Hyperlinks Disappearing in InDesign

Report · Nov 20, 2024

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.

Report · Nov 20, 2024

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

Report · Nov 20, 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.

Report · Nov 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?

Report · Nov 21, 2024

There was a thread few months ago - and the reason for hlinks go hi wire was that they were not https - if I remember correctly.

ID-Tasker will let you see all Hyperlinks as a list - with full info about source and destination - so you can quickly confirm false-positives - InDesign might flag links that are still valid.

ID-Tasker can also let you see targets without sources and sources without targets - but that's more for text / page / item hlinks.

Report · Nov 21, 2024

Thank you. I read the various threads about missing hyperlinks and what I'm seeing isn't the same. https:// is included in the URL hyperlink. I used to teach InDesign and spoke at conferences, I'm pretty well versed in the program and can typically troubleshoot on my own. This one has me stumped. I cannot find any common denominators as to why it's happening or what could be the underlying reason behind it.

Report · Nov 21, 2024

It might have something to do with InCopy?

Otherwise, this place would be full of similar posts.

But... one thing - how your files - that go through InCopy - are stored / moved around?

Are they saved into a database and then extracted - interpreted in any way - rewrote, etc?

What exactly is the workflow?

Report · Nov 21, 2024

Files are saved and accessed by InDesign and InCopy users on SharePoint. I originally thought it had to do with InCopy as well, but I'm not convinced. As shared in the original post 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.

Report · Nov 21, 2024

Does it happen if you work ONLY locally?

No SharePoint?

Report · Nov 21, 2024

Our PC desktops are tied to OneDrive, so even when we pull down from SharePoint locally the files are living in a Microsoft environment. I've packaged the file and sent it to my Mac but I'm still seeing hyperlinks drop from when opened.

Report · Nov 21, 2024

So after you save your document - next time you open it, some Hyperlinks will be broken?

Can you share a sample document - can be on priv?

Report · Nov 21, 2024

Can you check if they are present in the IDML file?

IDML file is just bunch of ZIPed XML files.

You can change extension to - or just add - ".zip" - and open it as a package - then check XML files inside.

I suspect you problem is when opening file - InDesign can't verify Hyperlinks and flag them.

Report · Nov 21, 2024

Yes, you are following correctly. I tried to outline everything in my original post with steps taken. Here's a high level overview:

Hyperlinks added in InDesign using Hyperlinks panel. Designer unchecks "Shared destination" in dialogue box. File saved.
PDF exported and all hyperlinks are tested and work. InDesign file closed.
Edits are made to copy either in InDesign by designer or InCopy user. Note: When InCopy user makes updates, the designer will ensure all copy is synced before creating a new PDF.
PDF exported and hyperlinks that were previously working are missing.
IMDL created to confirm what links are "ghost" links.
Designer cannot update URL in Hyperlink panel (see Image 3 in original post). Copy with hyperlink must be deleted and re-keyed into layout to apply URL in InDesign. Hyperlinks fixed. File saved.
PDF exported and confirmed links are working. InDesign file closed.
Designer opens InDesign file and different hyperlinks are missing. Repeat steps.

If you look at the original images and notes that I included, it should help you visually see what I'm seeing. I have confirmed that the URLs are working sites and that the hyperlink includes the full path. I'm not sure if I can share the file. I need to receive approval even to send priv.

Report · Nov 21, 2024

Any chance you can check your files "somewhere else"?

A place with completely different kind of access to the Internet.

I really think the problem is with the ability of InDesign being able to verify Hyperlinks.

Can you export IDML - after 1st bullet - and check if Hyperlinks are still there?

Report · Nov 21, 2024

Are those Hyperlinks "pay walled", or require verification - that it's a human accessing them - or, on your browser, you can access them because you've visited them before?

Or InDesign is just "timing out"?

Report · Nov 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.

Report · Nov 22, 2024

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?

Report · Nov 22, 2024

Yes, that's what I've been doing.