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Inspiring
July 19, 2019
Answered

Unable to export a large PDF file from InDesign 2019 on MAC

  • July 19, 2019
  • 1 reply
  • 1114 views

Hello. I am on a MacBook using Adobe InDesign CC 2019.

I had to put together a large manual of data sheets from our vendors. The InDesign file is 1200+ pages.

I added in .pdfs using a script. On the pages is a header and footer and there is a Table of Contents.

When I export the file I receive errors, unless I export it as an interactive .pdf using JPEG Medium at 96 resolution.

if I do anything higher than that I receive the error that the export failed.

I tried exporting as a high quality .pdf by adjusting the resolution from 300 to 150 and I also received the failed error again.

There are a couple pages within the manual that look great until exported. This is why I want to up the resolution a little bit. They are very hard to read.

I don't think splitting the file would work and putting it together, as I want the TOC to be functional.

I have also tried exporting as the smallest size .pdf, but I receive the error that it failed. It starts to create the file, but it then disappears.

Maybe I didn't set this file up properly, or maybe there is another solution, but if you have any ideas, please let me know. I would appreciate it.

Thank you.

{Renamed by MOD}

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer BobLevine

    Divide and conquer. Export half the document and then the other. Keep dividing the section that fails and you’ll soon find the bad pages.

    1 reply

    BobLevine
    Community Expert
    BobLevineCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    July 19, 2019

    Divide and conquer. Export half the document and then the other. Keep dividing the section that fails and you’ll soon find the bad pages.

    cloud1950Author
    Inspiring
    July 19, 2019

    Ah I see! It didn't even occur to me there could be bad pages . Thanks Bob!

    When you say bad, do you mean a font issue or a larger problem? Just asking because in my status bar I have the green light. I think InDesign is fooling me

    Community Expert
    July 19, 2019

    I wrote an FAQ on this

    File Crashing on Output - printing/PDF/other

    It could be a text frame - or an image - or a font - divide and conquer as Bob suggested is the best way.