Skip to main content
bartonlew
bartonlew
Legend
August 29, 2023
Answered

Can't open PDF exported in InDesign

  • August 29, 2023
  • 2 replies
  • 682 views

I can't open a PDF I exported from InDesign and need to get it to an editor.   I'm using the options below.  Then get the error shown in the screen shot below that.  Why is this happening?   

 

 

 

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Scott Falkner

Is InDesign showing an error? What size is the PDF? Are you sure the file is finished writing? Look in Window > Utilities > Background Tasks. Perhaps InDesign has not finished writing the file.

2 replies

Peter Spier
Community Expert
Peter SpierCommunity Expert
Community Expert
August 29, 2023

Error message says Acrobat is unable to open the file, not InDesign...

There are basically two possibilities here, as the error message says, either the file is damaged, and you should export it again, or perhaps this is a not really the PDF, but rather a sync file in cloud storage or a file that has had its extencion changed to .pdf, but that's less likely.

    bartonlew
    bartonlewAuthor
    Legend
    August 29, 2023

    You're right about the error message.  I just wondered if InDesign had faultily exported the file.  But I think (per above) it's because it hadn't finished writing when I was trying to open it.  Thanks.  

    BobLevine
    Community Expert
    BobLevineCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    August 29, 2023

    If you needed that quickly you should have enabled "View PDF After Exporting."

    Scott Falkner
    Community Expert
    Scott FalknerCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    August 29, 2023

    Is InDesign showing an error? What size is the PDF? Are you sure the file is finished writing? Look in Window > Utilities > Background Tasks. Perhaps InDesign has not finished writing the file.

      bartonlew
      bartonlewAuthor
      Legend
      August 29, 2023

      Thanks.  I noticed it was inconsistent as to whether it would open or not.  It's working fine now.  I think you're right and the file had not finished writing when it wouldn't work.  There is no status bar as to the progress in InDesign after you export and I was waiting a few seconds and then trying to open in Adobe.  But at 120 pp. I think maybe the file hadn't finished writing.  

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