How to Save in InDesign as a PDF

Hint: you technically aren't looking to save but to export.
Michael Michael (175)
0

In just about every application in the Adobe software suite, they've built their own file types when you save. In InDesign, the default file type you can save as is .indd, which stands for "InDesign Document." But you can export the file into a variety of file formats, including as a .pdf.

In this guide, we'll show the easy way to save your InDesign documents as new file types, including PDFs.

Adobe InDesignAdobe InDesign ×1

Howchoo is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no cost to you when you buy through our links.

Export in InDesign

We're going to "export" the file, as opposed to saving it.

  1. Go to File in the top toolbar.
  2. Select Export....
  3. In the export window, use the Format dropdown menu to select Adobe PDF (Print) (see below).
  4. Click Save.
  5. In the Export Adobe PDF window, you'll be given some advanced options for exporting.
  6. When ready, click Export.
Export Menu InDesign as PDF
Before you lose years converting those PNG files to JPGs.
Michael Michael (175)
2 minutes

By default, Mac computers will automatically save the screenshots you take on your computer as a .png file. Many websites and software applications prefer to have images as .jpg, however.