Using InDesign Beta to Convert PDF but nothing happened

[fandistico]

Hi,

Today I'm trying to convert PDF using Indesign beta as latest version InDesign beta able to convert PDF to InDesign. But when I try to open it from File > Open, the PDF is greyed out and I cant select it. Even I try enable from All Readable document to All document, nothing happened, and when I drag and drop directly to InDesign beta showing "Undefined Error" window.

The PDF I try to opened was from InDesign, page less than 10 and connected to internet.

Any idea what happened?

[Derek Cross]

Assuming you're reporting this to Adobe as Beta versions should be used for testing purposes only not be relied on for "real" work. 

[fandistico]

Hi,

Is it any different between testing purpose and for real work? I just want to test it how it works, just open directly but none of the PDF, just simple PDF file doesnt work and it's from my past PDF that exported from InDesign. Everything greyed out.

[Eugene Tyson]

Was the file created with InDesign?
https://helpx.adobe.com/indesign/using/convert-pdf-to-indesign-file.html

[fandistico]

Yes, all my PDF created from InDesign. Strange not any single PDF is working, I know it's only beta :/. I'm on Mac btw and it should no problem.

[Eugene Tyson]

Try exporting a PDF from InDesign from the Beta

Then try opening that PDF.

I know there was a rollout and it was for UK and USA only - but I think since mid-May it's been rolled out globally.

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

[curious_Dreamer15B9]

If a pdf is not made from Indesign, Beta cannot open it. I have found a workaround. If you place single pages of the pdf into your pages in InDesign, you can then make a new pdf. Once you do that, you can open the Indesign PDF in Indesign Beta and convert that pdf to a working document - ready to use in Indesign. It's a long way around, but I needed the document and it worked! Whew - so happy!

[leo.r]

All I know is that it does work for me in the latest beta.

[fandistico]

Lucky you, still doesnt work for me but it's okay. I just curious to know how it works.

[leo.r]

Just to make sure - are you running exactly the same beta version:

[fandistico]

Yes, same. Strange that didn't work anything 

[leo.r]

Yes, same. Strange that didn't work anything 

By @fandistico

Strange indeed. I'm in Canada, what region are you in? Sometimes Adobe implements certain features gradually throughout different countries although I don't remember seeing any info regarding gradual rollout of this particular feature.

[fandistico]

I'm in Southeast Asia

[Eugene Tyson]

Have you any updates to the Beta - maybe it just needs to be updated - it should be globally rolled out by now.

[fandistico]

Yes, it's the latest version 19.4.

[Eugene Tyson]

That's the lastest version of InDesign - it's not the Beta.

19.4 has not got the Open PDF feature

https://helpx.adobe.com/ie/indesign/using/whats-new.html

Have you downloaded the Beta app - as pointed out by @leo.r 

It should look like this when you open it

Then it should be in the Readable files

Then it should open

[fandistico]

This is the last error, I wish they released globally asap. not in beta anymore.

[Derek Cross]

Create an InDesign document and use File > Place to include a PDF in the document.

[Eugene Tyson]

If you go to File>Open 

And check the list of files - does PDF show?

It was in my screenshots earlier

Does PDF show in the list for you?

[fandistico]

I'm on Mac and only showing this.

[Eugene Tyson]

I'll have to check the Mac but won't be today.

Strange it's not working.

[fandistico]

Ah okay, that's it. I thought I'm the only one seeing that's not working on Mac.

[leo.r]

Ah okay, that's it. I thought I'm the only one seeing that's not working on Mac.

By @fandistico

I think @Eugene Tyson's remark "Strange it's not working" was regarding your situation. It didn't mean that it's not working for him on Mac, something he won't be able to check today. 

[fandistico]

Oh okay, my bad 😄

I tried on Windows, and now works fine, it's only for Mac not ready to use the feature.

[Eugene Tyson]

Really? I won't get to it today - but surprised it's not working on Macs.