Skip to main content
superbloom421
Known Participant
Dec 17, 2025 1:47 PM UTC
Question

Workspace Panels Not Working

I have a saved my workspace and it still keeps showing panels I did not ask for: style pack, tags, data merge, cross reference, buttons and forms.

 

I closed these and created a new workspace again, and again, and again, no luck.

What is going on?

6 replies

Participant
Oct 6, 2026 11:10 AM UTC

I’ve also been experiencing this. Windows 11 with InDesign 21.6. It’s especially annoying because the panels it reopens include the intrusive “Generate” tab (I will never use AI) and spawn new vertical panel bars beside the ones I actually want, which consumes real estate where I actually need to work.

Translate
Abhishek Rao
Community Manager
Community Manager
Oct 6, 2026 1:17 PM UTC

Hi ​@Giddy_outfitc4cc,

 

Sorry to hear you're running into this. Could you please share a screenshot showing the panels that reopen unexpectedly? If it's consistently one particular panel, such as Generate, please let us know that as well.

In the meantime, please try reopening the unwanted panel and then close it specifically using the “X” button, rather than using Close from the panel's contextual menu. 

After doing this, please create a new workspace with a new name via Window > Workspace > New Workspace, ensure Panel Locations is selected, and check whether the panels return when you open another document.

If the issue continues, please reset InDesign preferences, restart InDesign, and test again with a newly created workspace. Please note that resetting preferences removes customized settings, including workspace arrangements, so you may want to back them up first. Ref: https://helpx.adobe.com/indesign/using/setting-preferences.html

Please let us know how it goes and share the screenshot if the behavior persists.

 

Thanks,
Abhishek

Translate
davecourtemanche
Legend
Dec 18, 2025 7:47 PM UTC

Is it switching to Essentials workspace? Does switching back to your saved space fix it? On Mac, the workspace bug has been going on for many many versions. I have saved my custom workspace as Essentials and replaced in my Library items. 

Also, it's more helpful on the forums if you list the version of Operating Sytem and Indesign, not "the latest". Not all CC apps are released everywhere at the same time. 

Translate
BobLevine
Community Expert
Community Expert
Dec 17, 2025 1:52 PM UTC

What version of InDesign? What operating system?

Translate
superbloom421
Known Participant
Dec 18, 2025 6:32 PM UTC

Latest version of windows and latest version of InDesign

Translate