Missing required system fonts or CMap files

[Alexis5FD2]

I am unable to start indesign because this message pops up "Adobe InDesign is missing required system fonts or CMap files. Please reinstall InDesign". I have uninstalled, restarted and reinstalled the InDesign App to no avail. Any advice on how to fix the problem?

[Steve Werner]

Please tell us what operating system (exactly) you're running. Please tell us (exactly) what InDesign version you're using. 

[Alexis5FD2]

I am using Windows 10 Home Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-1035G7 CPU @ 1.20GHz 1.50 GHz 64-bit operating system x64-based processor, do you need more information for the operating system? 

The InDesign is version 15.1.1. 

[Steve Werner · Accepted solution]

That's an unusual error that I haven't heard of for a long time.

There could be some sort of conflict on your system. One trick I've heard used is using the CC Cleaner Tool before reinstalling again:

https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/kb/cc-cleaner-tool-installation-problems.html

[Alexis5FD2]

Okay, I am trying that now. Which product do I remove from my machine when prompted, the CC Library? Here are my options.

[Steve Werner]

Choose Clean All. Everything necessary will be reinstalled when you reinstall applications.

[william_galindo]

I'm having this exact same issue. Running Mac Os Sonoma with Indesign 2025. Tried unsintall and resinstalling Indesign multiple times, tried installing older versions. Also tried clean up tool and nothing has worked! P

[Ian_Newell2603]

Same - have done everything I can think of. Still on Ventura. Full uninstall, cleaner tool, Mac OS system repair. System fonts and CMap files will not re-install.

[victoria5ED5]

I have the same problem (as Ian, above) vand have been over the advised solutions again and again, but no positive result., I always get the same message: 

Adobe InDesign is missing required system fonts or CMap files.  Please reinstall InDesign.

I have tried chats, AI, etc etc. Always the same advice, nothing works.

[Ian_Newell2603]

Crazy that its only Indesign out of the whole suite.
Still working on my work PC laptop, which is hard to admit as a long time Mac advocate.
Have turned off auto updates and hoping that version keeps working or I’m screwed.

Starting to think it may be the result of a system or adobe upgrade that’s creating a glitch.



[https://media.lhc.qld.edu.au/lhc-au-qld-151-website/content/LHC-May-open-twilight-tour-signature.jpg]<>

<Personal info removed by MOD>

[william_galindo]

Does anyone know what files are missing and there location? I have a Time Machine backup of my system going back months. I found old posts about people downloading missing files and replacing them but those old downloads links are dead. Also when did this start happening to people? Was it this past week?

[RenatoTheSoap]

Same for me 😞

[Abhishek Rao]

Hi everyone,

I appreciate all the troubleshooting efforts you’ve already tried. I understand how frustrating this issue has been, especially after multiple reinstalls, cleaner tool attempts, and checking system fonts.

We’ve logged a bug for this issue internally, and the product team is actively working on a fix. I’ll update this thread as soon as I hear back from them. In the meantime, if you haven’t already, please check out this reference thread where other users have reported similar issues: https://adobe.ly/3XCCJHV.

Note: We are tracking this issue here. For any updates, stay tuned to this thread. 

I’ll share updates as soon as I have more information. Let me know if you notice any changes!

^

Abhishek

[william_galindo]

Thank you! 

[Ian_Newell2603]

Mac OS Ventura (most up to date I can run on y 2017 IMac) just did an update.

Surprise surprise - Indesign is back, as I supected.

Can't say if CC has done an auto update in the meantime as well.

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

Read the solution--don't just uninstall InDesign.

As Steve Werner said, run the Adobe CC Cleaner tool and remove EVERYTHING Adobe, not just InDesign. 

https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/kb/cc-cleaner-tool-installation-problems.html

Download the Creative Cloud app, then install InDesign from the app.

[william_galindo]

Did this solution work for you? I tried this and I still had same exact problem. 

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

Just to confirm--with the CC Cleaner, you selected ALL.

[william_galindo]

Yes I tried this twice. Didn't fix the issue

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

Try creating a new user and see if the problem occurs there.

[william_galindo]

Yes tried that as well, got same error with new user. Thank you for your suggestion!

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

What is your processor and RAM?

Have you tried: booting in save mode, Disk first aid, OS reinstall?

[william_galindo]

Tried booting in safe mood, and disk first aid and rebooting in safe mood. Havent done full OS reinstall, trying to avoid that. 

I'm running a MacBook Pro 14 Inch 2021, M1 Max, 64GB of RAM

[william_galindo]

Do you know the location and contents of these missing fonts of Cmap Files? I have backups where I could pull the missing files, I just dont know which files are missing and there location.

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

I _think_ these are the correct paths.

Windows path:

C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Fonts\Reqrd\CMaps

On Mac:

/Library/Application Support/Adobe/ or ~/Library/Application Support/Adobe/ folders.