I can't see open Indesign CC files - URGENT

[heatherb11168884]

Yesterday everything was fine. Today I opened indesign (CC 2017) and opened a file to work on and I can't see the file. Indesign says it is open, the panels etc are there but I can't see the file. I went to Creative Cloud and it said I had updates pending, so I updated hoping that might fix it (so I now have CC 2018) but the problem remains. I have restarted my Mac several times. I have tried unplugging my laptop from big monitor but the problem remains. I have tried opening other InDesign files and have the same problem all of them.

Please help as I urgently need to do some work and can't do anything at the moment as I can't see my file.

Thanks in advance!

[Jongware]

Before you reverted to more drastic methods, did you try any option in the Window > Arrange menu? It may be as simple as that the window containing your document got moved off-screen.

[heatherb11168884]

Thanks, Yes I tried the Window - Arrange menu, but it didn't help

[Cr3ator]

This helped me! Thanks!

[Jongware]

Does this only happen with a single file, or do you not get to see any file at all?

[Alexandre Becquet · Accepted solution]

Hello, have you try this ? to reset the preferences.

1. (Windows) Start InDesign and hold the keys Maj Sh+Ctrl+Alt. click yes
2. (Mac OS) Start InDesign and hold the keys Maj Sh+Option+Command+Control

[heatherb11168884]

What is the Maj key (on apple keyboard) Thanks

[Alexandre Becquet]

Shift i'm French sorry

[heatherb11168884]

thank you so much, that seems to have worked! Why would that have happened in the first place (was before I downloaded the update...)?

[Alexandre Becquet]

Sometimes it's a manipulation to do for everything in order. Updates are sometimes teasing! !

[climcarlson]

Thank you. This helped me too! 🙂 

[rachel5E7C]

This worked THANK YOU!

[heatherb11168884]

If I do Arrange - New window for xxxx.indd the file opens in a new window but I can't get the Control panel to view up when I do that!

[Co Co5D5E]

Same problem, i encounter with. It happened many times for my 2021 Adobe CC online subscription too, not sure if it has to be done with the OS? . My files don't show up at all, there is no interface window showing up either after I launched the Indesign application. The name was seen under Window though. Even I restarted, tried the Maj keys, didn't help either.

[GeirFjellberg]

THANK YOUUUUUUUU 🙂 CIA_design

[Alexandre Becquet]

You are welcome !!

[andreias64266447]

Hi there!

I have the same problem. Just update to design cc 2018 and I can't see my files. I have a mac with high sierra and on the menu "window" I can see the file opened, but it doesn't appear on the screen.

I've tried to hold the keys "Shift+alt+command+control" but it doesn't do anything.

Can you help me?

[andreias64266447]

Hi again!

Finally, my inDesign is already working.

I don't know really which of your advices did it, but it works now. Thanks to all of you!!

[lmurphy@cmcherald.com]

There has to be something I can do besides constantly deleting my preferences.

[Hedda T. Brodtkorb]

GUYS! I have the excact same problem, and NOTHING worls... I am desperate. Why doesnt reinstalling the InDesign software work at all? Nothing works for me... 

Help!

[Derek Cross]

Hi Hedda

Which version of InDesign and OS?
How much RAM and spare hard disk capacity do you have?

What actions have you taken so far?

"Nothing works" is a bit broad brush, can you explain – any error messages for example, what action seem to cause an issue?

[gregorysmxth@gmail.com]

Hi Derek

I'm also having this problem. I launch Indesign. It looks like its open. And nothing happens.

InDesign 16.3.2 OS 10.14.6

16GB RAM / 598 spare hard disk

No error messages. Nothing happens - I see "Indesign" in the top nav bar though no tools. I can create a new document - i get a new doc spec window though i never see the document.

i open an old doc - it says its open in the window though i can't see it. Any insight would be appreciated!

[gregorysmxth@gmail.com]

Sorry - i just found this..." UNCHECK Application Frame (Window > Application Frame)"

That worked!!

[Abingdon01]

This worked for me thansk you so much! 

[evaontwerp]

Thank you so much!!! This worked for me too!!