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O
OzOzOz
Participant
March 30, 2021
Answered

Text layers not visible

  • March 30, 2021
  • 2 replies
  • 2340 views

Hi everyone. 

 

I've created 15 pages in InDesign for a presentation and I've placed a picture as a Master background, but when I'm trying to write on e.g Page 4, the text (or any other object) disappears. 

I can't see any other text, so I tried to rearrange the layers (nothing happening).

I can't see any text layer in any folder (unless I drag with the Selection tool, then the current text layer is visible). 

 

But the real mystery for me is when I toggle the visibility on Page (Layer) 3. 

Then, my A-master picture disappear. AND the text layers are visible.

 

I've tried resetting preferences as well.

 

Any suggestions? 

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

Hi @OzOzOz:

 

You have lots of layers—and the layer acting as the background layer for all the pages (currently called "Page 3") is the third from the top. I would suggest renaming the layer with the black frame "Background" and then drag it to the bottom of the layers panel. That will allow you to always add content on top. 

 

As for the mysterous frame behavior:

  • On page 3, the text is white. When you hide the background frame layer with the black frame, the text is still there but you then have white text on a white page. The text is there but you can't see it. 
  • On page 4, the default for new text is black, so when you add a text frame to page 4, and begin typing, you have black text on a black background. Again, the content is there but you can't see it. 

 

Changing the text color to anything but black or white will allow the text to remain visible at all times, unless you put something on layers 4–15, which are under the black frame currently on the layer called "Page 3". 

 

It's not clear to me why you need a layer for each page. FWIW, a lot of advanced users never use layers. If you want to continue using layers, you might consider simplifying. Perhaps a background layer at the bottom, and then a text layer for all of the text content and a graphics layer for all of the graphics content.

 

~Barb 

2 replies

Barb Binder
Community Expert
Barb BinderCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
March 31, 2021

Hi @OzOzOz:

 

You have lots of layers—and the layer acting as the background layer for all the pages (currently called "Page 3") is the third from the top. I would suggest renaming the layer with the black frame "Background" and then drag it to the bottom of the layers panel. That will allow you to always add content on top. 

 

As for the mysterous frame behavior:

  • On page 3, the text is white. When you hide the background frame layer with the black frame, the text is still there but you then have white text on a white page. The text is there but you can't see it. 
  • On page 4, the default for new text is black, so when you add a text frame to page 4, and begin typing, you have black text on a black background. Again, the content is there but you can't see it. 

 

Changing the text color to anything but black or white will allow the text to remain visible at all times, unless you put something on layers 4–15, which are under the black frame currently on the layer called "Page 3". 

 

It's not clear to me why you need a layer for each page. FWIW, a lot of advanced users never use layers. If you want to continue using layers, you might consider simplifying. Perhaps a background layer at the bottom, and then a text layer for all of the text content and a graphics layer for all of the graphics content.

 

~Barb 

~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training
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OzOzOzAuthor
Participant
April 6, 2021

Thanks, I'm new from PS, so I guess I need to change my view on Layers. 

Actually, page 3 behaved a little sketchy no matter where I placed it, but I created a new project and it seems to work fine now.

 

Once again, thank you for helping out. 

 

-oz

Barb Binder
Community Expert
Barb BinderCommunity Expert
Community Expert
March 30, 2021

This isn't clear to me. Would you like to share the file? If so, put it on dropbox and post a link here (public) or message me directly (private).

 

~Barb 

~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training
    O
    OzOzOzAuthor
    Participant
    March 30, 2021

    Hi!

     

    I've sent you a DM.

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