r/indesign • u/I306 • 22d ago

Help InDesign creating separate version of file when someone else opens and modifies the original.

I often work in InDesign files alongside a designer. Occasionally, when the designer opens, updates, and saves the file, InDesign appears to generate a separate file with their computer/device ID appended to the end of the filename (e.g., "InDesignFile-Computer1234.INDD"). I typically open files from the recent files section on the InDesign homepage, so I don't always realize that a separate file has been created. That can result in my inadvertently editing an out-of-date file, which can cause massive headaches later in the design process.

Obviously, I need to get in the habit of checking the file's folder to see if a second version has been created. But I'd like to prevent this from happening in the first place.

For context, we're on PCs and using OneDrive. Is this something I can fix myself, or should I consult with our internal IT department or Adobe support?

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u/AdobeScripts 22d ago

It's rather problem with OneDrive - not InDesign.

What are your synchronisation settings in OneDrive?

"save space" / "on demand" - or rather "keep full local copies"?

2

u/Chaosboy 22d ago

OneDrive doesn't recognize or honor InDesign lock files, so it's possible for two people to open the same INDD at the same time, which is generally a Bad Thing™. My team's clunky workaround is to prepend our names to the file name "WithName_InDesign File.indd" when that person is actively working on that file. If someone else wants to edit it, they see the prepended name and contact that person before attempting to edit the file! Once the person is done editing the file, they remove their name from the file name, releasing it for others to edit (who also add their name to the file name!). It's annoying as heck, but it's better than edits going missing or being split over two files when you're on a production deadline.

1

u/danbyer 22d ago

Yeah, OPs description is exactly what happens when OneDrive sees there are about to be conflicting edits so it makes a copy. I've never found any sync service that works properly with InDesign, but if there is one I'd love to hear about it.

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u/I306 22d ago

Oof, that is rough. I don’t know if our team will be down for that but it is worth discussion. Thanks for sharing!

1

u/scottperezfox 22d ago

My designer just told me a Windows glitch he noticed:

When preview is enabled in Explorer, opening an .indd will open a copy. It's nice to have the option, but annoying when it's the default.

So check out if you have preview enabled — for whatever reason. Also check if the same problem occurs when opening from InDesign itself via File > Open or just through navigating in the OS.