Option + drag = crash

[martynw8448349]

Another day, another new installation. InDesign is now crashing everytime I attempt to use the option hold and drag to duplicate an object... and I do that a lot.

[Abhishek Rao]

Hi @martynw8448349, 

Would you mind sharing the InDesign version that you use? Also, what macOS version are you using? If you haven't already, please submit the crash report and share your Adobe email address (with which you submitted the crash report to me over the DM on the community). Reference: https://adobe.ly/3WwbkHs;

Is the crash specific to a particular file, or does it happen to all files, including newly created documents? Are you using any third-party plug-ins? If yes, please disable them and then test the issue. You can also isolate this by running your system in safe mode.

Let me know how it goes. 

^

Abhishek 

[martynw8448349]

Hi Abhishek,

I’m on a Mac (Studio M1 Max) running Ventura Version 13.5.2.

InDesign version: 20.1. I noticed that InDesign updated on launch, today.

I did submit a crash report earlier.

Thanks for your attention in this matter.

Martyn


Martyn Wilson
07929 719141
hardwiredvideo@gmail.com
hardwiredvideo.co.uk

[leo.r]

will it make a difference if you update Ventura to its latest version?

[jim0803]

I'm running InDesign 2025 on a MacBook Pro, M3, Sonoma 14.4, and it crashes almost every time I do that as well. I do notice it will option / drag / duplicate and work a few times, but then will crash after that. It is on a very large file, 100+ page booklet, and not noticing it as much on single page ads or anything, but it may, can't remember  if it does. I've rebooted, still does it. Also, I notice that when I command Tab, to shuffle back and forth between apps, InDesign won't came back to the active window (in front).

[leo.r]

I'm running InDesign 2025 on a MacBook Pro, M3, Sonoma 14.4,

By @jim0803

First, update to the latest version of Sonoma (even though this unlikely will make a difference in this particular case). 

Also, what's your exact InDesign version? If 20.1, try to revert to an earlier 20.x version (you can do so from the Creative Cloud app).

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

@martynw8448349 

Start from trashing preferences:

https://community.adobe.com/t5/indesign-discussions/reset-indesign-preferences-and-other-troubleshoo...

Then, it's possible, that your document got corrupted - try IDMLing - export as IDML, open, save with a new name - do not overwrite your original file.

[denbykev]

This has been happening to me too since the 20.1 update I carried out a few days ago. I've never seen InDesign crash so often – and I've used every version since 1.0!

At first, I couldn't figure out what was triggering the crash as it seemed random, but have to agree with Marty that it's when you option-drag an object to copy it while moving. I think it might only be when you option-drag on, or to, the pasteboard, but unsure as it doesn't always happen when you perform that action. 

InDesign 20.1

Mac OS 14.4

MacMini (2020) 16GB

No third-party plug-ins

Has occurred on different files, but haven't created a 'new' document so can't comment on that.

Has occurred on multi-page files and single page files. 

[leo.r]

InDesign 20.1

Mac OS 14.4

By @denbykev

First, update to the latest version of Sonoma (even though this unlikely will make a difference in this particular case). 

If the issue persists, then it's probably the same bug in 20.1 that many users reported by now. Try to revert to an earlier 20.x version (you can do so from the Creative Cloud app).

[denbykev]

Thanks. I have updated to 14.7.4 this morning and so far have been crash free! 

[jim0803]

OK, so I figured out what it's doing at least for me. Running InDesign 20.1 on a 2023 M3 MacBook Pro, Sonoma 14.4, I notice it crashes everytime I am trying to command + option select from when I'm using the Type tool. If I am in the open or solid select tool, then it doesn't crash on me. So something seems to be happening when I am using the text edit tool and then use command + option to drag - then boom - crash - everytime. So maybe that can help Adobe figure out what's going on. Anyone else notice this same issue is what's crashing their InDesign as well?

[leo.r]

Running InDesign 20.1 on a 2023 M3 MacBook Pro, Sonoma 14.4

By @jim0803

Try to update to the latest version of Sonoma - will it make a ny difference?

[jim0803]

I am downloading latest Sonoma - will see if it does make a difference. Also will see about older version of InDesign

[jim0803]

I just updated Sonoma to 14.7.4 (23H420) - and that seemed to fix the Command + Option drag to duplicate in InDesign while the Text tool is selected and it's working!! At least so far.

[woutomatic]

I have this exact problem. InDesign crashes the moment i drag + option. It's not the file, it happens is all my files. Indesign 2025 on a Mac mini M2 Sonoma 14.4.1

[jim0803]

I updated Sonoma to 14.7.4 (23H420) - and that seemed to fix the Command + Option drag to duplicate in InDesign while the Text tool is selected and it's working!! At least so far.

[Maura25326493ng90]

Same thing is happening to me! Very frustrating. I've been averaging like 10 crashes a day for the past week. Old version never crashed on me. I really hope they work out this bug soon!!!

[jim0803]

I'll post this reply here as well, but I got it fixed - Sooooo nice to have that control back.

I updated Sonoma to 14.7.4 (23H420) - and that seemed to fix the Command + Option drag to duplicate in InDesign while the Text tool is selected and it's working!! At least so far.

[Abhishek Rao]

Hi everyone,

I appreciate your patience on this! The product team has confirmed that a bug was logged for this issue, and the fix is included in the latest InDesign PR build.

If you're still facing crashes when using Option + Drag, I’d recommend testing the PR build to check if it resolves the issue. You can access it by following the steps in this blog:
How to Join the Creative Cloud Prerelease Program

Give it a try and let us know if it works for you! Looking forward to your feedback.

^

Abhishek