A Solution for Packaging Files With Missing Plug-ins
Recently, I worked on a project where I had to package over 100 InDesign files from different vendors. Unfortunately, when I opened the first file, I got a missing plug-in error. Since InDesign won’t create a package of a file with missing plug-ins, I had to fix this problem right away. And getting the plug-in was not an option. I was able to export file to IDML and successfully create the package. But to my surprise, all the files were having the same issue, and it would have been a nightmare to export IDMLs and then create a package for each one.
Plus, after creating a new document from the first IDML file, I noticed that some of the page content had changed from the original. This would also have to be fixed since all the files had been approved by the clients. I knew it was just too risky for me to manually fix the files since I might miss something or introduce new errors. I needed a better solution.
Fortunately, I found one. It is a small utility called InExUtils created by Manan Joshi at GitHub and you can download it here. Currently the InExUtils plug-in is available for CC2017 for both macOS and Windows.
How to Use InExUtils
Once the plug-in is installed, open your InDesign file (or files). You will see a new menu called INEXUtils. Just click Ignore missing plugins (All docs), and you’re all set.
The best thing about InExUtils is that it works on all the open documents, which can be a great time saver. Finally, save your InDesign files again and the annoying missing plug-in message will not reappear the next time you open the file. The plug-in also solves the problem of having to do a Save As when you need to save a file opened with missing plug-ins.
With the help in InExUtils, I was able to package my files easily without having to export to IDML, or worry about the content changing. Thanks Manan and GitHub for sharing this helpful plug-in for free!
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From the website:
“Currently the plugin is available for CC2017 for MAC and WIN, other version would be released soon based on the feedback”.
So… that is a no go in the current CC 2018…
That’s true. I think we can request the creator to release other versions as well. However, I found this utility very useful and will definitely thank to the creator for his valuable support.
It’s a great tool, but with the automatic updates of CC, a lot of people are already under cc 2018 (including myself).
Just try to install it on 2018, and it’s not working.
And getting the plug-in was not an option. I was able to export file to IDML and successfully create the package. But to my surprise, all the files were having the same issue, and it would have been a nightmare to export IDMLs and then create a package for each one.
Thanks to all for showing interest in inEXUtils. The CC2018 version of the plugin for MAC is available for download, please try it now for those who were waiting for the latest version.
Hey Manan – This is a very useful tool. I got a message about a licensed version. I sent an email to your Gmail account.
not supported telugu language in indesign
This sounds like something which would b very useful to us. Is it available for CS6?
This is very useful tool.
But soon it alarmed
INEXUtils has expired the trial period.
Please contact at [email protected] to get licensed version
I send a mail but no replay.
How I get the licensed version?
Hi, I jumped onto Github and downloaded the InDesign plugin for CC 2022 (we’re using CC 2023) and for some reason the download was a .pkg.txt (5 KB). Any idea how we can test a real copy and license it?
Thanks! This is important.
Ken