Skip to main content
Y
Yukon4
Inspiring
May 13, 2025
Answered

Unable to open InDesign file

  • May 13, 2025
  • 3 replies
  • 712 views

I just created a 12 page program booklet in InDesign. Saved to my computer (Mac)
I am UNABLE to open this file - - InDesign says "Cannot open the document XXXX.indd" You may not have permission or the docuyment may be open already." - - I've quit InDesign, restarted my computer, but nothing works. Any suggestions?

Correct answer Yukon4

Thank you Adobe Community for these suggestions!
After posting this, I was in a "chat" with Adobe tech support and via remote access they were able to fix the situation and I am now able to open the file. I'm still not quite sure WHY this happened - - pretty weird problem, something to do with InDesign not having "disk access" etc on my Mac.  Anyway - - I'm good for now, and hopefully it doesn't happen again!

3 replies

M
Community Expert
Manan JoshiCommunity Expert
Community Expert
May 14, 2025

In addition to suggestions made you can also check if there is any file with extension idlk present in the same folder as the INDD file. If so then delete this idlk file and then try opening the INDD file

-Manan

-Manan
Y
Yukon4AuthorCorrect answer
Inspiring
May 14, 2025

Thank you Adobe Community for these suggestions!
After posting this, I was in a "chat" with Adobe tech support and via remote access they were able to fix the situation and I am now able to open the file. I'm still not quite sure WHY this happened - - pretty weird problem, something to do with InDesign not having "disk access" etc on my Mac.  Anyway - - I'm good for now, and hopefully it doesn't happen again!

M
Community Expert
Manan JoshiCommunity Expert
Community Expert
May 14, 2025

Interesting that without disk access to that location you were able to save the file to the location but not able to read from there. Did you move the INDD file after saving it?

-Manan

-Manan
    Robert at ID-Tasker
    Robert at ID-Tasker
    Legend
    May 13, 2025

    @Yukon4

     

    What is the size of the file - in MB?

     

    Anubhav M
    Community Manager
    Anubhav MCommunity Manager
    Community Manager
    May 13, 2025

    Hello @11913022,

    Could you check if your desktop folder is set to sync via iCloud (https://adobe.ly/44wZEJd) and temporarily disable it to see if it works? Also, try moving the files to a different folder location and share your observations.

    Looking forward to hearing from you.

     

    Anubhav

    Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
    Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices