As mentioned, packaging is the best way to ensure the older version has all the images and fonts it needs to display correctly. Summary Checklist Step 1 Open file in new InDesign. Step 2 File > Package (to collect images/fonts). Step 3 File > Export . Step 4 Select IDML as format. Step 5 Send IDML file to user.
The InDesign Markup Language (IDML) is the standard format for moving files between different versions of the software. When you save a file as an IDML, it strips away version-specific metadata, allowing older versions of InDesign (CS4 and later) to read the layout. Open your document in the newer version of InDesign. Go to File > Export.
Fortunately, Adobe provides built-in mechanisms to "downsave" your documents. This comprehensive guide details every reliable method to convert your InDesign files to older versions, explains what happens to your data during conversion, and offers troubleshooting tips for a seamless workflow. Method 1: The IDML Export (The Most Reliable Method) how to convert indesign file to older version
Steps:
in the version of InDesign it was originally created in (or any version newer than the file itself). Go to File > Export (or File > Save As in some versions). In the format dropdown menu, select InDesign Markup (IDML) . Click Save . As mentioned, packaging is the best way to
InDesign has an even older interchange format called (InDesign Interchange), which is compatible with CS3 and CS4. Adobe's official documentation outlines this two-step process: "For backward compatibility to InDesign CS3, open the .idml in CS4 and export as InDesign CS3 Interchange (inx)."
MarkzPortal supports conversion of Adobe InDesign, QuarkXPress, Affinity Publisher, PDF, and many other file types, all without requiring any software download [22†L22-L27][15†L32-L35]. Step 3 File > Export
InDesign is a layout tool, but Illustrator and Acrobat are universal.
