How to get access to InDesign version 2023 or later?

[nicole_1637]

I’m experiencing pretty serious bugs with InDesign v19 on macOS. I've tried to troubleshoot for several hours with no luck. I would like to install InDesign 2023 or later, but it's not on the Creative Cloud. Does anyone know the best way to go about this? I tried to utilize the Adobe Support chat, but since it isn't business hours I can't get a response there right now.

[Barb Binder · Accepted solution]

Hi @nicole_1637:

I see you are new here, and welcome.

Adobe's policy is N and N-1, where N is the current version (2025 or v 20, and currently at 20.4.1) and N-1 is one version back (2023 or v 19, and currently at 19.5.4). Both are available to download through the CC Desktop app.  You can ask Customer Care for an exception to obtain downloaders for an earlier version, but they are not provided very often.

Why don't we start with troubleshooting one of the two available versions?

What macOS are you running? I'm on macOS Sequoia 15.5 and running both without issues.

What kinds of things are happening with your current installation?

Have you completely removed InDesign with the Adobe CC Cleaner tool (https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/apps/troubleshoot/download-failure/cc-cleaner-tool-installa...) and initiated a fresh installation –OR– worked through all of the steps in this post? https://www.rockymountaintraining.com/adobe-indesign-rebuilding-preferences-cache/

~Barb

[nicole_1637]

Hi Barb - thanks for the response!

I've updated my Mac OS system to Sequoia 15.5 and completely removed and cleaned InDesign + reinstalled several times. I've tried two versions of InDesign. The newest verison got stuck on initializing, v19 let's me start a project but gives me the rainbow wheel shortly after.  I've tried every troubleshooting option that I've found with no success, including the ones you provided. Thank you for providing! If the Customer Care team can't give me an installer to previous versions then I'll just have to quit my subscription and try to get a refund. 

[Barb Binder]

Thanks for the update, Nicole.

Just clarifying—so you did download and use the Adobe CC Cleaner Tool to completely remove InDesign before reinstalling? A regular uninstall leaves remnants behind that can cause issues, but locating and removing the hidden files/folders in the post I linked to will also remove the troublesome remnants.  

Have you previously used v 18 (CC 2023) on this system? Is that why you think that version will work? And what are your system specifications? Are you on a personal Mac, or one being managed by your admin department?

If you are going the refund route, you don't need to respond to any of these questions, but if you decide to give it another shot, by all means, reach back out to us. We'll be here for you.

~Barb

[nicole_1637]

I used the Cleaner tool! I have had other Adobe products work like Premiere on this computer. It is a personal coputer. I'd really like to make InDesign work, I'd like to use it to try to create a photobook zine as a gift, but I'm running out of time to make the gift since I can't get this resolved. 

[Peter Spier]

There are also two troubleshooting steps to try that might indicate a system problem or software conflict:

Start the Mac in Safe Mode and see in f Indesign will run (software conflict), and create a new uyser on the Mac and see if it runs in the new user (a problem in your user profile). I'm a PC user, but my understanding is that Mac OS is vewry sensitive to permissions issues and you have to be sure that InDesign has full access permission.

[Barb Binder]

Why can't I upvote your posts, Peter? I even changed browsers.

~Barb

[Anubhav M]

Hello @nicole_1637,

I'm sorry to hear about your experience. I hope Peter and Barb's suggestions helped resolve the problem. If not, kindly share a screenshot or screen recording of where InDesign gets stuck on the loading screen so I can better assist you.

Looking forward to hearing from you.
Anubhav

[Peter Spier]

Why can't I upvote your posts, Peter? I even changed browsers.

~Barb

By @Barb Binder

I guess I'm just special <shrug>

[Barb Binder]

What are your system specifications, Nicole? Does your personal computer meet or exceed the specs shown below?

~Barb

Processor

Multicore Intel processor or Apple silicon/M1/M2/M3/M4. SSE4.2 or higher SIMD engine. Advanced Vector Extensions 2 (AVX2) Support required

RAM	Minimum 8 GB of RAM (16 GB recommended)
Hard disk	4.5 GB of available hard-disk space for installation. Additional free space is required during installation (cannot install on a volume that uses a case-sensitive file system or on removable flash storage devices).
Monitor resolution	1024 x 768 display (1920 x 1080 recommended), Retina display support. Scalable UI: Minimum monitor resolution required is 1920 x 1080.