InDesign Saving Issue: Error Message: "Cannot save the document. It may be opened by other app."

[KWinn]

I am having a significant issue with ALL of my InDesign files not saving after I make a single change. An error message comes up. See the screenshot attached.

It says I have another version open, but I do not, and I am the only one in our system working on these files off a server. It won't allow saving, and it also won't allow SAVE AS. Is anyone else having this major issue? I can not work on any of our art files.

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[kglad]

in the future, to find the best place to post your message, use the list here, https://community.adobe.com/

p.s. i don't think the adobe website, and forums in particular, are easy to navigate, so don't spend a lot of time searching that forum list. do your best and we'll move the post (like this one has already been moved) if it helps you get responses.

<"moved from using the community bugs">

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

@KWinn

Most likely your network is too slow - or rather has too high latency / lag.

InDesign 19.x is extremely sensitive to that. 

[leo.r]

Are you running the latest InDesign 19.5?

[KWinn]

Yes

[Bill Silbert]

What operating system? Has the server been updated to full compatibility with your version of InDesign and whatever operating system you're on? Check with your system administrator. Many times networks are not updated right away because of the anti-virus software that they are using. This often presents problems for the users of the network.

[Abhishek Rao]

Hello @KWinn,

I hope you’re doing well.

We’re following up to see if you were able to resolve the issue with the guidance provided by our expert. If you have found a solution, please share it with us, as it might help others facing a similar problem.

Additionally, it would be helpful to have a bit more information:

1. Is the issue occurring with the 19.4 version of the app?
2. Could you confirm whether the files are being saved remotely on a network or locally?

Please update the discussion if you need any further assistance.

Thank you,
Abhishek Rao

[KWinn]

I am running 19.5 and saving to our network server. I am on a Mac Studio M1 Ultra running Sonoma 14.5. The only program I am having this issue with is InDesign. All of the other Adobe programs seem to work fine. I have tried one of my student iMacs running Ventura, and everything works fine. I have also tried this on my MacBook Pro that is running Sonoma 14.5, and it happens from time to time, but I uninstalled everything and reinstalled CC, and now it seems to be working on my MacBook.

The problem persists on the Mac Studio, however. Our IT department is having me turn off the WiFi to see if that solves the issue. They think it might be trying to use the Wifi to save vs the network connection. Stay tuned. 

[Abhishek Rao]

Hello @KWinn, 

Thank you for checking on the other machines. Let us know how it goes. We will be awaiting your response for update. 

Thank you, 

Abhishek Rao

[KWinn]

Unfortunately neither of these solutions worked. We have the Wifi off on my Mac Studio and had the studio reimaged. The problem persists with not being able to open files and then if we can get them open they will not save any edits/updates. Any advice you can give would be apprciated. No other programs are affected just InDesign.

[Abhishek Rao]

Hello @KWinn, 

Thanks for the update. Would you mind saving a file locally instead of saving it to the remote server? Let us know if it works. 

Also, please try to confirm your connectivity to the remote storage server if it's working fine. 

We will look forward to your response. 

Thank you, 

Abhishek Rao

[jsfsm2024]

We experience the same behaviour. When opening files from the network become write protected directly or after a short time. Saving file is not possible. If the file is stored local it works fine but that's not possible if you work as a team on larger projects. It seems independent from the server as we tested a few (different OS, hardware, network protocol)
The problem has existed for months and is getting worse.
Any idea what to do?

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

@jsfsm2024

From version 19 I think - InDesign become very sensitive to the access time of the network connections. 

[Abhishek Rao]

Hi @jsfsm2024, 

I understand how frustrating this issue can be, especially when working on collaborative projects. To better assist you, could you please provide the following details?

1. What version of InDesign are you using?
2. Could you share the OS details for your machines?
3. Is this issue occurring with just one specific file, or is it affecting all InDesign files?

Given that saving works fine with local files, it suggests there might be an issue with permissions or connectivity related to the remote server. Here are a few things you can consider checking:

1. Ensure that you have the correct write permissions on the remote server. Sometimes, network drives may have restrictions that prevent file modifications.
2. Verify that there are no interruptions or delays in the network connection that could be causing issues with file saving.
3. If possible, consult with your IT department to ensure that there are no server-related issues or configuration changes that might be affecting file access.

If you continue to face problems despite these checks, please let me know, and we can explore further troubleshooting steps.

Thank you,  
Abhishek Rao

[jsfsm2024]

Hi,
thanks for the quick response.
As we experience this problem for many months it occurs on all Indesign files on different MacOS and  Indesign versions. Actually we use CC2024 (19.5), MacOS 14.6.1 and other. As far as I can remember the problem started with CC2018/2019 and is getting worse.
We checked the server, network and permissions multiple times with the IT. Everything looks good.

[jsfsm2024]

additional info:
Sometimes it works ok. We can save the files multiple times as it should be. But opening another file on the same client stored in the sam location may open write protected.

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

@jsfsm2024 

If it works sometimes - then there is a "problem" with your network - or your server.

Can you do a test - make sure that server isn't doing any backups or integrity checks on the files - and ask everyone in your network to disconnect - so you will be the only one doing any traffic?

One more thing - do you have a SWITCH or a ROUTER in your network?

Because, you can have 1Gbit cards in your computers - but if you only have a ROUTER - instead of a SWITCH - you'll have a bottleneck.

Also, what network card is instaled in your server? Because, if you want every user to connect to your server with a full speed - you need 1Gbit for every user - so at least 10Gbit for up to 10 users AND your SWITCH also needs to be capable - and able -  of connecting to the Server though at least 10Gbit connection.