Toolbar and properties don't appear upon opening InDesign

[Dani-L-a]

I've recently had a problem whereby when I open up an InDesign file, the toolbar or properties does not appear. There is nothing showing up in the top right corner either, where the workspace and search bar would usually be. When I click Window -> Tools, everything appears, but it is just annoying that these elements don't appear when I open up the file. 

See picture for more details.

[Jumpenjax]

Go to Window>Workspace click on the format you usually have set. Also if you need tools under window >tools.

[Dani-L-a]

Thanks but the problem is I have to do that each time I open InDesign, where as in the past it would just pop up automatically. 

[Jumpenjax]

Did you try what Barb Binder suggested below?  That would  is of be my next try too.

[Dani-L-a]

Yup, still have issues. Thanks for your prompt response.

[Jumpenjax]

https://creativepro.com/where-did-my-indesign-menu-items-go/

https://youtu.be/EtTX94_ZTGw

[Dani-L-a]

Tried both of these before... I wonder if I need to uninstall InDesign as the problem is so persistent despite doing a ton of troubleshooting.

[Jumpenjax]

Have you tried to disable the GPU?

https://helpx.adobe.com/indesign/using/gpu_performance.html

[Barb Binder]

Hi @Dani-L-a:

If it keeps turning itself off, consider resetting preferences. 

https://www.rockymountaintraining.com/adobe-indesign-rebuilding-preferences-cache/

Also, are you aware that tapping the Tab key will toggle the panels/tools off and back on? 

~Barb

[Dani-L-a]

Hi there @Barb Binder ,

Thanks for your help. However, I still have the issue.

Also, tapping the Tab key doesn't seem to do anything.

[Barb Binder]

Hi @Dani-L-a :

How far did you get through the post I linked to? Did you manally delete/rename the cache and preferences? Please be sure to work all the way to the bottom if the issue persists. 

The tab key will show/hide the UI unless you have your cursor in a text frame. (Then it will add a tab character.) If it still isn't working, then again, you will need to rebuild the cache and preferences.

~Barb 

[Dani-L-a]

Hi Barb, yes I followed all of the instructions on the link, including manually deleting the cache and preferences. Still have the same issue and tabbing does not work. 

[Barb Binder]

That's odd, @Dani-L-a. What version of InDesign, exactly, and what operating system?

~Barb 

[Dani-L-a]

Version 16.3 and Windows 10.

[Barb Binder]

@Dani-L-a:

I just saw this thread, which sounds like what you are experiencing. There is an InDesign team member on that thread. Let's keep an eye on it to see if this is a new issue that needs an update to fix. 

https://community.adobe.com/t5/indesign-discussions/indesign-photoshop-amp-illustrator-2021-no-longe...

~Barb

[Dani-L-a]

Wow didn't see this when I searched the forum yesterday. Thanks for finding this, @Barb Binder ! Will keep an eye out for sure. 

I only just installed InDesign for the first time in a while so it's the newest version. Hopefully that just means there's a bug that can be easily fixed.

[Dani-L-a]

Just wanted to note that I actually have the second newest version, 16.3, not 16.4. 

[Barb Binder]

Hi @Dani-L-a:

It's a 16.3 issue for that user, as well. You might either install 16.4 or roll back to 16.2. You can do either through the CC Desktop app.

~Barb 

[jefc302]

This just started happening for me since the last 2 updates and thought it would fix it self after more updates but now in 18.2 (adobe CC 2023) and I have to every time I launch Indesign, I have to toggle to workspace to get tools and all windows to show. This is also happening for PSD and Illustrator. Huge pain and just another issue with adobe.

[Dani_L_a]

This is still happening for me as well 18 months later...