"Ungroup Remembers Layers" no longer works in InDesign 2026(21.0)

[Bryce37264033x9jo]

After updating to InDesign 20.1 on Mac when I ungroup something that had objects with multiple different layers in it they all stay on the same layer now. Even with "Ungroup Remembers Layers" checked. Anyone else having the same issue? It didn't do this in the previous version, so wondering if this is a bug or if anyone has a fix?

<Title renamed by MOD>

[Bryce37264033x9jo]

Meant version 21.0 not 20.1

[Abhishek Rao]

Hi @Bryce37264033x9jo,

Thanks for bringing this up. I've been able to reproduce the behavior and have shared it with the product team for further review. I'm checking on this with them and will update you as soon as I hear back.

Appreciate your patience and for taking the time to report this.

Abhishek 

[Bryce37264033x9jo]

Thank you!

[gg98314394]

Yes - I am having the same issue. MAC OS 15.7.1 - InDesign v 21.0. After ungroup everything stays on the same layer.

[Randy Hagan]

I would think that would be the correct response. If you've grouped them so InDesign considers multiple elements are a single piece, when ungrouped it would render those elements previously taken from multiple layers and combined by InDesign to be one group onto a single, top-most layer.

TL;DR — This may be considered a feature, and not a bug.

Randy

[BobLevine]

Hey Randy, that's the way InDesign behaved years ago. Combining elements from different layers should, with ungroup remembers layers enabled result in them returning to their original layers.

[Randy Hagan]

Perhaps. But evidently not.

[BobLevine]

It's a bug! It works in every earlier version.

[BobLevine]

Yup. Definitely a bug and easily reproducible.

[Abhishek Rao]

Hi everyone, 

A bug has been logged for this issue where 'Ungroup Remembers Layers' isn’t working as expected in InDesign v21.0.

You can track the progress and updates from the product team on our UserVoice page here:
https://adobe.ly/48OSKRG

The team is actively working on a fix, and updates will be shared there once available.

Appreciate your patience and for taking the time to report this!

Abhishek

[jctremblay]

This is also the case when you create a Flex Layout and relese it. Flex Layout being a «special type» of group.
Fix this also...

[marion_5939]

Seit der Installation der neuen Indesign Version V21.0 vor 7 Tagen, werden die Objekte beim Aufheben der Gruppierung nicht auf die ursprüngliche Ebene sortiert, obwohl "beim Aufheben der Gruppe beibehalten“ aktiviert ist.

Ist das ein Bug?

Danke für Eure Unterstützung.

[BobLevine]

Yes, it's a known bug with no workaround. 

[Abhishek Rao · Accepted solution]

Greetings everyone,

I appreciate all the updates and your confirmation regarding the behavior across various setups. I understand how disruptive this issue has been, particularly when you depend on Ungroup Remembers Layers in your workflow. The product team has issued a hotfix today with version 21.0.1, and this fix is part of that update. If you continue to experience the issue, please install the latest build and inform me of the outcome. Ref: InDesign release notes

I look forward to your feedback to ensure that everything is functioning correctly on your end.

Abhishek

[Tikli29796093yjpk]

Hi, this is still an ongoing issue even with the latest available version 21.0, it's very disruptive to my workflow.

[BobLevine]

As noted, it's been fixed. Make sure you have the settings corret in the layers panel and you're fully updated to 21.0.2.

[Tikli29796093yjpk]

I have and I am, thanks! Still an ongoing issue.

[BobLevine]

Then you have something else going on. Is this one file or all? If it's one, export to IDML; if all, reset your preferences.