"Requested Operation would cause one or more objects..." error msg

[bfcreativenyc1]

Hi,

I'm working in a file where I need scale down content from a previous version. When I try to do that by doing command + shift or using the scale tool I get the attached error message.

Why is this happening? I have no strokes that should be causing this. How can I fix it so I do not get the error message?

Thanks! 

[Mike Witherell]

Can you post a screenshot?

[bfcreativenyc1]

There's nothing to see. If you can just imagine a text box and photo that won't shrink in size.

[winterm]

One possible scenario:

Draw a circle 8 mm in diameter. Apply Stroke 10 pt. Try to resize to 6 mm (enter value in W or H field). You'll get this pretty straightforward alert:

I guess, you encountered something like this. Something, that can't shrink to values you ask. Not sure if it must be stroke, exactly.

[Laubender · Accepted solution]

Hi together,

actually you can scale objects to a smaller size.

It depends of the preferences with scaling you are using.

And you have to use the scaling percentage edit fields:

1. That does not work:

2. That will work: Use the scaling percentages input field(s)

3. Result:

Make sure that in the preferences

When Scaling: "Adjust Scaling Percentage"

is checked.

Regards,
Uwe

[lydiad95712137]

I get the exact same error message by trying to insert a page in my document but have no idea what it means - it never happened before - it's a doc ive been working on for many years 

[Abhishek Rao]

Hi @lydiad95712137,

Thanks so much for sharing this. I know it's frustrating to get this error, especially in a project you've been working on for a long time.

This usually happens when InDesign thinks an object would become too small, often because of hidden frames or large stroke weights. Could you please confirm which InDesign version and OS you're using? Also, does this happen only in this file or in other documents too?

Meanwhile, try checking for any objects with very thick strokes or tiny hidden frames. You can also copy your content into a new document to see if the error still appears.

Since this is an old thread, I recommend creating a new post on the community so that I and other experts can properly engage with and assist you. When you create the new thread, please include your InDesign version, OS details, and whether you tested the issue in a new file. If possible, also share a short screen recording of the workflow you followed until the issue. 

Looking forward to seeing your new post so we can help you sort this out!

Abhishek 

[lydiad95712137]

Thank you for your feedback Abhishek! I'm using Indesign 2025 on my iMac Sequoia 15.4.1

I usually have about 6 docs open - these are smaller volumes of my Merged doc of 1600 plus pages - no problem on any of the others - just on the big one - yesterday i wanted to insert just 1 page where I did an update - and the above message popped up! 

So appreciate your help!

[Laubender]

Hi @lydiad95712137 ,

I would test the following before inserting that particular page:

Go to InDesign's Preferences > General Preferences

Make sure that in the preferences

When Scaling: "Adjust Scaling Percentage"

is checked.

Regards,
Uwe Laubender
( Adobe Community Expert )

[AnnMarie38949121guzu]

Thank you so much, this is EXACTLY the issue that solved the same warning for me. Simple fix and now it appears to be running fine. Thank you very, very much!!

[lydiad95712137]

Oh my goodness!!!! Thank you Uwe Laubender!!! So simple at the end! I cannot tell you how relieved I am! Vielen dank!!!