How to Fix Can’t Open INDD File Error? [QUICK SOLUTIONS]

How to Fix Can't Open INDD File Error

Are you getting an error message the file is corrupted and can’t open INDD file while trying to open an InDesign file, then this article is for you?

Here check out the complete information on how to fix this irritating InDesign problem. The main reason behind the Indesign file won’t open error is your INDD file is possible gets corrupted or damaged. Well, this is a common problem that most of the Indesign users are encountered and reported on the forum threads.

Let describe it best with the user experience.

I have a large file that has been opening just fine for weeks. It’s 300 pages and an .indd file. I have tried to open back-ups of this file and none with the same file name will open. And tried opening the file on another computer and it still would not open.

I have opened other earlier versions of the file (different file  name) and other unrelated files with no problem. I opened larger files with no problem. I’m  thinking some how this file is corrupted.  i get a message when i try to open it that says: indesign can’t open ***.indd.” I just did some revisions that will take a huge amount of time to redo so I’d like to get this file opened somehow. I have a recent .pdf, possibly I could import that?  If not is there anyway to at least print a copy without actually opening it.

This all happened when i decided to create a Book file into which I would bring this file and then add a TOC, other front pages Glossary and index. I’ve been avoiding this step but thought it would facilitate bringing in everything together without creating one huge file.

Before taking the following step I  saved a copy of the original file on another hard drive.  Then I set up the Book and when I tried to bring my original file into the book it failed. After that I could not open any of my saved recent back-ups with the same name on other hard drives. I have three.

What if I try changing the name of the file before opening it, because I’m thinking it all has something to do with trying to bring it into the book file? Possibly try changing the file designation to .indd to .indb?

One odd thing, When I look at the file that won’t open on the hard drive, it seems to have recorded the last time i tried to open the file as if I had actually opened it even though indesign gave me the “can’t open” message.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Jim, forums.adobe.com

Well, this is really very frustrating as you can’t open your Indesign document and this may lead to data loss stored in the file.

Moreover, luckily there are fixes that help us to fix can’t open INDD file error. But first, have a look at some of the common reasons responsible for InDesign file corruption:

Why I am Getting Can’t Open INDD File Error?

Well, there are many reasons responsible for the Indesign file that won’t open error.

  • Due to Indesign file corruption
  • The INDD file is damaged
  • Extension of the file you are opening is not supported by InDesign
  • The file is open in another InDesign version
  • Due to insufficient system memory
  • Virus infection

How do I Fix “Can’t Open INDD File” Error?

Solution #1: Track Down what is Causing the Problem

Find out the actual cause of the issue. It is likely that there is something prowling in your document that leads to a damaged InDesign file. It could be either the damaged image or the dodgy font file. If the document wasn’t displaying an error before then figure out what else you added to the document since that point of time.

Unfortunately, if this won’t help you to open up the corrupted version of the file then the last option left with you is to use the back-ups on your computer.

Your problem might also lie with the corrupt InDesign Preferences. To sort out this relaunch your InDesign and hold down Control-Alt-Shift (Windows) or Command-Control-Opt-Shift (Mac OS) and when it prompt Delete InDesign Preference files hit on Yes.  It will transform your file, and let you open it without any problem.

Solution #2: Resave Your File to Different Format

INDD files are more prone to corruption than IDML (InDesign CS4 and later) or INX (InDesign CS3 and earlier) versions.

So try to open the corrupted file on different computers. Try to open the file on different versions of Windows. If you can open it then move to File > Save and resave your file as an IDML or INX file. After saving the file to a different format you won’t face any issue while opening the file in this format.

The file will open as a new Untitled document, and from here save the file by moving to File > Save and your corrupted document will be saved to a healthy document to your desired folder.

Solution #3: Open Your Corrupted File as a Copy

Sometimes just copying the file can resolve the minor errors which are preventing you from opening your original file.

To perform this, open InDesign and move to File > Open. Navigate to your InDesign file and hit to choose it. From the bottom of the Open window, select Open Copy. Your InDesign will open the file as an Untitled copy.

This is one of the effective ways to repair the corrupt InDesign files.

Solution #4: Check Your Preferences

If none of the above-given solutions works for you to get rid of the corrupt InDesign Preferences. Follow the steps to do so:

  • Restart InDesign > and press Control-Alt-Shift (Windows) or Command-Control-Opt-Shift (Mac OS) > click
  • And as the message appears showing Delete InDesign Preference files > click Yes
  • This allows you to start the Indesign file without an issue.

Conclusion:

So, this is all about the Can’t Open INDD File error. I tried my best to list down the best possible solutions to fix the corrupted Indesign file and start using the INDD file.

Make sure to follow the solutions given one by one and check which one works for you to repair corrupt InDesign document.

It is estimated the article works for you.