Error Importing PDF into InDesign: 'CROP' Crop Type Missing

[Ian36302644amyq]

I have a PDF file that I cannot import into InDesign. No matter if I use "Place" or Drag and Drop, I get the same error message:

"<<Filename>> doesn't contain a "CROP" crop type: 

Please try again by selecting a different crop type or open the PDF in Acrobat and perform a "Save As..." command." 

Not sure about the first suggestion but "Save As" does not help.

Any ideas?

<Title renamed by MOD>

[Ian36302644amyq]

I also get this second error message:

[Abhishek Rao]

Hi @Ian36302644amyq,

I'm sorry to hear you're facing difficulties importing the PDF into InDesign, and I understand how frustrating that can be.

Could you please let me know the version of InDesign you're using and the details of your operating system? Also, is this issue happening only with this specific PDF or with multiple files?

If you're comfortable, it might also help if you could share the PDF file with us so we can test it on our end to better understand the issue.

We'll do our best to assist you. 

Thanks, 

Abhishek Rao

[Ian36302644amyq]

Hello Abhisek

I am running version 19.5 x64 on a 64 bit Windows 10 with i5-7500 Intel processor. I have used drag and drop and place options and also a script for multipage insertion with no luck - basically InDesign doesn't seem able to open the file.  I have been using the script for a number if years without issue and similarly the place and drag/drop tools.

This is the first time I have seen this problem.

I have attcahed the PDF I am having problems with.

Many Thanks for your help.

Ian

[Abhishek Rao]

Hello @Ian36302644amyq,

Thank you for providing the details about your setup and the PDF file. I understand how inconvenient this issue is, especially since you've been able to use the script and drag-and-drop features without any problems in the past.

We tried reproducing the issue on our end, and we encountered a "Can't open the PDF file" error as well. It seems that the PDF you exported from Canva is causing this problem. 

I will share this PDF with our product team to investigate further, and we’ll keep you updated on any findings. In the meantime, I've resaved the PDF using Illustrator, and you can find it here: https://we.tl/t-V9Zd7yXS4P. This version can be placed in InDesign without any issues.

Thanks for your patience, and we’ll get back to you soon!

Best,  
Abhishek Rao

[Lauren 5609]

Did you find any resolution besides opening in Illustrator? 

[Willi Adelberger]

Open the PDF in Acrobat Pro, go to the orint production tools and in Preflight go to one. of the PDF/x chexk and repair tools and run a repair.

[Ian36302644amyq]

Thanks Willi

I tried that and it failed 😞

[Peter Spier · Accepted solution]

Sounds like there is no "Crop Box" defined in the PDF, which is hardly unusual. Try changing the Crop Option in the import dialog to "Media" and if it needs to cropped further after import you can do it manually.

[Ian36302644amyq]

Hello Peter

That failed also 😞 

Since I have seen this issue I have had 3 other jobs do the same - the common denominator seems to be Canva(!).

I have got around it by opening in Illustrator and resaving it as a PDF - this allows be to place into InDesign so I can impose it for printing.

[Peter Spier]

Hello Peter

That failed also 😞 

Since I have seen this issue I have had 3 other jobs do the same - the common denominator seems to be Canva(!).

Figures

[tirtzaht252773]

Bless you for posting this. Having the same issue with a Canva pdf. Oddly this allowed me to place the file in InDesign. Thanks.

[Ian36302644amyq]

Glad it helped 🙂

[lizab24175004]

Thanks Ian,

Worked for me too. Thanks for posting a solution.