Convert INDD to IDML

What is the indd to idml conversion, and why is it needed?

What are the indd and idml files?

Both INDD and IDML formats come from Adobe InDesign, and both are used for the same purpose, but there is a fundamental difference between the two file types because INDD files can only be opened in the version of InDesign in which they were saved.

What is InDesign?

First released in 1999, Adobe InDesign is a desktop publishing and page layout design software program created by Adobe Inc. Its primary users are graphic designers and production artists. It can be used to create posters, flyers, brochures, magazines, newspapers, presentations, books, and ebooks. When used in conjunction with the Adobe Digital Publishing Suite, InDesign can also publish content suitable for tablet devices.

Why is the indd to idml conversion done?

Transfer the documents between different versions of InDesign, often in cases where the user has a new file but only access to the previous version of InDesign. Nowadays, it's a cloud-based solution, but before that, different versions mattered.

How do I convert indd to idml?

Of course, the best and most reliable method is to use the latest Adobe InDesign or, at the very least, the exact software version as the .indd file in question.

Another possibility is to use specialized converters, like IDMarkz from Markzware. But these solutions are not cheap, so in the end, subscribing to Adobe services to do the indd to imdl export may be the cheaper solution. Otherwise, no free converter exists due to the proprietary nature of InDesign formats.

The last remaining option is to find someone who is subscribed to InDesign and may be willing to do the export for you. Reaching out to the online community (Reddit, Discord) or InDesign-specific forums may work.