Supported file formats

Consult this reference when you need to verify format compatibility before opening documents, importing assets, or exporting content from InDesign. Format support varies by operation type. Some formats work for opening native files, while others are designed specifically for asset placement or export workflows. InDesign supports a wide range of industry-standard formats for professional publishing workflows, from print production to digital distribution. Understanding which formats work for each operation ensures smooth file exchanges with clients, collaborators, and service providers.

Open formats

Use File > Open to access these document formats:

Save formats

Use File > Save As to save in these formats:

InDesign Libraries (INDL) and Books (INDB) are saved from their respective panels, not from File > Save As.

Export formats

Use File > Export to create deliverables in these formats. PDF export is limited to a maximum page size of 200 inches × 200 inches. Content beyond this dimension is cropped during export, not scaled.

Print and PDF

Digital publishing

Text and interchange

Image export

Place formats (import)

Use File > Place (Ctrl + D (Windows) or Command + D (macOS)) to import these asset types:

Graphics formats

Text formats

For maximum formatting control, use Word documents with defined styles. InDesign can map Word styles to InDesign Paragraph and Character Styles during import.

Media formats

InCopy interchange

Export stories for Adobe InCopy editors using these formats:

Other formats

Snippets

Create snippets by dragging objects from the document window to your desktop or a folder. Place snippets using File > Place.

Preflight and packaging

Access via Window > Output > Preflight and File > Package.