Page and layout options unavailable

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

When exporting an Adobe InDesign document as a PostScript (.ps) file on macOS, page size, orientation, and layout options may appear dimmed. This is expected behavior when using a Device Independent or unsupported PPD, or legacy PostScript workflows. Selecting a supported Adobe PDF PPD restores access to page customization options, which is required for some legacy or specialized workflows.

Page size and layout options aren’t configured

Select File > Print.

Select Adobe PDF from the PPD drop-down menu.

Verify that page size and layout options are now available.

Configure the required page settings.

Adobe PDF PPD isn’t installed

If Adobe PDF does not appear in the PPD list, the Adobe PDF PPD may not be installed in the InDesign Presets folder.

While older Adobe PDF PPDs may continue to function, Adobe recommends PDF-based export workflows whenever possible, as PostScript output and PPD-dependent workflows are considered legacy.

Quit InDesign.

Navigate to the InDesign application folder: /Applications/Adobe InDesign [version]/Presets/

Create a new folder named PPDs (folder name is case-sensitive) and copy the Adobe PDF PPD file into this folder.

Relaunch InDesign and select File > Print.

PostScript output is considered a legacy workflow. For most modern print and publishing workflows, exporting a PDF using File > Export > Adobe PDF (Print) provides greater reliability, transparency handling, and compatibility with current RIPs and print providers.