InDesign 2025 Performance Issues on Mac M1: Spinning Beach Ball and Crashes in 2024 Version

[cg91002266]

I installed the new Indesign 2025 and it has been unsuable (I get the spinning beach ball everytime I try to scroll). So I have gone back to 2024 but now have issues with it crashing and I lost work. Anyone else having big issues with 2024 since the update of 2025? Or anyone know how to solve the 2025 issues so it is actually usable? (I am on a Mac, Apple M1 Max chip, 64 GB memory running Sequoia 15.0.1). Thank you! 

<Title renamed by MOD>

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

You calling me an imbecile because I installed a production version of 'worldclass' software and expect no issues is uncalled for.

By @Herbiedriver1

My question was generalized and retorical. Also, I never called anyone an imbecile (except for my dog...).

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

@Herbiedriver1

Don't want to start any holy wars 😉 but I don't remember so many posts about so many problems with a PC version...

Every year it's either because of the new major macos version or InDesign version - or both at the same time...

[Herbiedriver1]

I'm too old and have moved past the tired Mac vs. PC wars!   

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

I'm too old and have moved past the tired Mac vs. PC wars!   

By @Herbiedriver1

Just saying - maybe you should switch to the dark side 😉 

[reblou]

It would be wonderful if Adobe and apple would work closer together on this to provide working softwares, given that tons of designers work on Mac, using Adobe. And seriously, I've got a fairly expensive setup that I've saved a lot of money for and no "normal" person is financially able to just up and "switch" to PC. Secondly, I used to work with PC and also had issues with crashing programs, etc. 

I switched to Mac and it all ran smoother - also, it feels safer to be on Mac, given that 80% (or somewhat) people use PC, therefore hackers target PC a lot more.

These are my 2 cents, thanks for coming to my ted talk.

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

I use both Mac and Windows. My Windows system has not had any issues. I like Macs* but I suspect programing for their systems is like a moving target. I remember Apple changing processors 4 times: Motorola, PowerPC, Intel, and the M series.

*Mac user since 1985 and member of the Apple Consultants Network 1990-2011.

[raymondd13924530]

Witness the issue? All they have to do is reach out to one of the MANY having this issue and see it in action. They're making a mint on their software that has many issues not just Indesign. I'm training up in Affintity so hoping to switch in the near future.

[barbara-bh]

Trouble with Indesign 2025 - ball spinning for every operation - using macOS Sequoia 15.1.1

tried turning for the preflight, does not help, have reset the preferences, does not help either...?

[Eugene Tyson]

All documents or just 1?

If just 1

If a document is not behaving well then try 

File>Export 

Choose IDML

Open the IDML in InDesign
Save the file as a new InDesign file with a new name
See if the issue persists.

-------------

You said you tried resetting preferences but there's a deeper clean see link

Try resetting your preferences:

Windows: Start InDesign, and then press Shift+Ctrl+Alt. Click Yes when asked if you want to delete preference files.
macOS: While pressing Shift+Option+Command+Control, start InDesign. Click Yes when asked if you want to delete preference files.
A dialog will appear asking to delete the InDesign Preferences, select 'Yes' on this dialog.
Further info and instructions here if needed:
https://helpx.adobe.com/in/indesign/kb/indesign-preferences-support-file-locations.html

-----

Reinstalling rarely fixes everything - you can do a complete reinstall using the
Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/kb/cc-cleaner-tool-installation-problems.html

-------

Do you have an app called Magnet installed? If so remove it as it is causing issues.

-----

All else fails

Try installing an earlier version of InDesign - should be available in CC app.

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

@barbara-bh 

There are more steps described here:

https://community.adobe.com/t5/indesign-discussions/reset-indesign-preferences-and-other-troubleshoo...

Or simply go back to 2024.

[barbara-bh]

Hi everyone, 

1 yes its all document, no matter if they are indesig or. Idml, same ball appears every time i press anything.

2 tried all solutions above, none helped.

3. Have no gone back one version, but I will try going back one more version tomorrow.. 

crossing my fingers that something will work.

[XjohannesX]

I am experiencing significant performance issues with Adobe InDesign. The program frequently lags, and I constantly see the spinning color wheel, which makes it difficult to work efficiently.

I am using the latest version of InDesign (20.0.1) on a MacBook Pro 2021 with an Apple M1 Pro chip, running macOS 14.1 (23B74).

Whats going on Adobe?

[BobLevine]

14.1? Update your O/S. Most InDesign issues were fixed with later versions of Sonoma.

That said, you may well have to roll back to InDesign 2024.

[XjohannesX]

My colleagues with the latest version of O/S (Sequoia 15.1.1) are experiencing the same problems.

[E.J. 23]

I had to go back 2024. All these issues started to appear when I created and book connecting all the files using the book feature.

[E.J. 23]

The obvious solution to this common issue is just to go back to 2024. 2025 is flawed and clearly was released prematurely.

[barbara-bh]

what version did you go back to? 19.? I have tried everything else now and no matter what action I take, it lags, soooo annoying.

[E.J. 23]

I was forced to revert to 2024, and I had to convert all my files.

2025 started to act up on the final day of finishing a 400 pg catalog! After I created a book, and started to open and close the files through the book file in turned into a fiasco!  Soooo, amazingly frustrating! I'd avoid 2025.

[barbara-bh]

Thanks, i just did the same and it worked, but as you say, super annoying to be forced to convert files again.. this is really a problem i hope adobe can fix soon, its a pity not being able to use the latest version 😕

[Mili293083424e28]

I have the same problem on my 14" M1 MAX 32GB RAM with Mac OS 15.2 . WTF Adobe?  FIX IT! I just extended my subscription and already regrett it. 

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

...I just extended my subscription and already regrett it. 

By @Mili293083424e28

Technically, you would need that subscription even if staying on 2024.

[Greg Harbour]

Downgrading to version 19.0 worked for me

Wasn't Magnet. Wasn't the MacOS version. Anything later than 19.0 (19.4 etc) has same problems on Sonoma or Sequoia.

I used to sit a MacOS version behind to accommodate Indesign catching up, but I'd rather just use an old Indesign version. 

Business is moving from linear, static media (Adobe's wheelhouse) to interactive, dynamic media (Adobe's blindspot) anywho.

[Ranessa]

I have a M3 Pro 36 GB memory running Sequoia 15.1.1 and I totally removed 2025 from my computer and reinstalled 2024 and it is running like it used to.  I had the same problems you were having before I quit 2025 .  They need to do something but to date have heard no one mention any fixes from Adobe.

[johnr75230036]

Hi guys!

I finally found MY issue. (Apple Mac mini M1)  All the other things mentioned in this post didn't work for me. My files were saved in Google Drive and I was working directly from the synced Folder. So everytime I made a change to the file, Google drive would save and sync the changes the the internet. So, I just disabled the internet for the time while I am working and then the glitches and lagging disappeared COMPLETELY! I could turn on preflight and GPU performance and everything. Maybe this can help someone. 

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

@johnr75230036

I've marked your reply as correct, so it will be pinned at the top.

Hopefully, this could be beneficial to others.