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Participating Frequently
November 12, 2024
Question

Tab, font, or other formatting change occurring between computers in the same file

  • November 12, 2024
  • 4 replies
  • 3545 views

We are using InDesign on three computers, two PCs (1 Dell, 1 HP) and a Macbook, and are working on the same file in a shared drive. The file is a list of items with ID, Description, Year, and Price. We are aligning columns using the tab key.

 

The file is appearing the same for the HP and Macbook, both of which were setup a year ago.

 

When the file is opened with the Dell, which was set up a week ago, either the font (Azo Sans) or the formatting is being affected somehow. The Description reaches slightly further into the page, causing a change in where inDesign is placing the first tab. The next column, Year, is then offset for various items when a Description is a certain length.

 

For one item, this is on the same file opened by each computer, the Description reaches just before 3" into the page on the HP and Mac, but right at 3" for the Dell, which is causing the first tab to be placed differently. So on the HP and Mac it looks "correct," however on the Dell it appears there is an extra tab for various items.

 

If I delete the tab on the Dell to make it look "correct" then the file looks off for the HP and Mac.

 

We have re-downloaded Adobe inDesign and Azo Sans. I also attempted to export User Settings from one computer and import them into the Dell, however that did not work either.

 

Thank you for any help.

This topic has been closed for replies.

4 replies

Robert at ID-Tasker
Legend
November 13, 2024

@scott_4006

 

Can you post some screenshots - with hidden characters visible - or share a sample partial file? 

 

Participating Frequently
November 13, 2024

Hi Robert,

 

I have attached some packaged files from the Dell and Mac in a reply to Abhishek above.

 

Thank you for your help,

Scott 

Dave Creamer of IDEAS
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 13, 2024

@scott_4006 See my post with the screen captures for the solution.

 

David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)
Dave Creamer of IDEAS
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 12, 2024

Assuming everyone is opening the correct file and not some "recent file" backup accidently stored in the wrong place, the formatting settings won't change. I would copy the font from the HP and install on the Dell (see next paragraph first).

 

You mentioned you re-downloaded the font so I'm assuming you mean one of the free versions? Adobe offers this font too. I would standardize on one of them, with my perference going towards the Adobe version. Adobe fonts from your Creative Cloud subscription are not something you can copy computer-to-computer but "add family" on each one. It's possible the Dell auto-loaded the font from Adobe while the others had the free version (or vice versa).

 

David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)
Joel Cherney
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 12, 2024

My guess is that Davis is correct, here. But if it's not a font version problem, it could also be the case that there is a different definition of the Basic Paragraph Style on the Dell machine, one with an extra tab, perhaps.  

Dave Creamer of IDEAS
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 12, 2024

I don't that that would affect the text if they are indeed opening the same document. 

 

David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)
Willi Adelberger
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 12, 2024

Do you work with styles?

Paragraph, character, table and cell styles?

You must work with styles. It should not happen when you work with style without manual overrides or formatting. 

Abhishek Rao
Community Manager
Community Manager
November 12, 2024

Hi @scott_4006,

 

Thanks for providing all the details about the issue. I understand how frustrating this must be when the formatting is inconsistent across different computers.

To assist you further, could you please confirm the following:

  1. Are all computers using the same version of InDesign, especially the Dell and Mac? The difference in versions might sometimes cause discrepancies.
  2. Can you share the operating system versions for the Dell, HP, and MacBook? This will help us rule out OS-specific behavior.
  3. Since you're using a shared drive, does this issue occur when working on the file locally (on each machine) and then uploading it to the shared drive for others to access? This can help narrow down if the issue is related to the file syncing or network access.
  4. Are multiple users working on the file at the same time, or is it one person editing at a time?
  5. Do you have any other files where a similar scenario happens (multiple users working on it) but the issue doesn’t appear? This will help us see if the problem is isolated to this specific file.

 

In the meantime, I would recommend trying the following:

  • Ensure that the tab settings (such as tab stops and ruler settings) are consistent across all computers. 
  • Ensure that Azo Sans is installed correctly on all computers, and there are no font variations (like font substitutions) occurring.

Let me know the answers to these questions, and we'll work through the best possible solution for you!

 

Best,
Abhishek Rao

Participating Frequently
November 12, 2024

Hi Abhishek,

 

1. All computers are using Adobe InDesign 2025 v20.0.

 

2. Macbook: OS 14.3.1 (Sonoma)

Dell: Windows 11 Pro, Version: 23H2, OS Build 22631.4317

HP: Windows 11 Home, Version 23H2, OS Build 22631.4317

 

3. We are working through Microsoft SharePoint, typically the file is not saved locally. It is opened through SharePoint, worked on, then updates are saved to SharePoint.

 

4. One person is working on it at a time.

 

5. Previous versions/iterations of this creation all have the same issue between computers. I have not found any formatting issues in other InDesign creations.

 

Thank you!

 

Abhishek Rao
Community Manager
Community Manager
November 12, 2024

Hi @scott_4006,

 

Thank you for the details provided. To further troubleshoot, could you please:

1. Save the file locally on each of the machines (Dell, HP, and MacBook), open it, and check if there is any difference in formatting or layout. This will help us determine if the issue is related to SharePoint or network syncing.

2. If possible, please share a packaged version of the file saved locally from both the MacBook and the Dell machine. This can help us compare and identify any discrepancies in the file structure or fonts. Reference: Create and send assignment packages in InDesign

 

Looking forward to your feedback!

 

Best,  
Abhishek Rao