InDesign suddenly has problems selecting the most basic things

[Kris Hunt]

For about the past two weeks, I've been experiencing a frustrating problem on two Mac installations of InDesign 13.1. When an object is selected and I click on a color swatch to change its color, about 30% of the time it will not take effect. If I have multiple objects selected and I click on one of those objects again, instead of assigning that object as the key object like it should, the entire group of objects moves slightly to the left. I am absolutely sure I am not moving the mouse when this happens. Also, regarding the color change not taking effect, I can tell the mouse click is registering with the computer because the swatch name highlights briefly when I click. Again, this happens on two computers, and only started happening within the past couple of weeks. Look at how many times it fails in this short video; you can imagine how maddening it is trying to use InDesign for production now.

[Barb Binder]

Yes, I can imagine, but I'm not able to recreate it on my system (Mac 10.12.6; InDesign 13.1).

I know you know this, but have you been through the various levels of resetting preferences (keyboard, manual, deleting cache files).

If you've done all that and it's still happening, remember to post it as a bug here:

Adobe InDesign Feedback

~Barb

[Kris Hunt]

Yes, I reset preferences, deleted and reinstalled InDesign, and it's still happening.

[Barb Binder]

And deleted the cache files?

~Barb

[Bill Silbert]

To delete cache files follow the instructions from the last section of this post: CC 2018 InDesign—Don't Import previous settings and preferences .

[Barb Binder]

Bill: my post wouldn't post! Jive is driving me nuts!!!

But I guess it didn't matter, Kris. I'd go ahead and report it, and link back to this post.

~Barb

[Kris Hunt]

Okay, I found and deleted all the cache files. Still no dice.

[John Mensinger]

The exact same thing is happening on 2 computers, and it started on both around the same time? I don't know if anyone's ever gonna explain that.

Are they in the same place? Same network? Same-model (perhaps wireless) input devices? Are you wearing foil on your head? WTɈ?

We all know you're no novice with this stuff. I don't know what to think. Keep us posted if anything changes.

[Kris Hunt]

They're both late 2015 iMacs using Logitech-brand mice (although different models of mice). But they're located in different cities. I don't remember installing any point release updates recently. I'm stumped.

[Bill Silbert]

But are they running off of a common server? If so, is it possible to test one of the computers with a local installation?

[Kris Hunt]

No, they are both local installations.

[Barb Binder]

Start by closing InDesign, then go to Library > Caches and delete the Adobe InDesign folder. It will get recreated when you restart the application. If deleting it makes you nervous, just move it to your desktop. If this doesn't help, you can always close InDesign and move it back.

And remember that the Library folder is hidden by default, so hold the Opt key when you open the Go menu in Finder to see it listed.

~Barb

[Kris Hunt]

Installing 13.0.1 now... we'll see what happens.

[Kris Hunt]

Nope. Still happens in 13.0.1. Also tried a Microsoft mouse and removing the Extensis Suitcase plugin.

[Kris Hunt]

In an interesting turn of events, the problem does not occur in Safe Mode.

[Kris Hunt · Accepted solution]

All right, I believe I've tracked down the culprit: a recent update to Smart Scroll by Marc Moini. Huzzah!

[Barb Binder]

Nice work!

~Barb

[John Mensinger]

I don't know if anyone's ever gonna explain that.

I knew you'd figure it out.

[Photoshop, AI InDesigner]

Hello KrisHunt, 

Thank you for feedback about inDesign has problem. I am very struggle and Frustation with File-Export save is failed. My teacher doesn't know about inDesign. Because point Format and Suppose Add list PDF and JPEG suppose upgrade inDesign make a good everything okay. I am still Academy Arts of University and I have a practice Adobe for get Certificate for a Job. Thanks