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InDesign is crashing perpetually. I can't figure out why but it looks to be related to either the command or cntrol keys. I have restarted, uninstalled it and tried againg and it keeps crashing! On deadline so I am starting to fume. It never used to crash on 19...? Any ideas how to solve this 'making my job (cursing removed)' riddle?
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Try resetting InDesign preferences
https://helpx.adobe.com/au/indesign/using/setting-preferences.html
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Hi @Mel VB,
Let me know if the suggestion from expert helped. If still facing the issue, would you mind sharing some more details to further investigate it with you: the details of the OS and its version? Do you get the Crash Reporter Dialog box when it crashes? If yes, have you submitted the crash report? If submitted, please share the email address you used to share the report (share it via DM on the Community not and on the thread). Reference: https://adobe.ly/4aAEfQi
Once we have the crash report, we will work with the product to get to the bottom of this.
Moreover, please explain the crash situation of when it crashes, such as crash at launch, crash while working on the document, or crash while using a particular tool. If possible, share a screen recording demonstrating the crash. Before moving forward, please isolate the third-party software on your system, which might be conflicting with the process of InDesign and causing it to crash. For this, try testing in Safe mode. Reference:
https://adobe.ly/40PYHcP
Please find these crash articles here: (let me know if they assisted)
https://adobe.ly/3WYrtFR
https://adobe.ly/3WzoAuT
Will wait to hear from you.
^
Abhishek
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If you can still open your document - try IDMLing - export as IDML, open, save with a new name - do not overwrite your orginal file.
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Hi Mel, did you issue got fixed?
I have the same issue since updating to 20.1 version. it crashes all the time, specially when using 'option' key to copy drag text boxes or images. It has been soooo anoying. Now I can even copy pages then it crashes.
- I have unistalled
- Deleted, reset fonts
- restarted computer
but the issue keeps happening...
Adobe team really drop the ball on this.
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Adobe team really drop the ball on this.
By @Sadao
We're all users just like you - not Adobe staff
Report bugs here
https://indesign.uservoice.com/forums/601180-adobe-indesign-bugs
My personal take
It can be frustrating when software updates lead to unexpected crashes, especially when you're on a tight deadline. But it's important to recognise that it's not always fair to say that "Adobe dropped the ball" in situations like this.
Software updates, like InDesign 20.1, are often large and address a variety of issues, from performance improvements to new features. The issue you're facing might be an unintended consequence of a change in the code, but these problems often arise when updating a system as complex as InDesign, which interacts with so many variables like OS versions, third-party plugins, fonts, and hardware configurations.
Crashes can be caused by a range of factors outside Adobe's control. It's important to consider variables such as OS compatibility, third-party software conflicts, system settings, or even corrupt preferences and files.
This is why troubleshooting often includes steps like resetting preferences, checking for software conflicts, and updating drivers or plugins.
Adobe’s support team usually takes steps to address issues as quickly as possible, offering specific advice, troubleshooting steps, and crash report submission to investigate the problem. They're actively working to understand the root cause of the issue, and the recommendation to submit crash reports allows them to gather more data and fix the issue for future updates.
Adobe continuously updates its software to improve performance and fix bugs. If issues arise, they are often quickly addressed in minor patches. Labeling Adobe as neglecting their responsibility doesn’t give credit to the work they do to roll out fixes and improvements across their software suite.
While it’s easy to vent frustration when you’re facing interruptions in your workflow, it’s important to recognise the broader context: software development is a balancing act, and resolving issues takes time. It’s great to see that you're troubleshooting and trying solutions, but also remember that support is working hard behind the scenes to fix these issues with user feedback.
Please report in the Bugs section as the more reports the quicker it may be looked at.
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This answer is very likely to be done by a robot or an AI, so let's be a little real and I'd appreaciate a real human interaction if you are a user.
I use Adobe and InDesign since 2002, so I can say 'Adobe dropped the ball on this version' because this never happen before.
My frustration is that I have sents dozens of reports in the last week and I am here jsut trying to find a possible solution. My bad if I offend anyone, it wasn't my intention.
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I get that frustration, and I appreciate your response. Just to clarify, I’m not a bot I’m a real user who took the time to write my reply and share some insight into why software updates can sometimes cause unexpected issues.
I completely understand why this feels like Adobe "dropped the ball," especially if you’ve been using InDesign for over 20 years and haven’t experienced this kind of instability before. The reality is that software updates introduce new code that interacts differently with various system setups, and sometimes, that leads to unforeseen issues. Even if it worked fine in past versions, changes in the OS, third-party apps, fonts, or even background processes can contribute to crashes.
That said, I totally get that repeated crash reports with no immediate fix can be frustrating. Hopefully, with enough reports and feedback from users like you, Adobe will patch this quickly. In the meantime, if you haven’t already
testing in Safe Mode
or
rolling back a version could be a temporary workaround.
No offense taken at all.
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I have the same issue since updating to 20.1 version. it crashes all the time, specially when using 'option' key to copy drag text boxes or images.
By @Sadao
Another user just reported the same issue a few hours ago:
What's your macOS version?
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My OS version is Sequoia.
Yesterday it got worse and my Photoshop wasn't saving any file, also InDesign wouldn't save. It started flashing and did nothing...
I restarted my computer and reinstalled Sequoia. I stabilized Adobe and it now seems to work and it is performing better and not lagging that much.
So I'd recommend reinstalling Sequoia or update your macOS
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I don't know what else to say - I know it's frustrating and we're users just like you - updating the OS seems to fix issues across the board when a new release comes out.
It seems to be either update InDesign and OS to the latest version.
Or roll back to earlier version of InDesign and roll back the OS
Or roll back to earlier version of InDesgin and update the OS
Or update InDesign to the latest version and roll back the OS.
Seems very convulated. I hope Adobe can help fix these. Seems like when Apple/Windows update the OS it can affect many things. It's so hard to know how to help.
And all the other factors, like third part OS (Magnet, Web Root etc.), fonts, VPNs, Firewalls, and all the other things.
I think I've mentioned it before - when InDesign and OS are working fine don't update anything unless you absolutely 100% have to. You can keep your version of InDesign - I work in InDesign 2022, and have 2023, 2024 and 2025 installed. But I do all my work in 2022.
And I think I'm on OS 13.7.2 and also Windows 10 19045.5371
All working well for me so I don't update a thing.