HELP! I can't see any of my InDesign files even though the program is open!

[Hedda T. Brodtkorb]

Hello,

I am completely desperate. My InDesign (version 2021) suddenly decided to not show any of my files eeven though the program is open. I cant see the "opening act" only the toolbars...

I tries to shut down InDesign and restart with ctrl, shift, opt, cmd - nothing! I tried to unnstall Indesign and reinstall... nothing, I tries to delete large files on the computer to free some space... nada.

Can somebody please help me, how can I solve this problem?

Thank you.  

[Steve Werner]

Since you said it happens for ALL InDesign files, I would try restoring your preferences and caches (which aren't restored if you reinstalled):

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

[Hedda T. Brodtkorb]

THank you but nothing is happening here... maybe it helps if I install and older version of Indesign? I have no idea what triggered this...

[Derek Cross]

Which OS version and how much RAM and spare hard disk capacity do you have?

[Hedda T. Brodtkorb]

Hi! Thank you for your time:

Mojave and check out the capasity detached (screen shot)

[Derek Cross]

How much RAM and spare disk capacity?

[Hedda T. Brodtkorb]

I have 16 GB Ram. Also, I just delteted allot of files and I am down to half the capasity, so 250 GB of  500GB.

I sent a file to the printer, and he also had problems with seeing the file! Although we both managed to eksport it to pdf! So strange...

[Derek Cross]

Are you certain you reset your InDesign preferences – here's a double check:

1) Close InDesign
2) Double click on Adobe InDesign's icon to launch it
3) QUICKLY hold down Ctrl+Alt+Shift. (for Windows) or CTL+OPT+CMD+Shift (for Mac OS X)
4) When a dialogue appears, asking you “Delete InDesign Preference Files?” Click Yes.

(If you don't see the question do it again.)

[Hedda T. Brodtkorb]

Hi, thank you so much for your suggestion, but I already tried this solution several times. Still nothing... and I cant find any other solutions either. 

Also I uninstalled and installed the software several times, and still no change. Never heard of this problem before...?

[Hedda T. Brodtkorb]

Thank you for your help, we finally figured it out (((: 

[Frans v.d. Geest]

So you do not see the Welcome screen (Start workspace) at start up. Is it disabled maybe in Preferences?

But you can always choose File > Open, or hit Cmnd-O and simply naviagte to the folder you saved your files in to open them. You can even double click on a file to open it in InDesign.

Anyway, just make your Start workspace visible, menu right upper corner.

https://helpx.adobe.com/indesign/using/workspace-basics.html

https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/help/start-open-recent-files-workspace.html

[Hedda T. Brodtkorb]

Hi again, it is the files I cant see... it says its open, but nothing shows, I can even convert it to pdf, but I am doing this not even knowing what the file looks like... really strange...

[defaultc8jobgf7hhed]

Hedda, did you find a solution? If so, please share!!

I'm having the same trouble viewing documents with v16.3.2, with the same lack of results for the common solutions (restart, uninstall/reinstall app, delete prefs, run disk first aid, etc).  Deleting preferences has solved this problem for me until this update. 

Thanks

[defaultc8jobgf7hhed · Accepted solution]

FIXED, finally! What worked for me: UNCHECK Application Frame (Window > Application Frame). This appears to be a default setting with this update. After disabling it I can now view my documents, workspace, homescreen — everything that was invisible before.

Hope this helps others wrestling with this problem since the update!!

[Hedda T. Brodtkorb]

Ohhh my, I will try this ASAP!! Thank you! Crossing my fingers and toes now!!!

[Hedda T. Brodtkorb]

Holy moly HOW can I ever thank you enough!!!!!!

THAT was the solution! But how did that happen? I am forever greatful for your wisdom and help! How can one know what to do?! Seriously...

I am so happy right now. Thank you.

[defaultc8jobgf7hhed]

oh, you're so welcome!!  crazy that it had to take so many hours of angst just to discover that simple fix, but it feels like magic to me right now! i had been scouring the boards for a solution and ran across the application frame setting as it related to a similar (though not exact) problem. thought i'd try it before getting into more aggressive measures!

anyhow, i'm not sure how it impacts folks who like that feature, but i can work now and will add it to my list of fixes after future updates. so happy to help!!

[Hedda T. Brodtkorb]

OMG NO! I have no clue how to fix this... 

what did you do with the preferences???