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Adobe InDesign

Page layout and desktop publishing software for producing print and digital documents such as brochures, magazines and ebooks

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Master Pages
Applies shared page elements like headers, footers and page numbers automatically across many pages, keeping long documents consistent.
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Paragraph & Character Styles
Bundles font, size and spacing settings into reusable style definitions that update every instance at once when edited.
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Object Styles
Bundles stroke, fill, transparency and text-wrap settings for frames so entire publications can be restyled by editing one definition.
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Data Merge
Combines a layout with a CSV or text data source to generate many personalised copies of labels, letters or cards from one template.
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GREP Styles & Search
Applies pattern-based find-and-replace rules across a document to automate repetitive typography cleanup like spacing and punctuation fixes.
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Liquid Layout
Adapts a single page design to different sizes and orientations using rules instead of manually rebuilding each version.
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Alternate Layouts
Stores multiple page sizes or orientations for the same content within one file, useful for print and digital versions of a single design.
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Flex Layout
Repositions and resizes design elements automatically when content length changes, reducing manual realignment across pages.
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Content-Aware Fit
Detects the focal point of a placed image and crops it automatically to fit a frame without manual adjustment.
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Convert PDF to Document
Rebuilds an existing PDF into an editable layout file so marketing materials or reports can be refreshed and republished.
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Generative Expand
Uses AI to extend the edges of a placed image so it fills margins and bleeds without needing a new source photo.
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Alt Text Generation
Automatically writes descriptive alt text for placed images to help documents meet accessibility requirements faster.
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AI Assistant
Answers in-app questions and can carry out routine formatting tasks from natural-language requests without leaving the workspace.
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Share for Review
Lets reviewers comment on a layout through a web browser without needing the application installed or files emailed back and forth.
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Publish Online
Converts a document into a web-viewable page with a shareable link, letting stakeholders preview a layout in a browser.
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Math Expressions
Lets users insert and format complex mathematical notation, including subscripts and fractions, directly inside a layout.
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EPUB Export
Converts a laid-out document into a reflowable or fixed-layout EPUB file for distribution as an ebook.
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Interactive PDF Forms
Adds fillable form fields, buttons and hyperlinks to a PDF export so readers can interact with the document on screen.
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Preflight Checks
Scans a document for output problems like missing fonts, overset text or low-resolution images before it goes to print.
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Creative Cloud Libraries
Syncs colours, character styles and graphics across documents and other apps so brand assets stay consistent.
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Index Depth Limit
Restricts back-of-book indexes to four levels, preventing deeply nested topic hierarchies from being represented in one index.
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No Automatic Liquid-Layout Viewing
Prevents liquid-layout documents from reflowing automatically for readers, since no compliant viewer technology currently exists.
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Data Merge Conditional Logic
Blocks conditional formatting during a merge, so records that need different styling based on their content require workarounds with other tools.
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No Native Vector Drawing Parity
Limits direct vector illustration inside a layout, so users must switch to a separate vector application for complex artwork.
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Subscription-Only Access
Requires an ongoing subscription with no option to buy a permanent licence, so access ends if payments stop.
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No Backward File Compatibility
Stops documents saved in a newer version from opening in an older installed version without exporting to an interchange format first.
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No Dedicated Tablet App
Leaves users without a touch-optimised mobile or tablet version, so full editing is only possible on a desktop or laptop computer.
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Steep Learning Curve
Slows new users down with a dense interface and many overlapping panels, requiring significant time before common tasks become fast.
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Performance on Large Documents
Slows noticeably when working with long, image-heavy files, making complex layouts feel sluggish on less powerful hardware.
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No Linux Support
Excludes Linux users entirely, since installers and system requirements are published only for Windows and macOS.
...25 more features. Contact us to get a complete list of features and system requirements.

Platform

Desktop

Social

System Requirements

#MinimumRecommendedOptimal
1
Windows 10 (64-bit) versions 21H2, 22H2; Windows 11 (64-bit) versions 23H2, 24H2, 25H2
2
Multicore Intel (with 64-bit support) or AMD Athlon 64 processor with AVX2 support. Note: Intel 3rd Gen or older not supported
3
8 GB
16 GB
4
3.6 GB of available hard-disk space; cannot install on removable flash storage
SSD recommended
5
1024 x 768 display with HiDPI support; Scalable UI requires 1920 x 1080
1920 x 1080 display
Touch workspace requires Windows 10 or above touch-screen-enabled tablet/monitor (e.g. Surface Pro 3) with 2160 x 1440 or more
6
1024 MB of VRAM; OpenGL version 4.4 or above
2 GB of VRAM
Monitors with resolution greater than 2K
7
Internet connection and registration required for activation, validation, and online services
#MinimumRecommendedOptimal
1
macOS version 15.x (Sequoia), 14.x (Sonoma), 13.x (Ventura). Note: macOS 12.0 (Monterey) unsupported. Rosetta not supported.
2
Multicore Intel or Apple silicon M1/M2/M3/M4 with SSE4.2 and AVX2 support. Note: Mac Pro 2013 or older unsupported.
3
8 GB
16 GB
4
4.5 GB of available hard-disk space; cannot install on case-sensitive file systems or removable flash storage
5
1024 x 768 display with Retina support; Scalable UI requires 1920 x 1080
1920 x 1080 display
6
1024 MB of VRAM; computer must support Metal
2 GB of VRAM
Metal GPU supported on iMac 4K/5K, MacBook Pro Retina, Mac Pro/Mac mini connected to HiDPI monitor
7
Internet connection and registration required for activation, validation, and online services
#MinimumRecommendedOptimal
1
Windows 10 (64-bit) versions 21H2, 22H2; Windows 11 (64-bit) versions 23H2, 24H2
2
Multicore Intel (with 64-bit support) or AMD Athlon 64 processor with AVX2 support. Note: Intel 3rd Gen or older not supported
3
8 GB
16 GB
4
3.6 GB of available hard-disk space; cannot install on removable flash storage
SSD recommended
5
1024 x 768 display with HiDPI support; Scalable UI requires 1920 x 1080
1920 x 1080 display
Touch workspace requires Windows 10 or above touch-screen-enabled tablet/monitor (e.g. Surface Pro 3) with 2160 x 1440 or more
6
1024 MB of VRAM; OpenGL version 4.4 or above
2 GB of VRAM
Monitors with resolution greater than 2K
7
Internet connection and registration required for activation, validation, and online services
#MinimumRecommendedOptimal
1
macOS version 15.x (Sequoia), 14.x (Sonoma), 13.x (Ventura). Note: macOS 12.0 (Monterey) unsupported. Rosetta not supported.
2
Multicore Intel or Apple silicon M1/M2/M3/M4 with SSE4.2 and AVX2 support. Note: Mac Pro 2013 or older unsupported.
3
8 GB
16 GB
4
4.5 GB of available hard-disk space; cannot install on case-sensitive file systems or removable flash storage
5
1024 x 768 display with Retina support; Scalable UI requires 1920 x 1080
1920 x 1080 display
6
1024 MB of VRAM; computer must support Metal
2 GB of VRAM
Metal GPU supported on iMac 4K/5K, MacBook Pro Retina, Mac Pro/Mac mini connected to HiDPI monitor
7
Internet connection and registration required for activation, validation, and online services
#MinimumRecommendedOptimal
1
Windows 10 (64-bit) versions 21H2, 22H2; Windows 11 (64-bit) versions 22H2, 23H2
2
Multicore Intel (with 64-bit support) or AMD Athlon 64 processor with AVX2 support. Note: Intel 3rd Gen or older not supported
3
8 GB
16 GB
4
3.6 GB of available hard-disk space; cannot install on removable flash storage
SSD recommended
5
1024 x 768 display with HiDPI support; Scalable UI requires 1920 x 1080
1920 x 1080 display
Touch workspace requires Windows 10 or above touch-screen-enabled tablet/monitor (e.g. Surface Pro 3) with 2160 x 1440 or more
6
1024 MB of VRAM; OpenGL version 4.4 or above
2 GB of VRAM
Monitors with resolution greater than 2K
7
Internet connection and registration required for activation, validation, and online services
#MinimumRecommendedOptimal
1
macOS version 15.x (Sequoia), 14.x (Sonoma), 13.x (Ventura), 12.x (Monterey). Note: macOS 11.0 (Big Sur) unsupported. Rosetta not supported.
2
Multicore Intel or Apple silicon M1/M2/M3/M4 with SSE4.2 and AVX2 support. Note: Mac Pro 2013 or older unsupported.
3
8 GB
16 GB
4
4.5 GB of available hard-disk space; cannot install on case-sensitive file systems or removable flash storage
5
1024 x 768 display with Retina support; Scalable UI requires 1920 x 1080
1920 x 1080 display
6
1024 MB of VRAM; computer must support Metal
2 GB of VRAM
Metal GPU supported on iMac 4K/5K, MacBook Pro Retina, Mac Pro/Mac mini connected to HiDPI monitor
7
Internet connection and registration required for activation, validation, and online services
#MinimumRecommendedOptimal
1
Windows 10 (64-bit) versions 21H2, 22H2; Windows 11 (64-bit) versions 22H2, 23H2
2
Multicore Intel (with 64-bit support) or AMD Athlon 64 processor with AVX2 support. Note: Intel 3rd Gen or older not supported
3
8 GB
16 GB
4
3.6 GB of available hard-disk space; cannot install on removable flash storage
SSD recommended
5
1024 x 768 display with HiDPI support; Scalable UI requires 1920 x 1080
1920 x 1080 display
Touch workspace requires Windows 10 or above touch-screen-enabled tablet/monitor (e.g. Surface Pro 3) with 2160 x 1440 or more
6
Internet connection and registration required for activation, validation, and online services
#MinimumRecommendedOptimal
1
macOS version 15.x (Sequoia), 14.x (Sonoma), 13.x (Ventura), 12.x (Monterey). Note: macOS 11.0 (Big Sur) unsupported. Rosetta not supported.
2
Multicore Intel or Apple silicon M1/M2/M3 with SSE4.2 and AVX2 support. Note: Mac Pro 2013 or older unsupported.
3
8 GB
16 GB
4
4.5 GB of available hard-disk space; cannot install on case-sensitive file systems or removable flash storage
5
1024 x 768 display with Retina support; Scalable UI requires 1920 x 1080
1920 x 1080 display
6
1024 MB of VRAM; computer must support Metal
2 GB of VRAM
Metal GPU supported on iMac 4K/5K, MacBook Pro Retina, Mac Pro/Mac mini connected to HiDPI monitor
7
Internet connection and registration required for activation, validation, and online services
#MinimumRecommendedOptimal
1
Windows 10 (64-bit) versions 21H2, 22H2; Windows 11 (64-bit) versions 22H2, 23H2
2
Multicore Intel (with 64-bit support) or AMD Athlon 64 processor with AVX2 support. Note: Intel 3rd Gen or older not supported
3
8 GB
16 GB
4
3.6 GB of available hard-disk space; cannot install on removable flash storage
SSD recommended
5
1024 x 768 display with HiDPI support; Scalable UI requires 1920 x 1080
1920 x 1080 display
Touch workspace requires Windows 10 or above touch-screen-enabled tablet/monitor (e.g. Surface Pro 3) with 2160 x 1440 or more
6
Internet connection and registration required for activation, validation, and online services
#MinimumRecommendedOptimal
1
macOS version 14.x (Sonoma), 13.x (Ventura), 12.x (Monterey). Note: macOS 11.0 (Big Sur) unsupported. Rosetta not supported.
2
Multicore Intel or Apple silicon M1/M2/M3 with SSE4.2 and AVX2 support. Note: Mac Pro 2013 or older unsupported.
3
8 GB
16 GB
4
4.5 GB of available hard-disk space; cannot install on case-sensitive file systems or removable flash storage
5
1024 x 768 display with Retina support; Scalable UI requires 1920 x 1080
1920 x 1080 display
6
1024 MB of VRAM; computer must support Metal
2 GB of VRAM
Metal GPU supported on iMac 4K/5K, MacBook Pro Retina, Mac Pro/Mac mini connected to HiDPI monitor
7
Internet connection and registration required for activation, validation, and online services
#MinimumRecommendedOptimal
1
Windows 10 (64-bit) versions 1909, 2004, 20H2, 21H1, 21H2; LTSC versions not supported
2
Multicore Intel processor (with 64-bit support) or AMD Athlon 64 processor
3
4 GB
16 GB
4
3.6 GB of available hard-disk space; cannot install on removable flash storage
SSD recommended
5
1024 x 768 display with HiDPI support; Scalable UI requires 1920 x 1080
1920 x 1080 display
Touch workspace requires Windows 10 or above touch-screen-enabled tablet/monitor (e.g. Surface Pro 3) with 2160 x 1440 or more
6
32-bit video card
7
Internet connection and registration required for activation, validation, and online services
#MinimumRecommendedOptimal
1
macOS version 12.0 (Monterey), 11 (Big Sur), 10.15 (Catalina)
2
Multicore Intel or Apple silicon M1 with SSE4.2 or higher SIMD engine
3
4 GB
16 GB
4
4.5 GB of available hard-disk space; cannot install on case-sensitive file systems or removable flash storage
5
1024 x 768 display with Retina support; Scalable UI requires 1920 x 1080
1920 x 1080 display
6
32-bit video card
Minimum 1024 MB of VRAM (2 GB recommended) and Metal support required
Metal GPU supported on iMac 4K/5K, MacBook Pro Retina, Mac Pro/Mac mini connected to HiDPI monitor
7
Internet connection and registration required for activation, validation, and online services
#MinimumRecommendedOptimal
1
Windows 10 (64-bit) versions 1607, 1809, 1903, 1909, 2004, 20H2, 21H1
2
Multicore Intel processor (with 64-bit support) or AMD Athlon 64 processor
3
4 GB
16 GB
4
3.6 GB of available hard-disk space; cannot install on removable flash storage
SSD recommended
5
1024 x 768 display with HiDPI support; Scalable UI requires 1920 x 1080
1920 x 1080 display
Touch workspace requires Windows 10 or above touch-screen-enabled tablet/monitor (e.g. Surface Pro 3) with 2160 x 1440 or more
6
32-bit video card
7
Internet connection and registration required for activation, validation, and online services
#MinimumRecommendedOptimal
1
macOS version 11 (Big Sur), 10.15 (Catalina), 10.14 (Mojave)
2
Multicore Intel or Apple silicon M1 with SSE4.2 or higher SIMD engine
3
4 GB
16 GB
4
4.5 GB of available hard-disk space; cannot install on case-sensitive file systems or removable flash storage
5
1024 x 768 display with Retina support; Scalable UI requires 1920 x 1080
1920 x 1080 display
6
32-bit video card
Minimum 1024 MB of VRAM (2 GB recommended) and Metal support required
Metal GPU supported on iMac 4K/5K, MacBook Pro Retina, Mac Pro/Mac mini connected to HiDPI monitor
7
Internet connection and registration required for activation, validation, and online services
#MinimumRecommendedOptimal
1
Microsoft Windows 7 (64-bit) SP1 or Windows 10 (64-bit) (except versions 1507, 1511, 1703, and 1709)
2
Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon 64 processor
3
4 GB
16 GB
4
3.6 GB of available hard-disk space; cannot install on removable flash storage
SSD recommended
5
1024 x 768 display with HiDPI support; Scalable UI requires 1920 x 1080
1920 x 1080 display
Touch workspace requires Windows 10 or above touch-screen-enabled tablet/monitor (e.g. Surface Pro 3) with 2160 x 1440 or more
6
32-bit video card
7
Internet connection and registration required for activation, validation, and online services
#MinimumRecommendedOptimal
1
macOS version 10.15 (Catalina), 10.14 (Mojave), 10.13 (High Sierra)
2
Multicore Intel processor
3
4 GB
16 GB
4
3.5 GB of available hard-disk space; cannot install on case-sensitive file systems or removable flash storage
5
1024 x 768 display with Retina support
1920 x 1080 display
6
32-bit video card
GPU Performance requires minimum 1024 MB of VRAM (2 GB recommended) and OpenGL version 4.0 or greater
GPU supported on iMac 4K/5K, MacBook Pro Retina, Mac Pro/Mac mini connected to HiDPI monitor
7
Internet connection and registration required for activation, validation, and online services
#MinimumRecommendedOptimal
1
Microsoft Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 10 (except versions 1507, 1511, and 1607)
2
Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon 64 processor
3
4 GB
16 GB
4
3.6 GB of available hard-disk space; cannot install on removable flash storage
SSD recommended
5
1024 x 768 display with HiDPI support; Scalable UI requires 1920 x 1080
1920 x 1080 display
Touch workspace requires Windows 10 or above touch-screen-enabled tablet/monitor (e.g. Surface Pro 3) with 2160 x 1440 or more
6
32-bit video card
7
Internet connection and registration required for activation, validation, and online services
8
Adobe Flash Player 10 software required to export SWF files
#MinimumRecommendedOptimal
1
macOS version 10.14 (Mojave), 10.13 (High Sierra), or 10.12 (Sierra)
2
Multicore Intel processor
3
4 GB
16 GB
4
3.5 GB of available hard-disk space; cannot install on case-sensitive file systems or removable flash storage
5
1024 x 768 display with Retina support
1920 x 1080 display
6
32-bit video card
GPU Performance requires minimum 1024 MB of VRAM (2 GB recommended) and OpenGL version 4.0 or greater
GPU supported on iMac 4K/5K, MacBook Pro Retina, Mac Pro/Mac mini connected to HiDPI monitor
7
Internet connection and registration required for activation, validation, and online services
8
Adobe Flash Player 10 software required to export SWF files
#MinimumRecommendedOptimal
1
Microsoft Windows 7 with Service Pack 1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, or Windows 10 (except version 1507)
2
Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon 64 processor
3
2 GB
8 GB
4
2.6 GB of available hard-disk space; cannot install on removable flash storage
5
1024 x 768 display with HiDPI support
1280 x 800 display
Touch workspace requires Windows 8 or above touch-screen-enabled tablet/monitor (e.g. Surface Pro 3) with 2160 x 1440 or more
6
32-bit video card
7
Internet connection and registration required for activation, validation, and online services
8
Adobe Flash Player 10 software required to export SWF files
#MinimumRecommendedOptimal
1
macOS version 10.13 (High Sierra), 10.12 (Sierra), or Mac OS X version 10.11 (El Capitan)
2
Multicore Intel processor
3
2 GB
8 GB
4
2.5 GB of available hard-disk space; cannot install on case-sensitive file systems or removable flash storage
5
1024 x 768 display with Retina support
1280 x 800 display
6
32-bit video card
GPU Performance requires minimum 1024 MB of VRAM (2 GB recommended) and OpenGL version 4.0 or greater
GPU supported on iMac 4K/5K, MacBook Pro Retina, Mac Pro/Mac mini connected to HiDPI monitor
7
Internet connection and registration required for activation, validation, and online services
8
Adobe Flash Player 10 software required to export SWF files
#MinimumRecommendedOptimal
1
Microsoft Windows 7 with Service Pack 1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, or Windows 10
2
Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon 64 processor
3
2 GB
8 GB
4
2.6 GB of available hard-disk space; cannot install on removable flash storage
5
1024 x 768 display with HiDPI support
1280 x 800 display
Touch workspace requires Windows 8 or above touch-screen-enabled tablet/monitor (e.g. Surface Pro 3) with 2160 x 1440 or more
6
32-bit video card
7
Internet connection and registration required for activation, validation, and online services
8
Adobe Flash Player 10 software required to export SWF files
#MinimumRecommendedOptimal
1
macOS 10.10, 10.11, or 10.12
2
Multicore Intel processor
3
2 GB
8 GB
4
2.5 GB of available hard-disk space; cannot install on case-sensitive file systems or removable flash storage
5
1024 x 768 display with Retina support
1280 x 800 display
6
32-bit video card
GPU Performance requires minimum 1024 MB of VRAM (2 GB recommended) and OpenGL version 4.0 or greater
GPU supported on iMac 4K/5K, MacBook Pro Retina, Mac Pro/Mac mini connected to HiDPI monitor
7
Internet connection and registration required for activation, validation, and online services
8
Adobe Flash Player 10 software required to export SWF files
#MinimumRecommendedOptimal
1
Microsoft Windows 7 with Service Pack 1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, or Windows 10
2
Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon 64 processor
3
2 GB
8 GB
4
2.6 GB of available hard-disk space; cannot install on removable flash storage
5
1024 x 768 display with HiDPI support
1280 x 800 display
Touch workspace requires Windows 8 or above touch-screen-enabled tablet/monitor (e.g. Surface Pro 3) with 2160 x 1440 or more
6
32-bit video card
7
Internet connection and registration required for activation, validation, and online services
8
Adobe Flash Player 10 software required to export SWF files
#MinimumRecommendedOptimal
1
Mac OS X v10.9, v10.10, or v10.11
2
Multicore Intel processor
3
2 GB
8 GB
4
2.5 GB of available hard-disk space; cannot install on case-sensitive file systems or removable flash storage
5
1024 x 768 display with Retina support
1280 x 800 display
6
32-bit video card
GPU Performance requires minimum 1024 MB of VRAM (2 GB recommended) and OpenGL version 4.0 or greater
GPU supported on iMac 4K/5K, MacBook Pro Retina, Mac Pro/Mac mini connected to HiDPI monitor
7
Internet connection and registration required for activation, validation, and online services
8
Adobe Flash Player 10 software required to export SWF files
#MinimumRecommended
1
Microsoft Windows 7 with Service Pack 1, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1
2
Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon 64 processor
3
2 GB
8 GB
4
2.6 GB of available hard-disk space; cannot install on removable flash storage
5
1024 x 768 display with HiDPI support
1280 x 800 display
6
32-bit video card
7
Internet connection and registration required for activation, validation, and online services
8
Adobe Flash Player 10 software required to export SWF files
#MinimumRecommended
1
Mac OS X v10.7, v10.8, v10.9, or v10.10
2
Multicore Intel processor
3
2 GB
8 GB
4
2.6 GB of available hard-disk space; cannot install on case-sensitive file systems or removable flash storage
5
1024 x 768 display with Retina support
1280 x 800 display
6
32-bit video card
7
Internet connection and registration required for activation, validation, and online services
8
Adobe Flash Player 10 software required to export SWF files
#MinimumRecommended
1
Microsoft Windows 7 with Service Pack 1, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1
2
Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon 64 processor
3
2 GB
8 GB
4
2.6 GB of available hard-disk space; cannot install on removable flash storage
5
1024 x 768 display
1280 x 800 display
6
32-bit video card
7
Internet connection and registration required for activation, validation, and online services
8
Adobe Flash Player 10 software required to export SWF files
#MinimumRecommended
1
Mac OS X v10.6.8, v10.7, v10.8, or v10.9
2
Multicore Intel processor
3
2 GB
8 GB
4
2.6 GB of available hard-disk space; cannot install on case-sensitive file systems or removable flash storage
5
1024 x 768 display with Retina support
1280 x 800 display
6
32-bit video card
7
Internet connection and registration required for activation, validation, and online services
8
Adobe Flash Player 10 software required to export SWF files

Ratings

4.47
5

Capterra
4.8
5
based on 326 reviews
G2
4.6
5
based on 3382 reviews
PCMag
4.5
5
based on professional's opinion
TechRadar
4.0
5
based on professional's opinion

Developer

Written in

C++

Initial Release

1999-08-31

Repository

Adobe InDesign being a proprietary software, its source code is not publicly hosted.

License

Categories


Notes

Notes:

  • Sold only as a Creative Cloud subscription — single-app InDesign plan, or bundled in the Creative Cloud Pro (All Apps) plan alongside 20+ other Adobe apps.
  • A time-limited free trial is available; no perpetual/free version exists.