Links are missing when InDesign file is opened on different system

[jackg86218767]

I am having a slight issue. We created pages on the Mac but when we open them on our Windows pc all the images need relinking even though both devices are looking at the same folder.

The issue is that mac shows the image path in a different way to windows e.g.

Mac: \Volumes\Images\indesign-highres-main-new\07\21\1150721_std.lang.all.jpg

Windows: Z:\indesign-highres-main-new\07\21\1150721_std.lang.all.jpg

Is there any way around this so that no matter which operating system I open the page with it will still be linked.

Thanks

Jack

{Renamed by MOD}

[BobLevine]

That is what's known as user error. You used slashes in the folder name

[jackg86218767]

Hi, there are no slashes in the folder name. The slashes represent the path unless you mean the dashes?

[BobLevine]

In that case, can you provide screenshots of the folder structure from Finder and File Explorer?

I work crossplatform quite often and don't have any issues unless someone used an illegal character in a file or folder name.

[jackg86218767]

[Jeff Witchel, ACI]

Try Packaging your files (File > Package) in InDesign to see if this solves the problem.

[Randy Hagan · Accepted solution]

InDesign looks for linked files in two places before it fires an alert that links cannot be found:

1. The original file location of a given linked element when it's placed, and
2. The same file location as the opened InDesign file (and when packaged, associated sub-folders)

If the program can't find the relevant element(s) — gotta like that near-rhyme — in either of those two locations, you'll get an alert that the linked element(s) can't be found. The good news is that InDesign makes reference to the element(s) relative location. So there are a couple of ways you can try to fix this problem:

1. As Jeff Witchel offered, package InDesign documents the first time you close them, then work with the packaged InDesign documents and graphics
2. (Less effective) store relevant elements which will go into your InDesign documents in the same folder location as the .indd file (works best), or in associated sub-folders (can work, but also can be problematic depending on your filing)

The first option can result in file bloat and version control issues, because each time you're done working with a given InDesign document, you're packaging a brand new set of document file/placed elements/fonts. You may as well do the fonts too, to ensure a complete intrinsic package each time you create one. The second option requires bothersome manual file management before placing elements within InDesign documents, and to a lesser degree will result is some file bloat as well.

But the good news is that your issues can be overcome. The not-so-good news is that either option will likely require retooling your workflow to accommodate your wishes. However, you can work your way around your issues if it's worth your efforts.

Good luck,

Randy

[Srishti Bali]

Hi Jack,

Thanks for reaching out. As Jeff suggested, I would also recommend packaging to share/open files on different systems. Please check out this tutorial for more details: Package InDesign projects for printing & sharing |.

Regards,

Srishti

[BobLevine]

Still seems like a server / naming convention issue to me.