Skip to main content
G
grit&pixel
Participating Frequently
November 20, 2024
Question

Hyperlinks Disappearing in InDesign

  • November 20, 2024
  • 2 replies
  • 2499 views

INDESIGN 2024 (19.5 X64) / HP ZBOOK / FILES SAVED ON SHAREPOINT

Details:

  • Hyperlinks are disappearing from several InDesign documents. Some are updated files from last year and others were recently created.
  • Shared hyperlinks is turned off on ALL hyperlinks.
  • A character style is applied to the hyperlinks.
  • The hyperlinks that disappear are active, working and confirmed in previously exported PDFs.

We use a workflow with InCopy and I have noticed that sometimes the hyperlinks drop if edits are made to text in InCopy but this does not happen all the time. It also seems like there are specific hyperlinks across multiple documents that continue to drop, but it’s unclear why.

 

The only way to recreate the hyperlink is by rekeying the content and then applying New Hyperlink. Otherwise, the option to create a hyperlink is not available in the Hyperlinks panel. After hyperlinks are fixed, the next time InDesign is opened some of the same hyperlinks are no longer in the hyperlinks panel OR other hyperlinks disappear.

 

I have created IDML files of some of the files in question. When I open the IDML file, some of the hyperlinks show the infamous red flag and others are just gone. I have also copied the files to my desktop from SharePoint (but my desktop is tied to OneDrive) and it continues to happen. It’s unclear what the root cause would be. Note: I have opened up the files on a MacBook and have the same experience.

 

Any insights or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I have searched forums, posted in other creative groups and cannot find a solution. Screenshots and additional information below. THANK YOU!

 

  • Image 1: File opened in InDesign BEFORE InCopy updates were synced. Hyperlink is showing in Hyperlinks panel. Note: The hyperlink goes to an intranet site so that is why it's showing a red dot.
  • Image 2: File opened in InDesign AFTER InCopy updates were synced. Hyperlink is no longer showing in the Hyperlinks panel. Note: No edits were made to the hyperlink in InCopy; however, edits to the text in that frame were made.
  • Image 3: The option to create a New Hyperlink in the Hyperlinks panel is not available. The text needs to be rekeyed and formatted to recreate the hyperlink.
  • Image 4: Exported an IDML file of the InDesign file after NEW hyperlink was added and when the IDML file was opened it shows the hyperlink isn't available. I rekeyed the copy, applied a new hyperlink with shared hyperlink destination turned off, no InCopy updates were made, and the hyperlink disappears again.
    This topic has been closed for replies.

    2 replies

    Robert at ID-Tasker
    Robert at ID-Tasker
    Legend
    November 21, 2024

    What are the destinations of the Hyperlinks that go missing? 

     

    You can try my ID-Tasker tool for free, the bottom part - browser - is completely free and it will let you load detailed / internal info about ALL Hyperlinks / Cross-References / Destinations / etc. 

     

    G
    grit&pixelAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    November 21, 2024

    Some hyperlinks are pointing to SharePoint sites that are client provided and others are public facing websites. This has happened in several documents and in some cases there is a hyperlink to the same website on a different page (not a shared destination) that doesn't become a ghost link. There also doesn't seem to be any consistency in which link will drop. It'll be random hyperlinks throughout the document and the next time it'll be different hyperlinks. We have removed all hyperlinks and started over as well and this doesn't solve it either. I've attached another screenshot from a different file. I've learned that I can pinpoint which hyperlinks went bad by creating an IDML file and opening it in InDesign. All of the flagged hyperlinks were confirmed working in the previous saved version of the file.

     

    I've never heard of ID-Tasker but it would require IT approval to use. What exactly would it do in this case? 

    Robert at ID-Tasker
    Robert at ID-Tasker
    Legend
    November 22, 2024

    Some of the hyperlinks require verification because they point to client intranet sites. Others are public facing sites. InDesign isn't timing out. The hyperlink URL physically goes missing in the Hyperlinks dialogue box. There are times it's visible in the Hyperlinks panel but doesn't allow you to edit it and other times it's completely gone.

     

    I spent a few hours testing problem files last night and still haven't been able to find the root cause. 


    quote

    I spent a few hours testing problem files last night and still haven't been able to find the root cause. 


    By @grit&pixel

     

    If you still can't share your document - can you test it yourself outside of your current environment? 

     

    G
    grit&pixelAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    November 20, 2024

    I did review the other Hyperlinks Missing in InDesign forum posts and they were not the issue that I've experienced. 

    Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
    Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices