Why can't I change object blending modes?

[justintalbot514]

I am using the latest version of indesign CC with all current updates. For some reason I can't change object blending modes of any object. Objects that I have previously changed from "normal" to "multiply" are also stuck in multiply. I am wondering if I somehow hit a magic "blending lock" option. I tried to adjust the blending mode on about 10 different objects on different pages all with the same result. I also closed the document and indesign and restarted. Any thoughts?

[Katie Houghton · Accepted solution]

Unless the object is locked or the layer is locked, you should be able to change the blend mode. If you can open the file under a different user or on another computer and it works then it is your preferences. Try resetting them:

1. Exit the application
2. Press and hold Shift+Ctrl+Alt (Windows) or Shift+Option+Command+Control (macOS) as you start InDesign. You are prompted to delete the current settings. The new preferences files are created when you start the application.

If you find that you can not get the blend mode to change, with a different user or computer (highly unlikely) but maybe the file is corrupted. Try finding a backup or earlier version of the same file and see if the problem still exists.

Let us know how it goes.

[justintalbot514]

Thank you Katie!

New preferences saved the day!​

[Scott Citron]

Can you move or otherwise transform these objects?

[Katie Houghton]

Glad to here it worked!