Unable to launch all Creative Cloud apps like Photoshop, Illustrator & InDesign

Report · Aug 07, 2024

Hi, same problem here all day. All other apps work except PS, AI, ID.

Report · May 14, 2024

So, since using the Adobe Creative Cloud Cleaner tool, I have experienced one crash which occurred in the same day, shortly before I made my original post. Since then I have used InDesign many times and never experienced a crash. I waited for one to occur, thinking I'd need to try some more solutions and investigate as advised by folks in the comments, but it's looking stable.

I think the cleaner tool is what fixed it, combined with shutting off my Mac? Or something else has changed that I'm not aware of and didn't deliberately cause. I didn't delete any other applications. I honestly can't think what else fixed it. I'm really hoping that InDesign stays non-awful for the forseeable, as the crashing was truly enraging.

If others are having this issue, I guess I'd recommend using the cleaner tool and then shutting off your Mac. Beyond that I still have no idea why the crashing happened.

Report · May 15, 2024

I'm having the exact same problem. 2 days ago, InDesign only (Illustrator and Photoshop work fine) decides not to work (InDesign 19.4 with MacOS Sonoma 14.5). I've done all the things listed but when I try to open an .indd file it freezes with the spinning wheel of death. If I try to create a new file, InDesign again freezes with the spinning wheel of death. I really need this program to work for my job. I'm looking at Affinity Publisher 2 if I can't get it to work soon.

Question on the Adobe Creative Cloud Cleaning tool - What choices did you make to clean? Just InDesign, multiple programs/scripts, or everything?

Report · May 15, 2024

Hey @bryann6425430, sorry to hear you're facing the issue too, it really does suck.

I used the cleaner to get rid of everything, from memory. I definitely got rid of every single application and all associated files, after backing up all of my stuff externally. I also got rid of Creative Cloud. So, I guess I'd recommend doing that, restarting your Mac, and then re-installing everything?

As I said in the answer though, I'm kinda guessing. Without a more direct answer from Adobe about why this bug is happening, and what specifically causes it, I'm not completely sure what fixed things on my end. And I'm really hopeful that things stay fixed.

I wish you luck 🤞

Report · May 15, 2024

Thanks @Jake31240521nz7q - I'll give it go tomorrow and let you know if it works for me as well. I'm too exhasted from designing layouts in Illustrator today (hahaha).

Report · May 19, 2024

Hey @bryann6425430, I hope you're having a good one! How did you go?

Just so you're aware, the crashing issue has come back for me today. So, if the cleaner tool fixed the issue for me, it only did so temporarily. This is clearly an unresolved thing with InDesign specifically. Have you found any solutions?

Report · May 19, 2024

Today, the crashing issue has come back, when I opened a file (which had been fine yesterday) and double-clicked on a text box to edit it. I have no idea why. I haven't done anything different to what I've been doing since it was "fixed" by the cleaner tool. I once again submitted an error report to Adobe, and Adobe could not find any solutions. I really don't want to run the cleaner tool again. Will I have to do this every few weeks, when InDesign decides to stop working?

One thing I have noticed, which I didn't mention in my original post, is that after a file crashes, a blank .idlk file remains visible in Finder. For example, when the file test.indd crashed, ~test~0kjyv(.idlk was left in the Finder window, even after InDesign closed itself. I don't know if that helps anyone diagnose what the heck is going on?

Report · May 19, 2024

I'm curious @bryann6425430, do .idlk files stick around for you as well, after InDesign crashes? Until this issue I'd only ever had .idlk files appear as temporary files while I was actively using InDesign.

Report · May 19, 2024

Try to revert to 19.3 - it fixed certain issues for some users:

Also, I noticed that there were several threads recently where InDesign crashed on attempt to edit text. Just an observation at this point...

Report · May 19, 2024

An IDLK is a hidden file generated by InDesign when you open a file - it serves point InDesign to a recovery file in case of a crash. If you have an IDLK file and InDesign is giving you a dialog to restore a file.

It also stops others opening the file that you're working on, if you're working across a network etc.
Discussion here: https://community.adobe.com/t5/indesign-discussions/indesign-lock-file/td-p/9384663

You can delete this file - but then the recovery option will be gone, and maybe it's recovering a damaged file.

Who knows.

-----------------------------------

As per @Leo-M try to roll back

Rollback to a previous InDesign version
https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/using/install-previous-version.html#:~:text=Open%20the%20Cr....

As a side note ---> A lot of users don't update to a new version immediately, in fact, I have auto updates turned off.

If the issue is gone then don't update.

You can submit a bug report

https://indesign.uservoice.com/forums/601180-adobe-indesign-bugs

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I don't know why it's happening for you.

But submitting the bug report and reverting to a previous version of Indesign seems to be the way for now.

Please share your bug report here - you can link to the forum post in the bug report.

@HARSHIKA_VERMA is there anything else we can do here?

Report · May 22, 2024

Hi All,

I am haveing the same problem as @Eguene. I have event revert back to 2023 but now this is crashing again, making me do a force quit. I have a super machine right now (Apple M3 Mx, 128GB Memory, and 8 TB storage amd Running Soma 14.4.1 as my last update. Has anyone figured tis out? This is a huge problem. I am not evening working on a super heavy presentation. Also, in 19.4 InDesign the menu dropdown bars for Font, Line Type, Line Weight, ect under the Advance menue toolbar are not allowing me to selext change color, size, font.

Report · May 22, 2024

@courtney5C4A Sorry to hear you're experiencing this issue as well, and other issues that I'm not experiencing on my end. I hope an Adobe staff member engages with you to fix these problems. We haven't had a reponse from them on this thread since May 8, and I've never had any contact from submitting bug reports.

I used the cleaner tool and reverted back to the previous version of InDesign, as recently advised by @leo.r and @Eugene Tyson. Currently, I can use InDesign without the crashing issue occurring.

However... previously, when I used the cleaner tool without reverting to a previous version, InDesign fixed itself for a period of time, then the crashing issue started again (I have no idea why). So, only time will tell whether the cleaner tool has just temporarily fixed things again, or whether the crashing issue has been properly fixed by using a different version of InDesign.

I'd definitely recommend running the cleaner tool, regardless.

You could also try the tests recommended earlier in this thread, such as starting your Mac in safe mode and creating a brand new user account.

Report · May 22, 2024

This is why it's so important to report bugs - as this is the formal place that Adobe staff will look at bugs and priortise them

https://indesign.uservoice.com/forums/601180-adobe-indesign-bugs

Report · May 23, 2024

Thank for your Reply @Jake31240521nz7q

What is the name of the cleaner tool you have used? I have also reverted back to 2023, since it seems less buggy with font styles, line definitions, ect..... but the crashing is still happening. Maybe if I can use the cleaner tool it will at least solve this temporaily until Adobe team can properly respondond.

My laptop is way too new to have to start in safe mode, that doesn't seem like a good solution from apple. I will try and reach out to the support line over the weekend when I have some more time. In ther interim, I just need to finish this presentation.

@Eugene Tyson - Yes, I will also be taking this up with Adobe. At the moment however, I need a quick fix as this is really slowing me down.

Report · May 23, 2024

Reinstalling rarely fixes everything - you can do a complete reinstall using the
Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/kb/cc-cleaner-tool-installation-problems.html

Report · May 23, 2024

Hi @Jake31240521nz7q running the cleaner didn't work for me at all, and I didn't notice the .idlk files sticking around. I've moved over to Affinity Publisher 2 just to get my work done and delivered to the client. The 7 day trail period has elapsed, so I think I'll pay the $50 bucks and get the full version. I hate to promote a different program on this thread, but having this problem last this long on a well-established OS for the price I pay a month isn't cool.

I just tried to reopen InDesign again and it pretty much crashes immediately. I may spend another day of unpaid problem solving when I get the time, but for right now I've abondoned InDesign until a new version comes out or I fall in love with Affinity Publisher 2. Help us out Adobe!!

Report · May 23, 2024

Nobody here is going to advocate that you use InDesign.

It's an InDesign forum and it's user to user - and we try to help each other as users of the InDesign with any and all problems they face.

One caveat of switching to what's considered not an industry standard software is that if they ever requested Native Files (that is the InDesign file, or in your case the Affintiy files) then you'd be supplying them with files that they will find difficult to pass on to professional studios.

Affinity has come a long way - but I don't think it's mainstream at all.

I was a Beta tester for Affinity - and I found many features and ways of doing things either missing or not as good as the InDesign approach.

It's a shame InDesign is not working for you - but there are many factors - and it doesn't necessarily mean that Affinity will keep running for you either - Affinity has got issues too with different setups.

You know you need to deliver - and I'd probably do the same thing - push through to get the job done but here's what I would do in the future.

Never Update - if things are working - don't update the OS - don't update the Software (Affinity or Adobe it doesn't matter)

The only reason to update is if you have to absolutely update.

And you can install InDesign 2023 and InDesign 2024 - the last 2 versions are allowable to install.
When 2025 comes out you don't have to remove 2023 - but you won't have access from the CC Desktop App - so keep a copy of it - and similarly keep a copy of 2024.

I run Adobe InDesign 2022 - I have no issues in this version - and I'll start testing 2023 version next to ensure it's working as expected - but I put it through rigourous tests before moving over.

Rollback to a previous InDeisgn version

https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/using/install-previous-version.html#:~:text=Open%20the%20Cr....

Other troubleshooting tips:

Try resetting your preferences:

Windows: Start InDesign, and then press Shift+Ctrl+Alt. Click Yes when asked if you want to delete preference files.
macOS: While pressing Shift+Option+Command+Control, start InDesign. Click Yes when asked if you want to delete preference files.
A dialog will appear asking to delete the InDesign Preferences, select 'Yes' on this dialog.
Further info and instructions here if needed:
https://helpx.adobe.com/in/indesign/kb/indesign-preferences-support-file-locations.html

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If a document is not behaving well then try

File>Export

Choose IDML

Open the IDML in InDesign
Save the file as a new InDesign file with a new name
See if the issue persists.

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Try turning off the GPU Performance in the InDesign settings.

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If that's not working - start in Safe Mode and see if the problem persists (don't open anything but InDesign)

If it does

Reboot normally

Turn off any anti-virus/firewalls/ etc.

See if it works

I'm pretty sure your issue can be resolved

but I get the frustration and time constraints.

Report · May 24, 2024

Thanks @Eugene Tyson and I'm super happy everything works for you. As I said, I've tried all of the workarounds you suggest except getting in a time machine and not updating my MAC computer, and they haven't worked for me. If I ever get a PC your additional notes will be taken in consideration.

I'll let you all know if/when I can fix this issue with InDesign and the steps I took to get there. Let me know if anyone else has a fix, instead of telling me it was my fault for updating.

Report · May 25, 2024

I'm not saying it's your fault for updating.

Updates can be undone - if it worked before then undo the update and it should work again.

I'm not just talking about updating Adobe or OS systems - I mean in general on everything I have I very rarely update at the notification that there's an update available.

There is an update coming for InDesign - so please do try again once the update is released.

Hope it works for you in the long run.

There's just so many other things that could be causing your issue that we couldn't possibly know about.

I really hope you stick with it and try to resolve it.

I would 100% rollback to the version of the system that worked for you.

If that's not an option - then consider trying the newest update when it comes out.

Report · Jun 08, 2024

@Eugene Tyson @leo.r Thank you for the recommendation of reverting to InDesign 19.3, I think that has fixed the crashing issue. I got rid of InDesign 19.4 using Adobe Creative Cloud Cleaner tool, then installed 19.3. Obviously the bug could be only temporarily fixed (as occurred previously), but hopefully it stays fixed as long as I use 19.3.

Report · Apr 24, 2024

Is anyone having problems starting up their apps every time Adobe updates them? I found I am unable to restart Illustrator, Photoshop and now InDesign. This never happened before until the 2024 version. I don't know who they hired to work on the apps but they totally suck.

Report · Apr 24, 2024

I don't know why there's a pop at the end to the hardworking people who provide software.

There aren't a lot of these posts and most people update no problems whatseover.

If it was an epidemic then the forums would be flooded.

Lets start with a few basics to help you out

Firstly - you can turn off automatic updates in Creative Cloud

https://helpx.adobe.com/enterprise/kb/disable-auto-updates-application-manager.html

And can you share your system details?
What version of Adobe?
What is your OS and version number?
How much RAM and disk space have you got?

Are all your drivers up to date?

-

Here are some things you can try

-

Try resetting your preferences:

Windows: Start InDesign, and then press Shift+Ctrl+Alt. Click Yes when asked if you want to delete preference files.
macOS: While pressing Shift+Option+Command+Control, start InDesign. Click Yes when asked if you want to delete preference files.
A dialog will appear asking to delete the InDesign Preferences, select 'Yes' on this dialog.
Further info and instructions here if needed:
https://helpx.adobe.com/in/indesign/kb/indesign-preferences-support-file-locations.html

---

Reinstalling rarely fixes everything - you can do a complete reinstall using the
Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/kb/cc-cleaner-tool-installation-problems.html

---

Rollback to a previous InDeisgn version

https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/using/install-previous-version.html#:~:text=Open%20the%20Cr....

Report · Apr 24, 2024

I've been restarting rebooting all morning since this stupid update. Whoever the hard working people are, they aren't doing it for me. I've been a 20 year user of Adobe products and this is the worse group of people.

I'm using the current Creative Cloud version. It just hangs there.

Report · Apr 24, 2024

I am not staff - I'm a user just like you.

And I've never experienced what you are experiencing - and I've been using Adobe software since 1997 - and InDesign since 2001.

In light of our experience, can you please go through what I asked and answer the questions - and also try the solutions - so that we can narrow down what's not working for you and how it can be fixed.

It might not even be Adobe, sometimes 3rd party apps cause havoc - for me WebRoot caused all sorts of issues.

It's very difficult to know how to help - if you can be more forthcoming and less abusive that would be great.

Thanks

Report · Apr 25, 2024

Hi @westamp,

We are sorry to hear you're experiencing a crash on launch. We would love to investigate the issue. Would you mind telling us if you are working on a Mac or Windows machine? Please share the version of InDesign installed on your machine.

We will try our best to help.

Thanks,

Harshika

Report · Aug 08, 2024

Hi @westamp ,

in a similar thread the solution was to uninstall all Beta apps from the Creative Cloud.

However, that solved an issue with crashes of InDesign at startup. Don't know if you have any Beta apps installed…

Regards,
Uwe Laubender
( Adobe Community Expert )

Unable to launch all Creative Cloud apps like Photoshop, Illustrator & InDesign

1 Correct answer