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.
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14 comments:
Plus it means that all those people using CS3 will have to upgrade if they work with designers using CS5, so Adobe wins all round.
Keith and Julie, is this true that there is no workaround between CS3 and CS5? Presumably you can back trace from CS5 to CS4 to CS3 but really nothing if you don't have access to CS4?
@Anne: Short of some sort of hack such as the one described at http://indesignsecrets.com/double-downsave.php there is no way to save directly from CS5 to CS3.
This is good to know. thanks for the info.
Hello Keith,
I'm having a big trouble here, cause I designed a whole magazine with CS5 and the editor has only CS4. I am sending them right now the IDML files I've exported - but to make sure he will be able to open them I'd like to send them a plugin download link that would assure that. Question is, where can I find it? I simply did not find it anywhere! Do you have any clue? Thanks a lot and congratulations on your blog, it really helped me out!
BR
Sergio
@Sergio: I don't understand what kind of "plug-in" or link that you're looking for. Can you explain further?
I am trying to convert down from CS5 to CS3. I exported the file to IDML format, had a friend open it in CS4 and export to an INX file.
But when I try to open the INX file in CS3 I get an error message saying "Cannot open the file. Adobe InDesign may not support the file format, a plug-in that supports the file format may be missing, or the file may be open in another application."
Do you know what plug-in I need to get and where I can find it?
@Sara, you need to make sure you have the latest dot release of CS3 in order to open CS4-generated INX files. Be sure you have the latest InDesign updates from Adobe.com.
I've exported my file to an idml file for my editor (CS4 user) to view and make edits...however, we can't get the images to preview without having to send all the images/links and relink images on her laptop. Didn't have to do this before I upgraded to CS5. Do you know how to make images preview without having the links?
@pharmgurhl: Unfortunately, the idml format doesn't include the screen preview information for the graphics. The only way I know of to include the data would be to embed the graphics in the ID file before exporting to IDML, but there are some serious downsides to doing this. In most workflows you're probably better off sending the linked graphics along with the idml file.
How do I convert a IDML file into a INX file without using older versions of Indesign?
Ok, I saved an idml file and when the designer at the other end opens the file ALL of the styles have vanished from the document. Any idea how to retain those or can I export another file with those? HELP!
I have saved a damaged InDesign CS5 file to an idml. But when I try to open the idml, I get an error message. It seems to be saying that I need some sort of plug-in. My software is all up to date. So what is the problem?
Please? Someone? Help?
@Stephen, you might be able to edit the idml file with a text editor and locate the reference to the plugin, and carefully delete the line that is requesting it. Worth a try!
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