Objects become invisible

[Lando30917184258h]

When working in InDesign, entire objects (text fields, color areas, linked images) disappear and are no longer displayed. Not even their frames. The layers cannot be selected by clicking on the location where the elements are located. Zooming into the document or changing the view mode doesnt change anything in the visability of the objects. 

However, the objects are still there in the layers window. Similarly, when exporting a PDF, the invisible objects become visible again.

I can make the objects visible again by copying and pasting them onto a new page or by saving an IDML and opening it. However, the objects keep disappearing when working in the file.

Tested with GPU turned on and off.

[Anubhav M]

Hello @Lando30917184258h,

Thanks for reaching out. Could you share more details, such as the version of the OS/InDesign installed, and if this issue occurs with specific files, so we can better assist you?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Anubhav

[Lando30917184258h]

I'm using a macOS tahoe 26.1. 

The Problem accured in InDesign 2026 (21.0.1) and didnt go away in in the LTS Version (20.5.1).

Tried it on different other imacs/macbooks and problem was also there.

i had the Issue in an large document with 200 pages, and also in a small document with only two pages and 18 linked files.

[SF AD]

Hey 🙂 how is it, any updates on the matter?

[Lando30917184258h]

The problem persists.

Saving the file as an IDML document only solved the problem for a few minutes. When reopening and working in the file (which has now been converted to IND 2025), some layers still disappear and cannot be selected.
I have not been able to find a workaround that works.

[SF AD]

Thanks for sharing - I encountered the same issue with a larger (100+ pages) file. Also tried exporting an IDML file which seemed to fix the issue. Reoccured shortly after again sadly. MacOS Sonoma 14.5, InDesign version 21.0 and 20.5

[Abhishek Rao]

Hello everyone,

I appreciate you providing these extra details. I understand how disruptive this situation can be, so I would like to examine it further with the team. Could you please send a short screen recording that demonstrates precisely when the objects vanish and their behavior afterward? Additionally, if you could package and send one affected file (steps here: https://adobe.ly/3XqQ6dZ), it would assist us in accurately reproducing the issue.

If the file is sensitive, feel free to share it via DM using any secure cloud-sharing service like Google Drive or Dropbox.

Once I receive those details, I will conduct tests on my end and keep you updated with the results.

I look forward to your reply.

Abhishek

[Lando30917184258h]

Thank you for your reply. I have sent you a direct message with the packaged files and the screen recording.
I had some problems packaging the files. I was unable to do so. But I managed to package them using another device.

I look forward to your reply and suggestions.

Julia

[Abhishek Rao]

Hi @Lando30917184258h,

Thank you so much for sharing the packaged files and the detailed screen recording. I really appreciate the effort you put into documenting everything so clearly. I was able to reproduce the issue on my end as well and can see the objects disappearing and reappearing while working in your provided document. Furthermore, I am now checking this with our product team, so we can understand the root cause. I will keep you posted as soon as I have an update from them.

Please feel free to reach out in the meantime if anything changes, or you notice any new behavior.

Abhishek