Skip to main content
A
Anonymous
February 23, 2019
Question

InDesign CS4 will not print

  • February 23, 2019
  • 2 replies
  • 1032 views

Mac OS 10.6.8 (Snow Leopard); Adobe InDesign CS4.

When I hit splat-P or choose Print, I get the spinning beachball, followed by the wrist-watch. It stall here. Strange thing is even though the cursor indicates the program is hung up, I can use all InDesign tools to continue working on the document.

It never gets to the print dialog box.

I have restarted InDesign.

I have trashed the preferences files.

I have restarted my computer.

Other programs print fine.

I am able to export to PDF.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

rwsiii

    This topic has been closed for replies.

    2 replies

    Joely10623436
    Community Expert
    Joely10623436Community Expert
    Community Expert
    February 25, 2019

    Your software is 11 years old. What to expect?

    Was there an OS- or Printer-Update before the problems? Could be the Printer-Drivers not compatible…

    BobLevine
    Community Expert
    BobLevineCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    February 25, 2019

    In fairness, the OP is still using 10.6.8.

    So, InDesign and the O/S are compatible, but that is one old workflow. ID is 9 versions out of date and the O/S is 8 versions out.

    Derek Cross
    Community Expert
    Derek CrossCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    February 26, 2019

    Hello Derek,

    I print from InDesign to an imagesetter (basically a large machine which images film with a laser). I then develop the film in a separate machine. I then use the film to expose photopolymer plates (in a third machine) which wash out to leave a relief surface which I can use to print with letterpress presses. I have a C&P, a Vandercook, a Windmill and a KSBA presses. I also print hand-set metal and wood type.

    Google "photopolymer plates for letterpress" to see how it's done.

    Happy to send you a sample if you contact me directly at richard(at)letterspressed(dot)com

    rwsiii


    Hi Richards,

    Thanks, I've sent you an email.

    Regards,

    Derek

    Erica Gamet
    Erica Gamet
    Inspiring
    February 23, 2019

    Is the problem only with this file? You say you are able to print from other programs...what about from other InDesign files? If just this file, perhaps try saving it as an IDML file, then open the IDML file back into InDesign. If that doesn't fix it, try printing just one page at a time to see if it's just one rogue page. Since you're not even getting to the print dialog, not sure these will help, but it's good to narrow down where the issue might be starting.

    A
    Anonymous
    February 25, 2019

    Hi Erica, Thanks for the suggestion.

    I think I've got it working now, but just as mysteriously as it stopped working.

    I had several document open and the problem went away after I closed all of them. So my guess is one of them was corrupt and it screwed up the print dialog box for all the other ones too.

    But just a guess.

    Thanks again for your help

    Richard

      BobLevine
      Community Expert
      BobLevineCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      February 25, 2019

      Printing has never been a strong point for InDesign and the recommended workflow from most is to export a PDF and print that.

        Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
        Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices