Skip to main content
F
fixingstuff
Participant
October 11, 2021
Answered

Application Frame Missing

  • October 11, 2021
  • 4 replies
  • 1887 views

Since nobody at Adobe seems to care about this intermittent problem, here's a possible solution:

 

If you are using InDesign on a Mac and use the application frame, and all of a sudden InDesign seems to stop showing anything on screen except the menu bar, but if you switch off the application frame, everything's OK, then your application screen is getting displayed on a hidden screen, like an external display or other workspace. If that sounds weird, it is. It's a bug and Adobe doesn't care.

 

One solution would be to reconnect the external monitor you probably connected at some point. If you don't use an additional monitor, try to open InDesign in another workspace/desktop.

 

- open Mission Control (open Mission Control.app or if you use a trackpad, swipe up with four fingers)

- open another desktop by pointing at the top desktop bar, then clicking the "+" in the top right corner

- click on that new desktop icon

- open InDesign, it should show the application bar again

- go to the desktop bar in Mission Control again, close that new desktop with clicking on "X"

 

Now that worked for me, if you had success with that method, post it here...

 

 

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer ClareBIOZONE

On a Mac I found that the solution was to go into the display preferences and select "mirror displays" I was then able to move the application frame into the correct position. 

After that, I reset my current workspace and everything is back to normal.

I hope this helps other people too 

4 replies

C
ClareBIOZONECorrect answer
Inspiring
August 8, 2024

On a Mac I found that the solution was to go into the display preferences and select "mirror displays" I was then able to move the application frame into the correct position. 

After that, I reset my current workspace and everything is back to normal.

I hope this helps other people too 

    K
    kstutt
    Participant
    January 12, 2022

    I also had this issue today and the only thing that made it reappear for me was to disconnect from the internet by turning off my wifi. The application frame showed up in Photoshop and Illustratior but not InDesign. 

    Steve Werner
    Community Expert
    Steve WernerCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    January 12, 2022

    Two possible solutions to get the Application Frame to appear:

     

    (1) Window > Workspace > Reset [current workspace] or

     

    (2) Restore your InDesign preferences and caches:

     

    Adobe InDesign: Rebuilding Preferences and Cache Fileshttps://www.rockymountaintraining.com › adobe-indesi...

     

    K
    kstutt
    Participant
    January 12, 2022

    Thank you, Steve.

    Unfortunately, I tried those solutions and even reinstalled InDesign. I restarted my computer, zapped the PRAM, changed the display resolution, created a new desktop workspace on the mac in case the window was lost, logged in and out of my user account, turned off "show documents as tabs" in the preferences, and none of those worked. It wasn't until I turned off my WiFi and then turned it back on that it allowed the Application Frame to show up.

     

    Very strange, I don't know why that's what worked, but I wanted to share it so someone else wouldn't have to waste 3 hours of their life hunting something down. 😉

    Anshul_Saini
    Community Manager
    Anshul_SainiCommunity Manager
    Community Manager
    October 14, 2021

    Hi there,

     

    Sorry to hear about your experience. This is not the experience we want you to have. I understand how important it is to you to get this issue addressed. We’d be happy to look into this for you. I would request you to share a few more details like:

    • The exact version of macOS and InDesign
    • Screenshot of “About This Mac.” (both Overview and Displays tab)
    • Which external monitor are you using, with which port and cable combination it is connected.
    • A small video demonstrating the issue could be really helpful.

     

    We'll be looking forward to your response.

     

    Thanks & Regards,

    Anshul Saini

    L
    Community Expert
    LaubenderCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    October 12, 2021

    Hi fixingstuff,

    thanks for that…

     

    To report this bug please head over to Adobe InDesign UserVoice:

    https://indesign.uservoice.com/forums/601180-adobe-indesign-bugs

     

    Thanks,
    Uwe Laubender

    ( ACP )

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