In design won’t open a recent save file - adobe in design may not support the file format

[leoc2410825]

Hi there, 

really hoping someone can help.

a file I created 5 days ago suddenly won't open? I get an error message that reads "Cannot open the file "filename.indd" Adobe in design may not support the file format, a plug-in that supports the file format may be missing, or the file may be open in another application."

I have never used a plug-in for in design so it's not that. The file gets the same error message after updating in design to the latest version, on different computer, after multiple restarts. I have also tried manually moving the file to the desktop same message. Open from bridge same message. 

no idea what has happened and there is no alternative to this file. Hopefully somebody has a resolution? 

thanks in advance 

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

Unfortunately, we are not mind readers. 

What platform, OS & InDesign versions? 

What is the size - in MB? 

Where have you saved your file? Locally or remotely?

If external drive / pendrive - have you "ejected" it through system - or just unplugged?

If just unplugged - then it's most likely that system haven't flushed cache / buffer - so your file is incomplete = corrupted... 

[leoc2410825]

Hi thanks for commenting appreciate the help 👍.

yes sorry can see this info would be helpful initially!

so..

IMac (M1)

os Sonoma 14.4.1

orginal file designed in - in design 18.x

tryed in 18. & v.19.5

File was saved directly to external HD

External HD always ejected never unplugged 

File size 17.9mb

any other info that may be relevant? 

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

Just in case - are you sure it's INDD file - "something.indd"?

[leoc2410825]

Yes definitely .indd 

I always version save whilst creating artwork. Unfortunately in the case of this one I only saved it in 2 versions the first opens fine but is very far behind the second in terms of work completed.

The second has this error message?  

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

Markzware OmniMarkz:

https://markzware.com/omnimarkz/omnimarkz-tutorials/adobe-indesign-crashed-launch-cant-open-file-ope... 

[leoc2410825]

Thanks for this. Omnimarkz seams a great resource. 

unfortunately, the file won't open in that either, just remains greyed out, and if you try open with to force it nothing happens. 

worth a try tho. Appreciate your help 👍 

looks like the file must be very damaged? No idea how this could have happened. 

difficult to trust indesign as there was no warning or reason for this sudden and odd failure. 

🤦🏼‍:male_sign:

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

Can you share your file - you can click my nickname and send it on priv.

[leoc2410825]

Thank you, have sent file through via message now 👍

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

Looks like your file is really damaged...

I don't even have an icon for your file in the system...

[leo.r]

I always version save whilst creating artwork. Unfortunately in the case of this one I only saved it in 2 versions the first opens fine but is very far behind the second in terms of work completed.

By @leoc2410825

I know it doesn't help in this particular case, but make sure you're running an incremental backup at all times (such as the built-in Time Machine or similar software). Then you won't be in a situation like this.