Unable to load the AdobeXMPScript library in Indesign CC 2021

[Charu Rajput]

Hi everyone,

I am trying to execute the following method to load AdobeXMPScript library. This perfectly works in Indeisgn CC 2020 and console 'success' which is expected behaviour but unfortunately in Indesign CC 2021, it gives an alert 'Unable to load the AdobeXMPScript library'

function loadXMPLibrary() {
    if (!ExternalObject.AdobeXMPScript) {
        try { ExternalObject.AdobeXMPScript = new ExternalObject('lib:AdobeXMPScript'); }
        catch (e) { alert('Unable to load the AdobeXMPScript library!'); return false; }
    }
    return true;
}

var myFile = app.activeDocument.fullName;

// check library and file
if (loadXMPLibrary() && myFile !== null) {
    xmpFile = new XMPFile(myFile.fsName, XMPConst.FILE_INDESIGN, XMPConst.OPEN_FOR_UPDATE);
    var myXmp = xmpFile.getXMP();
}

if (myXmp) {
    $.writeln('success')
}

What are the reasons behind it?

Is there any change to load these libray in latest version?

OS Version : MacOS BigSur

[Laubender]

Hi @bagonterman ,

there are several new bugs with scripting in InDesign 20.4.0.52.  ExternalObject is broken.

Also File.execute() and Folder.execute(). There may be more things broken…

InDesign 2025 20.4 breaks a whole host of CEP extensions.
RorohikoKris, Jun 16, 2025
https://community.adobe.com/t5/indesign-discussions/indesign-2025-20-4-breaks-a-whole-host-of-cep-ex...

v20.4.0.52 ExtendScript Folder.execute() does not work anymore
Laubender, Jun 17, 2025
https://community.adobe.com/t5/indesign-discussions/v20-4-0-52-extendscript-folder-execute-does-not-...

Regards,
Uwe Laubender
( Adobe Community Professional )

[Laubender]

Hi @bagonterman ,

also note that a bug fix version for ExternalObject is under way.

Check InDesign 2025 v20.4.1.3 at InDesign Prerelease.

Regards,
Uwe Laubender
( Adobe Community Expert )