InDesign file opens as unsaved

[johno87657414]

This started today. I open an InDesign file and without making any changes it is somehow altered and needs to be saved.

[Steve Werner]

You've provided precious little information for us to know what's happening: What it does it mean: "without making any changes [the InDesign file] is somehow altered"? What version of InDesign? What operating system?

[johno87657414]

I am running OS X 10.11.6 and using InDesign CC 2017.

The problem is with all InDesign files…including a file created 2 hours before the problem started. That file was created and saved, it was the opened and without doing anything to it I was prompted to save it before closing. I have also created new files saved them, closed and upon reopening they also had to be saved before closing.

The files I open are not copies or templates.

This issue did not exist before yesterday. I have uninstalled and reinstalled InDesign to no avail. I have also done the same with the Creative Cloud app.

[Eric Dumas]

Are you saving the files locally, on a server or on a system that might 'tag' the files making them read as updated?

[jane-e]

Are you opening from an older version into a newer version, such as from 2015 Release to 2017 Release?

That would be first thing to look at.

[Eric Dumas]

It is also possible that some links are updated automatically or some font mapping was adjusted, which makes the file different from when you opened it.

If your open, save, close then open that file again, does it come up as 'altered' and needs to be saved?

[Sandee Cohen]

Check the options button in the dialog box where you choose files. There is a setting for Open Copy that could do what you're seeing.

[BobLevine]

Another possibility is that the OP opened a template, but until such time that this is clarified all we can do is guess.

[Sandee Cohen]

One more possibility is you exported from it. That could cause a need to save the file.

Again, waiting for the OP to explain more.

[PeterHeine]

I'm having the same problem. I made a screencapture of it. I open a file that I just saved, and it keeps telling me it is unsaved.

[Alex_Gibson]

I have this same problem and it drives me crazy - just can't figure out why it is happening.

Often occurs with documents in a book. I save each one: sometimes using Save All and sometimes individually using Save As. With an affected book within seconds of saving everything several (but not usually all) of the documents are unsaved - asterisks appear next to the filename.

Always assumed it was a bug because it doesn't affect every book. Although I have a feeling it affects ones which display other signs of being corrupted somehow. It happened today in a book which I had saved as IDML and then recreated.

[pinv]

Same problem. Working in server environment.

The problem ceased for a certain time when I logged in using a new server account, but now it's there again.

Trashing the preferences didn't change anything.

[pinv]

Just found that, when I turn off the "Match Pasteboard to Theme Color" it doesn't show the asterisk when opening existing files.

So this is probably related to the theme settings?

Can anyone confirm this?

[Laubender]

Hi Tom,

tried with my desktop version of InDesign CC 2018.1 on Windows (1803).

Turned on/off "Match Pasteboard to Theme Color" in preferences. Does not make a difference.

All my documents open as not modified. So I am not affected.

Maybe that's not the case with you, but there are reports around a problem with Universal Type Client by Extensis and modified documents after open:

Universal Type Client and Adobe InDesign - Links have been modified and need updating

https://help.extensis.com/hc/en-us/articles/360005410534

Regards,
Uwe

[cinziamarotta]

Hi,

it could depends on changing some preferences or settings (such as color profiles) before reopening the document.

For example, if I change the color settings or some InDesign preferences (without opened document), when I reopen the file the asterisk appears.

[Laubender]

Hi cinziamarotta ,

I cannot see this behavior with changed color settings when no document is open.

Can you give an example where this happens?

Regards,
Uwe

[cinziamarotta]

Launch InDesign and, without any document opened, choose EDIT > Color Settings...

Or  > Preferences...

[Laubender]

Hm. Just did that, changed the Engine from "Adobe (ACE)" to "Microsoft ISM", opened an InDesign document and the doc is still not showing as modified. Same with changing some preferences. No modified document showing after opening some.

Regards,
Uwe

[cinziamarotta]

I've changed my colour settings from Europe prepress 3 into Europe web/internet and InDesign added the asterisk

or

try Preferences > Composition > Text Wrap only affects text beneath

then open an previous file and the asterisk appears...

[PeterHeine]

Has anyone found a solution to this? Could it be a Hardware / RAM issue or something?

[PeterHeine]

I have learned to live with it. But still really annoying..

[PeterHeine · Accepted solution]

Fixed it. Just found the solution on another thread about the same problem. Reset your InDesign Preferences.

[raymondwong112602]

Tried it but it is still happening.  Does anyone have a solution?