If InDesign crashes while working with patterns or barcodes, start with this quick checklist:
Quick Checklist
-
Confirm you have write permissions for the folder where patterns are stored
-
If on macOS, clear font caches (try FontNuke)
-
If issues continue, contact support with OS, InDesign version, and storage settings
1. Verify Write Permissions
When you create or edit a pattern, PatternMaker first writes an EPS file to disk. If the logged-in user does not have write access to the target folder, InDesign will crash.
-
Default location: Files are normally written to InDesign’s local cached data folder. Most users have access, but strict network environments may block it. Learn where to find the local cached data folder.
-
Custom locations: If you’ve set PatternMaker to store files next to the document or in a custom folder, make sure you have write access. Learn how to set PatternMaker preferences.
2. Check for Corrupt Font Caches (macOS)
On macOS, corrupt font caches can trigger crashes. You can clear them using a utility such as FontNuke, available here.
When to Contact Support
If crashes persist, reach out to our support team. Please include:
-
Your operating system (Windows or macOS, version number)
-
Your InDesign version
-
Where your patterns are stored (default cache, next to document, or custom folder)
This information will help us troubleshoot faster.