InDesign 2026 Freezing on macOS Tahoe and Unable to Launch App

[Lilly-125]

Currently on a mac running Tahoe 26.0.1. I'm having freezing issues for InDesign version 21.0.1 and 20.5.1. I've restarted my compture, uninstalled/reinstalled, cleared the cache upwards of 50 times. It'll occassionally work and then get stuck in an endless loop of being frozen forcing me to Force Quit.

This is supremely frustrating as I use InDesign primarily for 99% of all my projects. This issue has been ongoing for weeks.  HELP!

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[leo.r]

Did the problem start after upgrading to Tahoe? Also, how much RAM do you have?

[leo.r]

P.S. Also, update to the current version of Tahoe - 26.1 - will it make a difference?

[Lilly-125]

Thanks for getting back to me. Yes, I believe it began after upgrading to Tahoe. I have 16GB of RAM. 
In the process of downloading the current upgrade right now, can keep you updated. 

[Abhishek Rao]

Hello @Lilly-125, 

I appreciate the update. When you have a chance, could you verify whether the files you're currently working on are saved remotely, such as in cloud storage or on a network drive, when the freezing occurs? It would also be useful to find out if the problem persists when you work on files stored locally on your Mac.

If the issue still occurs, please attempt to start your Mac in Safe Mode and test InDesign there. This will help determine if any third-party components might be responsible for the freeze. You can follow the instructions in Apple's guide here https://adobe.ly/4oKuDIO

Please update me on the results after you try these steps, so I can assist you further.

Abhishek

[Lilly-125]

Hi Abhishek, 

Thanks! I work off of files on a network drive. I just tried to start my Mac in Safe Mode and am experiencing the same issue. 

[Abhishek Rao]

Hi @Lilly-125, 

I really appreciate you checking that and providing the quick update. Since the freezing occurs even in Safe Mode, I would like you to try working with a copy of the same file transferred to your local drive to determine if the behavior changes. InDesign can freeze if the connection to the network drive becomes slow or briefly disconnects, so testing it locally will help ascertain if the drive is part of the issue.

I look forward to hearing about the results.

Abhishek

[Lilly-125]

@Abhishek Rao At the moment I can't even open the app. If the app does somehow manage to open I try to just open a blank file, and it freezes there. 

Happy to send you an error report if this would help. Previously I also had an error with Creative Cloud and after multiple times reinstalling it, it was finally able to open. 

[Lilly-125]

@Abhishek Rao My Creative cloud is also " missing or damaged" so I'm reinstalling Creative Cloud desktop

[Abhishek Rao]

Hello @Lilly-125, 

I appreciate the update, and I sincerely apologize that the problem continues to occur. Since Creative Cloud is also indicating a missing or damaged message, this suggests a more significant system-level conflict impacting both Creative Cloud and InDesign. Please attempt to completely uninstall both Creative Cloud and InDesign using the CC Cleaner Tool, then reinstall them and check the app again. You can follow the instructions here: https://adobe.ly/4oXaYFN

Kindly inform me of the outcome after you have reinstalled everything.

I look forward to your update.

Abhishek

[Lilly-125 · Accepted solution]

Turns out my issue is caused by the network access issues since I'm one of the few Mac users in an entirely PC environment. I'm just going to switch to using a PC to prevent this issue from continuing.