If you are using InDesign CC 2023 and the file was saved in InDesign CC 2025, you are locked out. Unlike universal formats like PDF or JPG, InDesign does not have a native "Save As Older Version" button. This is a deliberate design choice by Adobe to encourage users to update their software.
IDML is a complete, uncompressed XML-based project file. It contains every piece of text, every frame, every swatch, and every style. It is the "source code" of your layout. how to convert indesign file to older version
The primary way to "downsave" a file is through the export function within InDesign itself. If you are using InDesign CC 2023 and
If you only need to open the file once:
There are online tools that act as a bridge. Never upload confidential client work. IDML is a complete, uncompressed XML-based project file
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