Skip to main content
F
FrostLight
Participating Frequently
July 22, 2020
Answered

Online Help No Use. 'Placeholder.txt' NOT Available to Revise. How Do I Fix This?

  • July 22, 2020
  • 6 replies
  • 1473 views

I'm a beginner. I want to start a project, but "Lorem ipsum" is all over everything. No matter WHERE I go to find how to remove it, NOTHING works. I've tried 'clicking in the field/select all/delete', but the field isn't available to click in. No matter where or how I click, I cannot access the field. It makes NO sense. I've used Adobe PS before and never had this problem.
So I look for another way, and it tells me to go into program files under Indesign, go to 'Placeholder.txt'. It's right there in the picture, but when I look for it, every other .dll file is there except 'placeholder.txt'. This probably has something to do with the fact that the only tutorials I can find on this subject are years old.

This is about to be the first and last month I use Indesign. I have to get this project done, so if I can't get around this SOON, I have to find something else.
What am I missing? 

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Barb Binder

I could with a Ford Focus. I just can't find a Ford Focus.
Microsoft Publisher is a home-level publishing application. InDesign is a professional-level application. Maybe Publisher will be a better fit? It is still a new application to you, so there will still be a learning curve, but perhaps it won't be as steep.

 

~Barb 

6 replies

Barb Binder
Community Expert
Barb BinderCommunity Expert
Community Expert
July 23, 2020

 go to do it again and it won't let me drop an image anywhere all of the sudden. I changed nothing. Simple reason?

I would again look to see if you are on a locked layer. 

 

~Barb

~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training
Barb Binder
Community Expert
Barb BinderCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
July 23, 2020

I could with a Ford Focus. I just can't find a Ford Focus.
Microsoft Publisher is a home-level publishing application. InDesign is a professional-level application. Maybe Publisher will be a better fit? It is still a new application to you, so there will still be a learning curve, but perhaps it won't be as steep.

 

~Barb 

~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training
    F
    FrostLightAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    July 23, 2020

    Much appreciated. Steep learning curves are rarely a problem for me, initial obstacles are. Once I get a handle on a few things, I usually master a program within a week or two, depending on the hours I put in, how much coffee I've had, and whether my pride/masochism prevents me from looking up tutorials.

    I think this gets me past the 'stupid' obstacle. I'll just have to find tutorials for things like creating space for the fold and isolating subjects in an image. IF there is a set of tutorials you can recommend for someone doing a layout of a picture book, adding text, and creating a ready to print version, THAT would be perfect.

    Otherwise I'll muck through it until I'm on skates.

    Thanks again,

    -FL

    Barb Binder
    Community Expert
    Barb BinderCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    July 23, 2020

    First of I, I blew it on my answer. I meant—and corrected the post—to say click in the second column to unlock layers. My apologies. (I needed you, Randy! 😉)

     

    Now, is this template from Adobe Stock? If so can you give me the number and I will download it and take a look and can give you a very precise answer to get you back on track. 

     

    ~Barb

    ~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training
    Barb Binder
    Community Expert
    Barb BinderCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    July 23, 2020

    I'm counting on you to do the same for me, Randy.

     

    ~Barb

    ~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training
    Barb Binder
    Community Expert
    Barb BinderCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    July 22, 2020

    Hi FrostLight:

     

    I understand your frustation. Adobe products are complex and have a steep learning curve. That's good for me—an Adobe software trainer—but not so good for someone who wants to open up the application and hit the ground running. 

     

    I can see from your screen shot that a.) you are not in Presentation Mode—you are in Preview Mode. I would still return to Normal view, but you can work in Preview, so that's not it. And b.) that you are using a template—that someone else created but didn't explain how to use?

     

    I'm guessing that they either locked the frames or the layers. Start with Object > Unlock all on Spread. Can you edit the text? If not, try Window > Layers and click in the first column to make each layer visible second column to unlock the layers. You may also have sublayers that you need to expand and unlock.

     

    If that still doesn't do it, come back and let us know. We will be able to help you get started. Include a screen shot with the Layers panel open and Frame Edges enabled in View > Extras.

     

    ~Barb 

    ~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training
      Randy Hagan
      Community Expert
      Randy HaganCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      July 23, 2020

      I stand corrected. Thank you for keeping me honest on this, Barb.

       

      Randy

        Derek Cross
        Community Expert
        Derek CrossCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        July 22, 2020

        One way, just to demo the principle:

        With the Text tool (T) draw a text box on your document page.

        The curser will be flashing in the box, cmd/cntrl click and from the resulting drop-down menu, select Fill with Placeholder Text. Job done!

        (If that's what you're after.)

          F
          FrostLightAuthor
          Participating Frequently
          July 22, 2020

          Thanks, but that's not what I'm trying to do.

          When I start a project with a template, "lorem ipsum funny lorem" is all over it. I try to interact with the text, but I cannot. I put the image I want to work with on the field/panel, but the text won't go away no matter what I do. I included an image.

           

          Randy Hagan
          Community Expert
          Randy HaganCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          July 22, 2020

          Ok, let's try this:

           

          Go to the bottom of your Toolbar. Put your cursor on the bottom button, and hold the mouse button down. A pop-up menu will let you change from Presentation view to Normal view.

           

          You should be able to click into the text and change it to what you want then. The Presentation view shows you what your document looks like, but doesn't let you edit anything. The Normal view will let you work with your file.

           

          You may ask: How do I know this? I'd reply "Because I've screwed up this way before."

           

          Experience is a wonderful thing: It helps you save others from making the same mistakes you've already done.

           

          Hope this helps,

           

          Randy

            Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
            Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices