Indesign keeps crashing

[sarahpeller]

Almost daily, I need to force-quit InDesign. It keeps crashing. I think it's mostly happening when I've been using other apps and I try to switch back to InDesign. Nothin happens when I click on the app icon in my dock. I've been force-quitting every time. I'm on a Macbook pro 2018, running version 13.4.1 OS. I found this article about fixing Indesign crashes, but I really don't understand it and am having a hard time following the instructions... I need some help. Thanks!

[sarahpeller]

A little update here...

I just force-quit InDesign, then opened up the app again. I loaded a file that I've been working on. It told me that there are missing fonts and I just clicked to ignore that for now. Now the "missing fonts" dialog box is frozen and the app is crashed again. Don't know if it has something to do with the fonts? Not sure what is going on but it keeps happening and not with the same file. It's happened with all sorts of files.

[leo.r]

First, update to macOS 13.6 (but NOT 14). Will it solve the issue? Many users experience some issues on outdated versions of Ventura although not exactly the ones you describe.

[sarahpeller]

Ok, I will try to find some time to do that, thanks.

[sarahpeller]

Also, I'm curious... why not update to version 14?

[leo.r]

Also, I'm curious... why not update to version 14?

By @sarahpeller

InDesign doesn't officially support Sonoma yet, many users experience various issues. You can look up numerous threads on the subject, some of them are referenced here:

https://community.adobe.com/t5/indesign-discussions/indesign-screen-bug/td-p/14119986

[sarahpeller]

Ok well... It took me so long to be able to do this task, that I forgot your advice about not updating to version 14. I updated to 14.1.1 and now InDesign 2024 won't even start. I've been trying to use 2023 version, but it's constantly crashing and basically unsuable too. What should I do?

[leo.r]

Ok well... It took me so long to be able to do this task, that I forgot your advice about not updating to version 14. I updated to 14.1.1 and now InDesign 2024 won't even start. I've been trying to use 2023 version, but it's constantly crashing and basically unsuable too. What should I do?

By @sarahpeller

Another user just posted that updating to 14.1.2 solved his issues on Sonoma (although his InDesign wasn't crashing, users usually only report display redraw issues on Sonoma). 

If your InDesign keeps crashing it may or may not be related to Sonoma. Try to create a new clean user account and run InDesign there - will it make a difference? Also some standard troubelshooting:

https://www.rockymountaintraining.com/adobe-indesign-rebuilding-preferences-cache/

[Barb Binder]

Hi Sarah:

FWIW, I just received the Sonoma 14.1.2 update alert today. Since you've already moved to Sonoma, I would definitely see if this additional updates takes care of things and it would be really great if you could come back and let us know, Sarah. There is some hope that this new version is going to be the answer but only time will tell.

Leo has given you consistently good advice but please don't ignore his last recommendation. With all the crashes you have experienced, you definitely want to rebuild your preferences. Otherwise the update won't be a solid test of 14.2.1. Corrupt preferences can cause issues all by themselves, even on a stable operating system

~Barb

[sarahpeller]

Hello. Thanks for helping me. I just tried your suggestions... I tried opening up InDesign 2023 and 2024 in another user account, but that didn't work. I also went through all of the troubleshooting tips at this link (https://www.rockymountaintraining.com/adobe-indesign-rebuilding-preferences-cache/) and didn't have any success. I still can't get either app to work. What are next steps? Luckily, I have a second computer so I'm not totally freaking out right now 😅

[Barb Binder]

Hi Sarah:

Did you update the operating system to Sonoma 14.1.2?

Next thing I would try is to download the CC Cleaner Tool to completely remove both versions of InDesign and then reinstall them from scratch. https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/kb/cc-cleaner-tool-installation-problems.html

~Barb

[sarahpeller]

No, it's still at 14.1.1
Thanks for asking about that. I didn't see that you recommended updating again. I"ll try it.

[sarahpeller]

Ok, @Barb Binder — I updated to the lastest OS and still the exact same behavior. Both InDesign 2023 and 2024 crash as soon as I open them.

[Barb Binder]

Hi Sarah:

I'm so sorry to hear that. Here's what we know: both versions are supported on macOS Ventura 13.5 or later. What we hear is the the Sonoma 14.2 may solve this—but it's still in beta.

Short of rolling back to Ventura, or taking your chances with the Sonoma beta, you might try working thought the link I posted earlier on rebuilding caches and preferences one more time.

I know this is awful, but we are all in a holding pattern until this issue is worked out. 

~Barb

[sarahpeller]

Blah. 😑 Ok. I haven't yet tried the cleaner tool. I just was reminded of that when reading through the thread again. I'll try that next...

[sarahpeller]

Hi again, @Barb Binder 

Ok, that process of uninstalling and cleaning did not go so well...

I uninstalled Indesign with its uninstaller app. Then I used the cleaner app and "cleaned" away all instances of Indesign that I saw. 

Then I went into my applications folder and saw that Indesign 2023 and 2024 were still there, with all of their accompanying files. Ok. So I uninstalled each of them again. Creative Cloud now shows that Indesign needs to be installed to use it. But I can still see both 2023/2024 folders, apps and files present in my applications folder. I opened up the cleaner tool again and there is nothing displaying in there that says "indesign". I'm not sure what to do...

[Barb Binder]

Hi Sarah:

The CC Cleaner tool should have removed all of InDesign and all of its folders. A regular uninstall through the CC Desktop app will remove the applications, but leave folders behind. I think uninstalling InDesign before you used the CC Cleaner tool was the issue. Go ahead and reinstall both versions and see if you are back working again.

This has been so problematic that you may also want to reach out to Adobe support. With your permission, they are able to access your computer and can give you a hand directly. (Please only let Adobe support do this—if anybody else reaches out to you because they see this message, do not give them access to your computer.)

~Barb

[sarahpeller]

...but I tried the CC Cleaner and it warned me that I should probably uninstall InDesign first, so I quit the cleaner and uninstalled InDesign, then did the cleaner. *sigh*

I tried reinstalling it and still crashing and crashing. There's no banging your head against a wall emoji... There really should be! Insert that here...

I'll see if I can contact Adobe support tomorrow. Thanks so much 🙏

[Barb Binder]

LOL on the emoji. Please keep us posted. I hope they can take care of you.

~Barb

[Deb Morais]

Hi - I'm having the same issues, with Sonoma 14.2.1 installed… any updates?

[BobLevine]

As always, make sure everything is updated, including Sonoma which is now at 14.3.

[Wutopia]

Im on the PC,　my InDesign also crash all the time, is there any fix?

[BobLevine]

Please start a new discussion with FULL SYSTEM DETAILS!