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Cathy5F86
Participant
September 27, 2020
Answered

import images failed

  • September 27, 2020
  • 6 replies
  • 28596 views

I’m using Indesign 2020 and I’m trying to import images from my mac, i've tried to drag the image from the desktop, File> Place and Command D, all of these don't work, it said import failed.

so i reinstalled the app from creative cloud, still doesn't work.

i also tried to create a new document or working on previous document, all these don't work either.

it worked well a week ago... 

 

 

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Cathy5F86

    Thanks for replying! I've figured out the problem, it’s because the image format is not compatible with Indesign. i changed the format and it works now.

    6 replies

    A
    Alexandra28321105pqqj
    Participant
    February 8, 2023

    I'm  having the same problem. All my images are JPG and I've always been able to drag and drop into my InDesign file, and now I can't do anything. All imports fail.

    I'm running InDesign 18.1 and have restarted and am frustrated beyond belief. Is there a phone # we can call for help?

    Derek Cross
    Community Expert
    Derek CrossCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    February 8, 2023

    Try File > Place.

    P
    pixel_poppy
    Participant
    January 4, 2023

    I'm so happy I came across this forum. I was having the same issues with InDesign. All of my fonts were missing, even when I tried to replace them. When I tried to relink my images, I received "import failed" whether I tried to link them through the links panel or place a new image in. The issue was Dropbox! If you are using the Dropbox desktop version, you have to right click your files and make them available offline. I don't have issues with fonts or images anymore.

    F
    franklozano-1111
    Participant
    May 12, 2022

    I had the same issue and had a different solution for it. I have an M1 MBP and running Monterey 12.3 

    For me, I guess to save space, not all my files are ON my drive. I am using DropBox and while I see the file and filename, it's actually showing 0 bites. I have to OPEN the file and it then DOWNLOADS the images to my computer, I see a green checkmark beside it. I then reopen InDesign and it finds those images that did not "appear" to be linked. Even when I tried to import the images, I got the dreaded "failed to import" prompt. So check to make sure your images are actually downloaded to your computer and not just a alias or placeholder first.

     

    Good luck.

    ians36619748
    ians36619748
    Participant
    April 23, 2022

    Hi

    I am having the same problem, 'import failed'. On my macbook pro no problem but on my desktop machine I get the error message. Same document and same photos. The documents and app are closed on the machine I am not using so its not a conflict there. Any suggestions. Oh I have deleted and reloaded indesign.

    Ian

     

      lisabp
      lisabp
      Participant
      May 5, 2022

      I am having the same issue. I am on a macOS Monterey 12.3.1 and running Indesign 17.2.1. It seems like ever since I upgraded to Monterey I am having the issue. I am opening the same Indesign files I have used multiple times and the images are all in the same folders and the formats are compatable, but now it says I need to relink them, but when I try to do that it says import failed. I can place them again and it seems to work, but it is very frustrating and time consuming. 

        X
        xhouse
        Participant
        May 8, 2022

        I'm now having the same issue. Once I updated to Monterey I can not update/relink images without receiving the cryptic "import failed" message. This has to be solved immediately. Many of us have way too many doucments with many images so time-consuming work-arounds are not the solution.

          Scott Falkner
          Community Expert
          Scott FalknerCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          September 27, 2020

          What format is the image? Are you sure it is the correct format. People often think changing the extension of a file will convert it to that format. You may be dealing wit h a file with either no extension or the wrong extension. Do you have this problem with all files? All files of a certain format? Or only specific files?

          C
          Cathy5F86AuthorCorrect answer
          Participant
          September 27, 2020

          Thanks for replying! I've figured out the problem, it’s because the image format is not compatible with Indesign. i changed the format and it works now.

          Derek Cross
          Community Expert
          Derek CrossCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          September 27, 2020

          As a matter of interest what was the format of the image you couldn't Place?

          Derek Cross
          Community Expert
          Derek CrossCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          September 27, 2020

          Which OS?
          How much RAM and spare disk capacity do you have?
          What do you mean "don't work" - is there an error message?

          Have you tried resetting your InDesign preferences?

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