The error message for Windows:
The error message for Mac:
This error indicates that you do not have the correct version of InCopy, or InDesign, installed on your computer.
Documents are only compatible with the version they were created with so you must install the correct version.
We recommend disabling Adobe's auto-update feature, so that the application does not get automatically updated to a later version. Instructions can be found here.
Which version do I need for my project?
The Adobe version number is displayed on every chapter page. Navigate to your company, project and then select a chapter. You will see the version you need as highlighted below in the image.
Which version is installed on my computer?
If you are unsure which version of InCopy/InDesign you have you can find out by clicking Help -> About InCopy/About InDesign... from the InCopy/InDesign top menu bar. (This is found under the "InCopy" or "InDesign" menu on a Mac.)
This will then display the version and version number:
How do I install the right version?
| InCopy 2026 (v.21) | Click here |
Please note, If you are looking for an earlier version, since October 2022, Adobe no longer provides older version than what is available on the Creative Cloud. Please see here for more info.
I have the right version installed and still get this error
This error can also be caused if a user has been given InCopy permissions when they have InDesign – or vice-versa.
You can check this by:
- Navigating to your project
- Click: Permissions
- You should have Ic if you are using InCopy
- You should have Id if you are using InDesign
If your permissions are incorrect, you need to contact your project manager or agency to correct this. You can check who is admin is here.