Unable to open word file in InDesign from file explorer window on macOS

[T1nt010]

Hi, 

I'm trying to add new documents into a new book format but all word files on my desktop are unreadable (greyed out) and can't be imported.

All files are saved to my hard drive and none of the files are sitting open anywhere else on the desktop. I'm new to this so sorry if there is something obvious I'm missing. Any help hugely appreciated. 

Thanks, 

Paul

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[BobLevine · Accepted solution]

You cannot open Word documents, you have to place them.

[T1nt010]

Ah right,  thanks. So that box is simply for adding indesign documents?

[Peter Spier]

Yes, that's correct.

[Bevi Chagnon - PubCom.com]

Looks like you made an InDesign book, which is a collection of independent INDD layout files coordinated into a long document. Like different chapters of a traditional book.

Learn more how to use the book panel at https://helpx.adobe.com/indesign/using/creating-book-files.html

FYI, you don't need to use the book panel if your document will be in just one INDD layout file. It's really for coordinating two or more INDD files to create a long document.

To add a Word file into your INDD layout file, use File / Place and that will import the Word file into your layout.