Save documents

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to use Save commands to preserve layouts, manage versions, and maintain file metadata in Adobe InDesign.

Saving a document preserves the current layout, linked assets, active page, and zoom level. It also updates document metadata, such as fonts, colors, links, and file information, which helps with search and file management. Regular saves help protect work and keep file information up to date.
Save a document

Select File > Save to save changes to the current document.

Select File > Save As, specify a File name and location, then select Save to save a document with a new name.

Select File > Save a Copy, specify a File name and location, then select Save to save a copy without changing the active document.

Use Ctrl + Alt + Shift + S (Windows) or Command + Option + Shift + S (macOS) to save all open documents.

Save InDesign cloud documents

Cloud documents support version history, cross-device access, and collaboration workflows.

Select File > Save.

Specify a File name and location.

Select Save to Adobe cloud storage.

Select Save.

Include previews in saved documents

Thumbnail previews help identify documents visually in asset management tools. Previews increase file size and save time, so use higher resolutions only when needed.

Select Edit > Preferences > File Handling (Windows) or InDesign > Preferences > File Handling (macOS), then select Always Save Preview Images with Documents to include previews for all documents.

Select File > Save As or File > Save a Copy, then select Always Save Preview Images with Documents to include a preview for a specific document.

Select Edit > Preferences > File Handling and specify the number of preview Pages and select a Preview Size to adjust preview settings.

Save InDesign Markup (IDML) documents

IDML format supports compatibility and troubleshooting. IDML files can be opened in supported earlier versions of InDesign. Some newer features may not be preserved during conversion.

Select File > Save.

Select InDesign CS4 or later (IDML) from the dropdown.

Select Save.