Expert: Ken Black - 8/2/2008

Question
Hello,

I have created several docs in InDesign 2.0.2 and saved them as documents. I have gone to commercial printers to have them printed out, but neither can open the files. The error message is, "Cannot open the file, XXX.indd. Adobe InDesign may not support teh file format, a plug-in that supports the file format may be missing, or the file may be open in another application."

I know that the two shops use more recent versions of InDesign than I have, so I'm stumped. Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Bill

Answer
Hi Bill,

Many times in this situation I have found this to be related to the file not having its extension at the end of the filename - the .indd
Check to see this is not the case.

Double-check that you in fact have not used any third party plug-ins during the creation of any element in your design. Normally, if a plug-in was used the document would still open, although with errors or missing elements.

Another possibility could be a corruption occurring during the transfer, be it burning to cd/dvd, flash memory or ftp.

Occasionally, Indesign and even Quark files for that matter become corrupt during the creation stage. Try re-saving it with a new name.

Let me know of your progress. If none of the above works, are you willing to send the file to me for further examination?


Thanks,

Ken Black
www.bestprintingonline.com