Document keeps crashing

[default2bqzl27hmlnq]

I have a program book that keeps crashing on me in InDesign. I don't want to lose the work in the document - can anyone help? Thank you.

[Barb Binder]

I would start with two things:

1. Save the file as .idml. Close the .indd file, open the .idml file and save again as .indd.
2. If that doesn't do it, reset the preferences: https://www.rockymountaintraining.com/adobe-indesign-rebuilding-preferences-cache/

I had something similar happen to me two days ago on InDesign v17.2. I thought it was a corrupt file but the .idml conversion didn't help. I was able to open it successfully on another computer which lead me to rebuilding the preferences on the first computer. It's been fine ever since. If neither works, let us know. 

~Barb

[default2bqzl27hmlnq]

Thanks, Barb. How do I save it as an idml when it crashes upon opening? 

[Willi Adelberger]

Use the script to save as IDML without opening

// blindOpen_and_IDML-Export.jsx 

var _file = File.openDialog("InDesign-Datei"); // Select file 

if(_file != null) 

{ 

var d = app.open(_file, false); // Open file without showing it 

d.exportFile(ExportFormat.INDESIGN_MARKUP,  File(_file.fullName.replace(/.indd$/i,'.idml'))); // Export im IDML-Format 

d.close(SaveOptions.NO); // Close without saving 

} 

[Barb Binder]

Hi @default2bqzl27hmlnq:

I'm sorry, I didn't see that you said it was crashing immediately on opening. In that case, saving as an .idml clearly is not an option. Try rebuilding the preferences. If that doesn't work, see: https://helpx.adobe.com/indesign/kb/troubleshoot-file-issues.html

This is also a good time to mention that looking ahead, it's a good practice to routinely use save as to save incremental backups—every hour or every day. You can create the incremental back-ups yourself or you can save to a cloud storage drive that will do it for you.

~Barb

[default2bqzl27hmlnq · Accepted solution]

Thanks - it is saved to the last point I was editing it - I always hit save with these larger documents I work on. I'll try the other option you mentioned. Thank you!