Unable to save InDesign document. Error: InDesign is unable to save this file.

[#1]

Hi there. I've installed the latest update of Indesign 2020. I'm now experiencing problems in that if I open a converted version of an Indesign docment, make changes then try to save, it says "Indesign is unable to save this file. We tried, but it appears to be damaged." (See Indesign 2020 Fig. 1). I have tried to save a copy of my document and it says the same thing. I have even tried to create a new document in Indesign 2020, save it as a test before putting anything in it and again the same message, "Indesign is unable to save this file. We tried but it appears to be damaged." (See Indesign 2020 Fig 2).  Is it a bug in the new Indesign update? Do I uninstall it and reinstall Indesign 2019? Could someone please help me?

[#2]

Hi there. I've installed the latest update of Indesign 2020. I'm now experiencing problems in that if I open a converted version of an Indesign docment, make changes then try to save, it says "Indesign is unable to save this file. We tried, but it appears to be damaged." (See Indesign 2020 Fig. 1). I have tried to save a copy of my document and it says the same thing. I have even tried to create a new document in Indesign 2020, save it as a test before putting anything in it and again the same message, "Indesign is unable to save this file. We tried but it appears to be damaged." (See Indesign 2020 Fig 2).  Is it a bug in the new Indesign update? Do I uninstall it and reinstall Indesign 2019? Could someone please help me?

[#3]

I've gone back to InD 2019 as 2020 is very slow for me and others. 

Maybe safer to roll back to 2019 if you're having issues.

Make sure to log your bugs so they can be addressed in future fixes. 

https://www.adobe.com/products/wishform.html

[#4]

>> Do I uninstall it and reinstall Indesign 2019?

Try it, if not helps then contact Adobe support

[#5]

What exactly do you mean by a "converted" document? If you are opening a document from an earlier version of InDesign then it would simply open and would upon saving become a 2020 document. It doesn't become 2020 until it is saved. Is this happening with more than one document? Have you tried exporting the document as an IDML and then reopening the IDML in your version of CC 2020? This can clear up some forms of corruption.

[#6 · Accepted solution]

Hi Georgie,

So sorry to hear about this trouble. In addition to the suggestions shared above, you may also try moving the pages to a new document (https://helpx.adobe.com/in/indesign/using/pages-spreads-1.html) and see if that helps. Is the issue related to a specific document? If yes, could you please share the document with us? You can upload it to the Creative Cloud (https://helpx.adobe.com/in/creative-cloud/help/share.html) and share the download link. 

If it is happening with multiple files, try resetting preferences for InDesign by following these steps and share your observations:

For Windows 

• Close all Adobe applications. 
• Go to Locations : 
• C:\Users\user\AppData\Roaming\Adobe  
• C:\Users\user\AppData\Local\Adobe. 
•  Rename InDesign folders to InDesign.old 
• Launch InDesign from CC. 

For MAC  

• Close all adobe applications 
• Go to Locations:  
• ~/Library/Caches 
• ~/Library/Preferences 
• Rename Adobe InDesign and com.adobe.indesign to Adobe InDesign.old and com.adobe.indesign.old 
• Launch InDesign from the CC 

Please note that resetting preferences will remove all the custom settings and InDesign will launch with default settings. This way all your old settings will be saved in .old folders and InDesign will recreate new folders with default settings.  

Looking forward to your response!

Regards,

Srishti

[#7]

I'm currently having this issue as well - cannot save newly created nor previously created files. Everything comes up with a "InDesign is unable to save this file. We tried, but it appears to be damaged" message. I've tried doing these steps, restarting my computer, installing older version of INDD and absolutely nothing is working. I have freelance projects that function in InDesign so this is critical.

Please help!

[#8]

Apparently I can't save anything from Photoshop either.

[#9]

Hi Ashrmey,

I've found that the problem is fixed when Indesign 2021 is installed. Hope that helps.

Best of luck.

Kind regards,

Georgie_67

[#10]

Hi there,

I'm sorry for the almost 6 month delay in replying. Thankyou everyone for the suggestions. I have found that the problem is fixed with the installation of the Indesign 2021. Thank you again.