InDesign file and linked Illustrator file strange issues?

[PASO ProdSpec]

So I've had an InDesign file that included a linked AI file. No issues while I was working on it. Exported into a PDF just fine and the PDF reflected the accurate designs I made. AI file is packaged with the ID file. No issues when I made edits and re-exported. 

However, now suddenly the ID file is looking really weird in some parts of the linked AI file:

This is the way the graphic looks in the ID file but not the original AI file. The two icons and labels on the right should be similar to the two on the left. The links were updated and Relinked. 

How do I fix this? Is there another workaround? Does this have to do with Creative Cloud syncing being discontinued soon?

Thank you!

[Eugene Tyson]

Does this have to do with Creative Cloud syncing being discontinued soon?

Thank you!

By @PASO ProdSpec

No it doesn't. 

What are your view settings - I wrote an article here

https://creativepro.com/high-res-image-look-low-res/

This will take you through all the options from Display Settings to Object level display settings - preferences etc.

If this isn't working then try

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.

[PASO ProdSpec]

I tried both of those suggestions, but no changes unfortunately.

This might be an Illustrator issue. I re-created the graphic in Illustrator, saved it as its corrected version, only to have it revert back to the corrupted-looking graphic in my original post's image.

[PASO ProdSpec]

To add, there's also text that keeps disappearing. 

[Bill Silbert]

If you create a new InDesign file and import the AI file into it do you get the same results? If the AI looks correct in the new file then your old InDesign file is most likely corrupt.

[PASO ProdSpec]

It's looking like this issue is originating from the AI file. I went through and fixed the image issues (re-made the graphic and re-made the disappearing text), saved it, then the next day the file reverted back to the mysterious errors.

[Bill Silbert]

Which is why I'm thinking that it might be the InDesign file that's wonky.

[Eugene Tyson]

Can you share some sample files this is happening on?
There's far too many things it might be to pinpoint. 
Sure if one of us took a look we could help further.

[Beatrice5DEE]

This Illustrator issue reminds me so much of CORELDRAW issues I used to have way back... everything in Illustrator needs to be FLATTENED (exported as JPEGS etc) for it to not cause issues in Indesign. Otherwise you can just not create a PDF file. Really irritating - as the back and forth syncing is really an amazing feature in Adobe programmes! Didn't have this issue in the last 5 years. PLEASE FIX THIS!! 

[BobLevine]

Whatever problems you're having should be stated in detail in a new discussion. I've been placing AI files in InDesign for 20 years with no issues at all. Fun Fact: you are not placing the AI file, you're placing the PDF portion of it and if you don't save it properly (use the default PDF/X-4 settings) you will have problems.

And I never had issues with CorelDRAW files, either. They did have to be saved as EPS but they worked fine. 

[Beatrice5DEE · Accepted solution]

Thank you! It was the PDF/X-4 setting. Solved! 

[Willi Adelberger]

Did you open the Illustrator file after packaging?

Uses the Illustrator T1 fonts?

What form of Illustrator file do you place? AI, EPS, PDF or SVG?