InDesign crashes instantly when opening a specific file

[eloodubinks]

Hello,

I'm encountering a critical issue with InDesign 2025 (version 20.3.0.60 on macOS 14.6.1). One of my .indd files causes the application to crash instantly upon opening.

The file is essential and seems to be corrupted. I've already tried the usual recovery steps: opening without fonts or links, placing the file in a new document, exporting to IDML — none of these work, as the crash happens immediately.

Here's part of the crash report: 

Exception Type: EXC_BAD_ACCESS (SIGSEGV)
Exception Codes: KERN_INVALID_ADDRESS 

I’m attaching the problematic file : https://we.tl/t-xwHxGnqlMf

[Abhishek Rao]

Hi @eloodubinks,

Thanks for sharing the details and the file. I just checked on my end and couldn't find any crash reports submitted under your community email address. If you haven't submitted one yet, please do so using this link: Submit Crash Reports, and share the email address you used for the submission with me via DM here on the community, so I can take a look at the logs.

Interestingly, the file opens fine for me without crashing, although it does show missing links and fonts. Would you be able to share a packaged version of the document? That would include all the necessary assets, and I can try exporting an IDML from my end and share it back with you for testing. Here’s how to package a file: Preflighting and Packaging.

Looking forward to your update!

Abhishek

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

@eloodubinks 

Downloading - 500MB... Quite a big file...  OK, just 60MB 😉 browser was showing wrong info.

Have you been doing SAVE AS - or only SAVE?

My InDesign also crashes instantly 😞

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

No, It SHOWS as 499MB - but downloads only 61MB?

Trying to download again.

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

@eloodubinks 

Any chance you can upload somewhere else?

I can't download your file.

Downloaded - but it's a nightmare to work on this file??

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

Doing SAVE AS with a new name - speed up things.

But file still remains enormous...

Thankfully - you've only ONE embeded Image:

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

Every click is like 10 SECONDS of waiting??

I don't have time right now - but I'll take it apart later today 😉

Maybe @Abhishek Rao can upload his SAVED AS version for you? I'm sorry but I can't do it myself right now.

[Anubhav M]

Hello @eloodubinks,

The crash report you have recently submitted does not include the crash dump. Could you try submitting it again so I can check it with the team?

Also, try copying all objects/text from this InDesign file to a new one and save it to see if it helps.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Anubhav

[Robert at ID-Tasker · Accepted solution]

@eloodubinks 

OK, found a few extra minutes, let's see if my 6th tingly senses will be right 😉

Attached is your file - but WITHOUT this embeded image on the page 9 - but I don't suspect it to be a real problem with your file.

Please try to open it and update links - then save your file with a new name - please let me know how big it will become - if my suspicious are correct.

[eloodubinks]

Thank you very much for all your help !! but unfortunately, when I try to relink the files, it crashes again.

[eloodubinks]

OK, it works, when I don’t download the linked files, it’s 2.9 MB. Thank you so much.

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

OK, it works, when I don’t download the linked files, it’s 2.9 MB. Thank you so much.

By @eloodubinks

You're welcome. 

So it looks like there is a problem with one of your linked files? 

Try to re-save them in Photoshop - with new names - or even save as TIF?  

[default4a37g6hiq59s]

I am experiencing a similar issue with a file I have. It gives me a small preview before it crashes. 

[Anubhav M]

Hello @default4a37g6hiq59s,

Thanks for sharing the file. Kindly allow me some time to check this with the team.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need assistance. We'd be happy to help.

Anubhav

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

I am experiencing a similar issue with a file I have. It gives me a small preview before it crashes. 

By @default4a37g6hiq59s

Even "blind IDMLing" doesn't work - so your file must be seriously damaged...

There are commercial services that might help you.