InDesign CC 2024, 2025: Suddenly extended/threading a text frame's in port or out port doesn't work

[Software Maniac]

I am on latest macOS using InDesign CC 2024 and 2025. Haven't had any issues until this morning on one of my systems. (The other works as it should with same OS Sequoia 15.1.1). When I attempt to select either the in port (or out port) the loaded cursor doesn't show up any longer. I get a fast coordinates tool tip but not the loaded paragraph.

After trying it about 20 times, it worked once but never again. I have restarted, shutdown/rebooted, and no difference. I didn't think there was an option to disable threading of a text frame, but this has me shocked.

I'm on an M1 Studio Ultra, if that makes a difference. I have also reset, removed, or reinstalled cursor and pen tablet drivers but I don't that is it.

Any ideas?

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

Have you updated to 19.5.1 / 20.0.1?

What if you go back to 19.5 / 20.0?

[Software Maniac]

Thanks, Robert. Yes. Have done both. I just can't believe this. Must be a driver or something getting in the way. I have this running on two other macs. Never an issue.

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

Thanks, Robert. Yes. Have done both. I just can't believe this. Must be a driver or something getting in the way. I have this running on two other macs. Never an issue.

By @Software Maniac

So is it working after downgrading? 

[Software Maniac]

No. Not working at all. Same deal on any version. I can't think of anything (other than upgrade to macos 15.1.1 a couple of days ago. Do you know of any option setting that restricts the ability to extend a text frame to not allow threading? I can't.

[Software Maniac]

this is really crazy. I switched from the black arrow tool to the direct arrow (white arrow tool) and that could load the cursor/pointer to create a linked text frame! It is like a keyboard shortcut got redefined or something simple. Works the same with ID CC 2024 or 2025 using any pointer device (mouse, pen tablet) on a display or a pen display. Something is really odd.

[Abhishek Rao]

Hi @Software Maniac,

This is definitely unusual! Can you confirm if switching tools (e.g., from the Selection Tool to the Direct Selection Tool) always resolves the issue?

Also, could you let me know:

• Are there any custom tool settings or workspace layouts in use on the affected system?
• Does the issue happen with all input devices (e.g., pen tablet vs. mouse)?
• Have you tried disconnecting other peripherals and testing with just the default mouse or trackpad?
• Are there any differences in connected peripherals between the working Macs and the affected one?
• Are you using any third-party software or utilities for input devices (e.g., magnet, BetterTouchTool, Wacom drivers)?

Lastly, please try running InDesign in Safe Mode to see if this helps.

Reference: 
Win: https://adobe.ly/3OpPReI
macOS: https://adobe.ly/3Oq7if0

Let me know how it goes!

Thanks,

Abhishek Rao

[Software Maniac · Accepted solution]

I narrowed a serious issue with Magnet interfering with both InDesign CC 2024 and InDesign CC 2025 (the only app where I saw problems). Only by removing the latest Magnet (V3.0.5) completely did the problem go away. Magnet, from the app store, is a window alignment tool for any app and has always worked well. I notified the developer as this latest behavior certainly can't be limited only to InDesign CC.

My system is a Mac Studio Ultra running Sequoia 15.1.1. The behavior had me really stumped, especially since the app is a window placement background app/task.

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

https://community.adobe.com/t5/indesign-discussions/problem-with-swatch-pallette/m-p/15000996#M59912...

[Software Maniac]

thanks, Robert. I wouln't have guessed that a Windows resizer/location systems add-on app would cause input issues with InDesign. It took me over 2 days to narrow it down (not full time, of course), but I was shocked that it was Magnet. Like the other guys mentioned in the community post, I also submitted an error message to Magnet's developers. To tell you truth, since Sequoia has pretty decent windows positioning built-in features I will no longer use Magnet (or Better Snaptool).
Ken

[default2o4km1iirzlj]

had the same issue, dricing me bananas, but quitting Magnet fixed it