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Don34862646jbr5
Inspiring
July 4, 2025
Answered

Index not appearing after generation — no entries visible.

  • July 4, 2025
  • 4 replies
  • 252 views

I've been busy putting lots of index markers into a 174-page document. When I finished, I directed ID to generate the index. I got a message saying "Index successfully replaced." I didn't think there was an index yet in the document, but that aside, no index entries of any sort appeared in the document, nor did I have a loaded cursor with which to paste the supposedly replaced index. I have no idea what's going on. Does anyone else have an idea?

 

ID obviously thinks there is an index in there somewhere, but there is no visible sign of it. In theory, at least, I could delete all the index markers and start over again, but I'm eager to avoid that if possible.

 

Thanks.

 

<Title renamed by MOD>

Correct answer Randy Hagan

For what it's worth, you should be able to bypass the issue by de-selecting the Replace Existing Index check box when you're in the Generate Index dialog box. This forces InDesign to create a new index, load your cursor and give you text for your index.

 

 

In fact, I'd recommend that you always generate a new index and reformat it, if necessary, to match your specifications. It will always give you a fresh snapshot of what entries are where, and eliminates the chance of refuse/debris corrupting your index or messing up its layout in your document.

 

Hope this helps,

 

Randy

 

4 replies

Abhishek Rao
Community Manager
Abhishek RaoCommunity Manager
Community Manager
July 7, 2025

Hi @Don34862646jbr5,

 

Thank you for explaining everything so clearly. I can imagine how frustrating it must be to add all those index markers and then not see the index appear. Could you please confirm which exact version of InDesign you're using and share the details of your operating system?

I also wanted to check if the suggestions from the experts helped resolve the issue on your end.

Please let me know if things are working now or if you're still facing the same problem. Once I have your update, I'll be happy to continue assisting you further.

 

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Abhishek 

Mike Witherell
Community Expert
Mike WitherellCommunity Expert
Community Expert
July 5, 2025

I wonder if it is because you had a Type tool cursor inserted in some text frame somewhere?

Mike Witherell
R
Community Expert
Randy HaganCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
July 5, 2025

For what it's worth, you should be able to bypass the issue by de-selecting the Replace Existing Index check box when you're in the Generate Index dialog box. This forces InDesign to create a new index, load your cursor and give you text for your index.

 

 

In fact, I'd recommend that you always generate a new index and reformat it, if necessary, to match your specifications. It will always give you a fresh snapshot of what entries are where, and eliminates the chance of refuse/debris corrupting your index or messing up its layout in your document.

 

Hope this helps,

 

Randy

 

    P
    Community Expert
    Peter KahrelCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    July 5, 2025

    Difficult to say without seeing the document. Can you post it somewhere?

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