In the "Save as type" (Windows) or "Format" (Mac) dropdown menu, select . Click Save .
If you do not have access to a newer version of InDesign to perform the export, you can use these free tools and methods:
Features like newer shading options, advanced footnotes, or complex table properties might disappear or turn into static objects.
This is a powerful solution for those who have a newer version of InDesign (or can access the free 7-day trial) but need to batch convert a large number of files without manually opening and saving each one. how to convert indesign file to older version free
If you have access to the newer version of InDesign (even via a free trial ), use these steps to down-save your file: Open the file in the newer InDesign version. Navigate to File > Export (or use the shortcut on Windows). Select "InDesign Markup (IDML)" from the format dropdown list. Save the file.
The fastest and safest method is to ask the original creator to "Save As" an IDML file and send it to you. This ensures the file is converted properly within the software, as described in the Adobe Community . 2. Use Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop
If you have access to a newer version of InDesign (even via a free trial or a friend's computer), you can "downsave" the file yourself: In the "Save as type" (Windows) or "Format"
IDML files are backward compatible with InDesign CS4 and all subsequent versions (CS5, CS6, CC, etc.).
Font engine updates may cause text boxes to overflow or shift slightly.
: This is a completely free, open-source desktop publishing alternative. While it cannot open files directly, it can open the files mentioned above. 3. Third-Party Conversion Utilities This is a powerful solution for those who
If you have access to the newer version of InDesign, this is the standard and most reliable way to "downsave" a file:
If you only need to move specific assets (like a complex layout, a logo, or a text style) rather than the entire document, use .
: This .idml file can be opened by any version of InDesign from CS4 through the current Creative Cloud releases. Using "Simple Save" (Creative Cloud Only)