New document window opens below panels

[nikola_1941]

I'm posting to ask about a change in how InDesign handles the display of documents when the Application Frame is disabled.

After updating to the latest version (v21, ), I've encountered an issue where:

When the Application Frame is OFF, open document windows now appear below the docked panels (palettes) on the left side of the screen.

Previously, the document window would fit correctly alongside the panels, maximizing the usable workspace without the panels overlapping the document area.

This new behavior is quite disruptive as it reduces the working space on the document.

Has anyone else experienced this specific change in version 21?

Could you please share:

The reason for this change (Is it an intentional change or a known bug?).

A fix or workaround to restore the previous behavior, where the document window respects the panel boundary.

I am working on MacBook Pro M4.

Thank you very much for your help!

[Anubhav M]

Hello @nikola_1941,

Thanks for reaching out. Could you try resetting your current workspace or using one of the default workspaces to see if it helps?

Looking forward to hearing from you.
Anubhav

[nikola_1941]

Hello thank you, 

yes all Workspaces are doing it. 

[leo.r]

Yes, it's a known bug in InDesign 2026:

https://community.adobe.com/t5/indesign-discussions/workspace-problem-since-the-v20-update/m-p/15567...

[Mike Witherell]

Since this is probably a new macOS bug:

In the meantime, consider running in Application Frame (which has many benefits) and consider pressing Cmd-Tab to go to Finder quickly.

[Diguru-Studio]

simply no

[Rouge]

Ce n'est pas un bogue de macOS, puisqu'InDesign 2025 fonctionne toujours parfaitement sur ce point !

[Laubender]

Hi @nikola_1941 ,

as a workaround, will it work if you enable the "legacy New Document dialog" from InDesign's preferences?

Kind regards,
Uwe Laubender
( Adobe Community Expert )

[leo.r]

as a workaround, will it work if you enable the "legacy New Document dialog" from InDesign's preferences?

By @Laubender

Won't make a difference in this case, It's the same InDesign 2026 bug discussed here:

https://community.adobe.com/t5/indesign-discussions/workspace-problem-since-the-v20-update/m-p/15567...

[Diguru-Studio]

i always have that diaabled as its awful and no