InDesign says my file was created in a newer version, but I’m already using the latest version

[Emma_Hed08]

I’m trying to open an InDesign project, but I get an error saying the file was created in a newer version of Adobe InDesign (version 21.0) and that I need to update to the latest version. The issue is that I am already running the most current version available in Creative Cloud. I’ve checked for updates, restarted InDesign, and rebooted my computer, but the message still appears and the file won’t open. InDesign gives me the option to convert the file, but when I click it, nothing happens. The "Convert File" button gets grayed out and never progresses, so I can’t access the file at all.

Has anyone encountered this problem? Is there a reliable workaround to open the file without losing data, or a way to force InDesign to recognize that it’s already updated?

[BobLevine]

You didn't say what version you're using so please fill us in on that. My guess is your computer does not support InDesign 2026 (version 21) and so it won't show as available so we'll also need your computer specs for RAM, processor and full operating system version.

[Emma_Hed08]

I'm on version 21.0. I have not edited this file on any other computer, so why it would be on a newer version does not make any sense. 

[BobLevine · Accepted solution]

Did you delete earlier versions when you installed version 21? Perhaps you opened the earlier version accidentally.

[Emma_Hed08]

Well no, but I thought it replaced the old version. I can't find any duplicate InDesign programs installed on my computer at least

[Emma_Hed08 · Accepted solution]

Nevermind, it did create another file! It became "..." after "Adobe InDesi..." so I didn't see that it said 2025 rather than 2026

[BobLevine]

Check the version by looking under the About InDesign menu. It's under the InDesign menu on Mac and the Help menu on Windows.