 2025
6 replies
233 views

Hi everyone,

I’m trying to create a layout that includes: a base image, then a PNG (that is a vintage frame) that extends beyond the page margins, and finally a paper texture set to Multiply. The issue is that when I create a text box, I can see the box itself but not the text inside it. However, if I delete the PNG frame, the text becomes visible. Has anyone experienced the same problem or knows how to fix it? How can I make a text box independent from the underlying layers?

Abhishek Rao

Community Manager

Hi @Vincenzo_Ferriero4950,

Thanks for sharing the details and the screen recording. Please check what the experts have suggested about verifying the text wrap on the PNG image and other suggestions. If you've already checked that, and it still doesn't help, please try testing with a different PNG file in a new InDesign document to see if the same issue occurs.

Let me know what you find.

Abhishek

leo.r

Community Expert

and finally a paper texture set to Multiply

By @Vincenzo_Ferriero4950

If all other advice fails, I wonder if that Multiply effect somehow makes the text disappear under this setup?

Willi Adelberger

Community Expert

You are noit working with layers at all. All you do is working on one single layer. For text create another layer above. Give the layer appropriate names, avoid generic layer names.
Why do you use PNG? Use another file type, better is to use PDF/X-4 or if it is an image use PSD or PDF.
Ignore text wrap in the text frame options (cmd + b or even better object style).

Scott Falkner

Community Expert

Select the PNG image and open the Text Wrap panel. It sounds like there is a wrap applied.

Brad @ Roaring Mouse

Community Expert

Is there wrap assigned mistakenly to the frame image? in which case your text is being pushed off.

V

Vincenzo_Ferriero4950Author

Participant

I checked it and there is no text wrap enabled

leo.r

Community Expert

Can you post a screenshot of this composition? Is it possible that the PNG frame simply covers the text box? Are those elements located on the same layer or different ones?

V

Vincenzo_Ferriero4950Author

Participant

As you can see, Text Wrap is disabled on all the placed images, including the PNG, but I still can’t insert any text. If I create a text box outside the composition, it appears and I can type in it, but when I move it inside the composition, it disappears.

Registrazione_schermo_2025-10-31_alle_10-38-07-2.zip