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displaced7
Inspiring
March 4, 2020
Question

AI files will not import into InDesign

  • March 4, 2020
  • 4 replies
  • 2459 views

I have a few very important AI files that I need to import into ID.  I have been using versions of these files for years with no problem but now they will not import.  I get the infamous "Failed to open PDF file".

 

AI file is the latest CC version, saved with PDF compatibility and ICC profiles.

ID is the latest version.

 

I tried down saving the AI file to CS6 and using an older ID, but still no go.

 

 

What is the problem?  How do I fix this?  It's a 2gb AI file with dozens of layers, it cannot be remade.

This topic has been closed for replies.

4 replies

L
Community Expert
LaubenderCommunity Expert
Community Expert
March 4, 2020

Hi Bob,

FWIW: Some features in Illustrator require embedded images.

Like Illustrator symbols or the image cropping feature. Other features require symbols, so it's not that easy to go without embedded images at all.

 

Regards,
Uwe Laubender

( ACP )

D
displaced7Author
Inspiring
March 4, 2020

I believe I found a workaround.  I split the AI file into 2 files, one 750mb, one 1.25gb.

 

I'll assume that this must be a bug with ID.  Very annoying.  Hopefully this is fixed soon.

rob day
Community Expert
rob dayCommunity Expert
Community Expert
March 4, 2020

Looks like the initial default after installing is to embed, which was happening with my new install of 2020. As Bob points out, the Link checkbox in the Place dialog is sticky:

 

 

 

BobLevine
Community Expert
BobLevineCommunity Expert
Community Expert
March 4, 2020

Select show options when placing the file. The settings there are sticky and if the PDF does not conform to the choices already there, you'll get that error.

    D
    displaced7Author
    Inspiring
    March 4, 2020

    I always do but it won't go past that (it pops up the error message).

    Dov Isaacs
    Dov Isaacs
    Legend
    March 4, 2020

    Try re-opening the .AI file in Illustrator and save a copy as PDF using the PDF/X-4 joboptions (don't convert to CMYK). Place the resultant PDF directly in InDesign.

     

    - Dov Isaacs, former Adobe Principal Scientist (April 30, 1990 - May 30, 2021)
      D
      displaced7Author
      Inspiring
      March 4, 2020

      I get the same error with the PDF

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