Color swatches suddenly not available when creating a gradient [2017]

[kfrissell]

HI there. I just had two things happen that I haven't seen before.

I'm in Indesign 2017 CC. Had an ad file suddenly say it could not save. Or save as. No error message at all. Just when I went to save it it would not save.

This happened right after I had made a gradient swatch.

So, I go to start over. Tried to make a new gradient swatch on a new file. This time the whole area is grayed out. All I can do is change from linear to radial, and move the black and white scroll bar at the bottom. I'm hoping it will allow me to attach a screen shot here.

I found a thread but it was for ID6 and it didn't solve the problem. Has anyone else had this happen before? I've opened other docs and it happens everywhere now so I'm thinking something has gotten corrupted in the program.

Amazing how these things only happen when you are on a deadline. Thanks for any help anyone can offer

[Steve Werner · Accepted solution]

You have to select a color stop on the Gradient Ramp at the bottom to be able to select a swatch.

[jane-e]

The diamond has been moved, but neither color stop has been clicked on, as Steve said. When one marker is selected, the triangle on top will be black instead of dark gray, and the dialog box will wake up.

The diamond is for when it changes from one color to another.

[kfrissell]

Okay, now I feel like an idiot. I do this all the time. But I swear I've never had it show up like this before. Maybe I'm just on autopilot most of the time and never paid attention.

Thank you both. I was afraid I had a major issue on my hands.

Thank you thank you again.

[jane-e]

It happens to all of us! Glad you are up and running quickly, and you never know who will find this thread useful another day.

[kfrissell]

You know, these things literally only happen when I'm on a deadline. I think sometimes my brain takes a break during the stress!