How can I restore the status bar to InDesign documents without using the Application Frame?

[edie.m.w.]

When working on and InDesign document, the status bar used to display at the bottom of the window even when the window was independent of the Application Frame (i.e. Application Frame was unchecked in the Window menu). Recently this changed, and it seems that now the status bar is only available when working within the Application Frame, which I don’t like because for me it’s just in the way – it’s a solid window that hides everything on my desktop behind it and stays there in the background as long as InDesign is running, even when I’m not working in InDesign, have no InDesign documents open, and am using another application.

I’m currently working on a MacBook Air, OS Sonoma 14.5, InDesign 19.4 (2024). How can I restore the status bar to InDesign documents without using the Application Frame? Here’s what I’ve tried so far, to no avail.

• Searching online Adobe support and user posts
• Changing the Workspace to every possible option
• Ditching preferences
• Uninstalling then reinstalling InDesign
• Installing the new InDesign Beta 19.4 (mainline CI #a2e7cc4)
• Calling tech support

Please help!

Adobe: if the missing status bar is a bug, please fix. If limiting it to the Application Frame is a new "feature" please revise to make it available again without the Application Frame.  

Thank you!

[Mike Witherell]

I just compared your question to my install on a MacBook Pro. When I turn on and off the Application frame, the status bar remains visible either way.

https://community.adobe.com/t5/indesign-discussions/reset-indesign-preferences-and-other-troubleshoo...

[Steve Werner]

I agree with @Mike Witherell . In InDesign 19.4, the status bar also appears whether the Application Frame is open or closed.

His suggestion of restoring your preferences likely will help you.

[edie.m.w.]

Yes, the status bar remains in the document if you close the Application Frame, but only while the document remains open. If you close and reopen the same document outside the Application Frame, the status bar is no longer there. When the agent at Adobe support couldn't help me he said he would investigate further and somebody would call me if there was an answer. To my great surprise they did, to tell me this "feature" was built into the latest InDesign update and that they've had multiple complaints about the issue. She strongly encouraged me to provide feedback on Adobe's User Voice site, and to tell anyone else having this issue to do the same. https://indesign.uservoice.com 

[leo.r]

When working on and InDesign document, the status bar used to display at the bottom of the window

By @edie.m.w.

Are you referring to this bar:

If so, then I can't reproduce the issue with the latest InDesign. I never use the Application Frame and the status bar is still there.

Are you sure it's not just hidden as the window is slightly taller than the screen? This can happen occasionally.

Try to click the green window button to restore its normal size - will this reveal the bottom bar?