Why don't the 'go to next page' buttons not work anymore when I export my Indesign file to an interactive pdf?

Forum|Forum|8 days ago
September 25, 2026
7 replies
59 views

After updating to Indesign 21.6 the ‘go to next page’ and ‘go to previous page’ buttons stopped working when I export my file to an interactive pdf. I have tried everything, even saving my file to .idml.

It has always worked fine and I have used it for years, but suddenly it doesn’t function anymore. Which really dissappointed one of my biggest clients.

I assume it is a bug, can you please fix this?

Mirjam

Mike Witherell

Community Expert

Just to check on small differences, you don’t have the “Appearance Only” ticked on?

Mike Witherell

leo.r

Community Expert

After updating to Indesign 21.6

If you revert to InDesign 21.5, does the problem go away? Creative Cloud app > InDesign > 3-dot menu > Other Versions

I also think @BobLevine gives you sound advice to abandon buttons in PDF altogether. However, you mentioned that this functionality is in use by one of your biggest clients, so this case is different. The client couldn’t care less about best practices if that’s what works for them.

BobLevine

Community Expert

My $0.02 and you can take it for whatever it’s worth:

Stop using buttons in PDFs. They’ve never really been reliable and the more you have the less reliable they are. Additionally, they are not supported at all on many third party PDF readers. Hyperlins are far better.

creative explorer

Community Expert

@Fortunato Creativo I created a very simple 5-page document. On the first page is my table of contents, and page 1-5, if you click on it, it will take you to their respective pages. I do my ‘hyperlinks’ a little different, as I change from a URL to the Page instead. This is how I always create interactive links.

I do export as a in Interactive PDF, I believe I keep it as the default settings

m

test.pdf

Fortunato CreativoAuthor

Known Participant

@creative explorer It is not about hyperlinks, they work fine. Same as the bookmarks I use on the content page.
The issue is with the buttons I use to go to next or previous page. You can choose standard arrows (buttons) from the interactive menu or make your own.

Bill Silbert

Community Expert

What operating system are you using? Make sure that it is completely up to date and see if that helps. If the problem persists you might want to report it as a bug at https://indesign.uservoice.com.

Fortunato CreativoAuthor

Known Participant

Hi Bill. Thanks for the tip and link. I still have to update to the latest system update. I will do so and get back to you if that resolves the issue.

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