Low res linked InDesign Document Cloud file when export to PDF

[sam-apex]

When attempting to export a PDF file from InDesign, I encounter an low res issue when the document contains a linked InDesign Document Cloud file.

[Abhishek Rao]

Hi @sam-apex,  

Could you let me know which version of InDesign you're working on and your OS details? Also, drop screenshots showing the difference in resolution. Is this issue only happening with certain linked InDesign Document Cloud files or with all of them?  

In the meantime, one thing you could try is opening the linked Document Cloud file directly in InDesign and checking the display performance. Make sure the links inside that document are updated and high res. Also, please share a screenshot of your export settings as well.  

Looking forward to hearing back.  
Abhishek

[sam-apex]

Thank you for your response. I initially investigated the display performance, which was set to high, and ensured that links were updated and high-resolution images were used. The attached file is an export in the “High Quality Print” setting. Additionally, I observed that after linking the Adobe Document Cloud InDesign file (into a InDesign file), the file automatically reduced to low resolution, even with the display performance set to high.

• InDesign version: 20.2
• macOS Sequoia 15.4

[Abhishek Rao]

Hi @sam-apex,

Thanks again for sharing those details! I went ahead and tested this flow on my end as well using a high-res image placed in a cloud-saved InDesign file, and then linking it into another document for export. I couldn’t see a significant drop in quality in the final PDF. 

To get a better idea of what might be different in your setup, could you please share the sample InDesign file you’re working on, along with the cloud document you’re linking? If you're able to share those with me for testing, I can try to reproduce the issue more accurately in your exact scenario.

Also, a short screen recording showing the steps from linking the cloud document to exporting the PDF would really help us visualize where the quality drops. Also, please confirm if this is happening with a specific cloud document or all?

Looking forward to checking this further with your files.

^
Abhishek

[leo.r]

Yes, I can confirm both issues:

-A placed InDesign cloud document (.inddc) appears as low-res when exported to PDF.

-A placed InDesign cloud document may render at low resolution in the parent InDesign document regardless of the Display Performance settings, although this issue is inconsistent. The first cloud document I placed initially rendered at high resolution but got reduced to low resolution after moving it around; the second placed cloud document remained so far at high resolution display no matter what.

Cloud document is a new format so these could be some unknown bugs. You can report them here:

https://indesign.uservoice.com/forums/601180-adobe-indesign-bugs

[Abhishek Rao]

Hi @leo.r,

I really appreciate you taking the time to test and share your findings.

I'm currently checking this with the product team to investigate further. In the meantime, if you're able to share sample files that reproduces the issue, it would be a big help for us to test this internally under the same conditions.

Let me know if that’s possible, and thanks again for your valuable input!

^
Abhishek

[leo.r]

Hi @leo.r,

if you're able to share sample files that reproduces the issue

By @Abhishek Rao

I sent you links in private.

[sam-apex]

Thanks leo.r!

[Abhishek Rao]

Hi @sam-apex,

I wanted to let you know that a bug has been logged for this issue, and our product team is currently investigating it further. I truly appreciate your patience and collaboration so far.

I’ll make sure to keep you posted with any updates as soon as we hear back from the team.

^
Abhishek

[sam-apex]

That's great! I was going to provide you the additional information you requested.