InDesign won't update illustrator file when changed in Illustrator

[ann1603]

Hi, 

i have inserted an illustrator (.AI) file in my indesign document by file-place. So good so far. 

Worked fine.... now i edited the illustrator file and saved it (command s)  - now indesign tells me to "modified doubleclick to update" - which is normal - BUT as i want to update it it shows me "import failed"  or "failed to open pdf file"

As this didn't work, I also tried just to place the edited file (.AI) over file-place again but also this doesn't work- it says " failed to open the pdf file." 

Im not sure whats im doing wrong??? 

Thanks alot 

[J E L]

Hi @ann1603, when you save the .ai file, are you checking the box to Create PDF Compatible File? Try this:

• Go to File > Save As (do not use Save).
• Choose Adobe Illustrator (.AI) as the format and specify a location.
• In the Illustrator Options dialog, check the box for “Create PDF Compatible File”.
• Click OK to save.
• Go to InDesign for “File > Place.”

Let us know if that works!

[ann1603]

Hi Jel, 

i tried but unfortunately it still shows the " failed to open the pdf file" :((( 

[Eugene Tyson]

Does the .ai file work in a new document? 

If it does then it's likely your current document 

Try File>Export> and choose IDML 

Then open that and see if the issue continues.

[ann1603]

Hi Eugene,

thanks for your reply! But unfortunately after i edited it it cant be placed anymore, not even in a new document 😞 

[BobLevine]

If you did indeed save with PDF compatibility, try placing the file again but make sure you click on show options. There are sticky option in the PDF import filter and if the file doesn't have the appropriate options (bleed, trim, etc) that could explain the failure.

[ann1603]

Hi Bob, i did everything what was explained above 😞 but not working. I'm not sure! its so weird because i can place it before but after i edit it in illustrator the ai file seems to be broken 😞 

im going crazy here :S:S:S 

[BobLevine]

Can you post the file somewhere so we can take a look at it?

[leo.r]

Hi Bob, i did everything what was explained above 😞

By @ann1603

In addition to all other questions: what are your versions of InDesign, Illustrator, and macOS, and how much RAM do you have?

[ann1603]

hi bob

illustrator 29.8.2 

indesign 20.5 

sonomo 14.1 with an m3 pro chip

[BobLevine]

14.1? That was a very buggy version of Sonoma which caused several issues with InDesign. Update it and then get back to us.

[ann1603]

hi leo 🙂

illustrator 29.8.2 

indesign 20.5 

sonomo 14.1 with an m3 pro chip