IDML is the new INX

InDesign has always had the ability to export a file that can be opened in a version of InDesign one version back. In the past, this was achieved by choosing File > Export and choosing the "InDesign Interchange (INX)" format. The resulting INX file can then be opened by the next-oldest version of InDesign.

Starting with InDesign CS5, the INX format is gone, replaced by the "InDesign Markup (IDML) format. This format functions exactly like the previous INX format for opening in the previous version of InDesign.

The IDML format is also useful for resurrecting a damaged InDesign file, as I wrote about previously.

Why the change? The IDML format is a well-documented XML-based format that makes it possible for developers and scripters to automate InDesign document creation and modification, beyond what was possible with the old INX format.

Multiple monitor productivity

Eighteen months ago I wrote about the efficiency benefits of using multiple monitors. That blog post caught the eye of the folks at Sewell Direct. They are looking for folks to participate in a short survey about the benefits of multiple monitors:

"Basically we’re investigating whether there is a correlation between the number and size of one’s monitors and how much they make. While there has been a lot of talk about how they increase your productivity, we’re aiming to find out if full-time workers using larger/more displays are actually paid more."

You can participate in the very short, anonymous 5-question survey here.

Adobe Illustrator how-to guides

If you use Illustrator CS4 or CS5, don't miss the wonderful "how-to" guides that Adobe has created. These guides consist of original artwork created by Von Glitschka, Greg Geisler, Philippe Intraligi, Shadow Chen and other talented illustrators. Accompanying each piece of artwork is a PDF that documents the steps that the artist took to create the artwork.

The PDFs provide a peek into the technical aspects of how each artist uses Illustrator to execute their unique style. The guides are a good source to get inspired to use some of the newer features of Illustrator CS4 and CS5.

The PDFs are installed into your Adobe Illustrator CS4/5 program folder, in the Cool Extras/en_US/Sample Files/Sample Art/How Did They Do That folder. You can also view a few of the CS5 how-to guides on Adobe's Web site.