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M
Mike Eburne
Participant
October 25, 2021
Question

Importing PDF: File could not be opened...

  • October 25, 2021
  • 5 replies
  • 1072 views

I am attempting to import the contents of a number of PDF files into InDesign but I am being blocked with the following:

 

"The file could not be opened. You may not have permission or the file may be in use by another application."

 

I have removed all protection from the files.

 

The files reside in a Google Drive to which I have full rights (Editor).

 

If I move the files to my desktop they import. The problem is that I need to keep these 'source' files in my Google Drive and not on my Desktop where they can be deleted. As soon as I move them back to my Google Drive I loose the link in InDesign and cannot relink them - same permission issue.

 

Can anyone help?

This topic has been closed for replies.

5 replies

L
Community Expert
LaubenderCommunity Expert
Community Expert
October 26, 2021

And: what's your version of InDesign?
What operating system and machine?

 

Regards,
Uwe Laubender

( ACP )

L
Community Expert
LaubenderCommunity Expert
Community Expert
October 26, 2021

Hi Mike,

what happens if you place the PDF files without the script?

 

Regards,
Uwe Laubender

( ACP )

BobLevine
Community Expert
BobLevineCommunity Expert
Community Expert
October 25, 2021

Show options when importing and make the appropriate choices. These are sticky and if you attempt to place a file that the options don't apply to you could get that error.

    M
    Mike EburneAuthor
    Participant
    October 25, 2021

    I'm not too sure what you means when you say 'Show options'. When using the script 'PlaceMultipagePDF.jsx' there are not options - it onlu askes where to start pacing the pages. When using the script 'MultiPageImporter2.5-CS5.jsx' the following popup is displayed but I don;t see wnything that will address the issue:

     

    rob day
    Community Expert
    rob dayCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    October 25, 2021

    Are you trying to Open or Place the PDFs? PDFs can be placed, not opened.

    M
    Mike EburneAuthor
    Participant
    October 25, 2021

    It happens during the Import Procedure when using either of the multi page import scrips.

    Gusgsm
    Gusgsm
    Inspiring
    October 25, 2021

    In some network/storage environments that message could be triggered by different reasons. Some as absurd as the file name having non ASCII characters. If that's the case, just change the name.

     

    Besides, those files might be password protected or damaged.

     

    Best regards

      Derek Cross
      Community Expert
      Derek CrossCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      October 25, 2021

      You might find this plugin (at extra cost) helpful:

      https://www.recosoft.com/products/pdf2id/?gclid=CjwKCAjwq9mLBhB2EiwAuYdMtadEG72gOTvhMQGvrR17QXuNd4NobaKELReCSBfZbRtRh4ugaQl6yhoCfS0QAvD_BwE

       

        M
        Mike EburneAuthor
        Participant
        October 25, 2021

        I suppose I should have clarified a bit more. This issue does not happen to ALL PDF files I try and import. Only some and I have not been able to determine why this is so.

        Dave Creamer of IDEAS
        Community Expert
        Dave Creamer of IDEASCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        October 25, 2021

        This is probably a dumb suggestion but...

        Are you sure the PDF is not open in Acrobat or the Google PDF viewer?

        David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)
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