Skip to main content
Known Participant
November 24, 2021
Question

Windows 10 How to set InDesign to open either CS5.5 or CS6?

  • November 24, 2021
  • 3 replies
  • 1001 views

I have both CS 5.5 and CS 6 installed on a new Windows 10 20H2. CS 5.5 was installed first followed by CS6. Version CS6 opens by default I have several CS5.5 files, both InDesign and Illustrator that I like to edit and save as v5.5 since the mac the files are sometimes shared with has only v5.5. The problem is the when you right click and 'Open with' and choose more apps, find CS5.5 and select that, it still opens CS6. When I was on my Windows 7 PC, I had to set this in the registry but when I double clicked, CS5.5 opened and I could also right click and chose 'open with' both CS5.5 and CS6 would be listed and I could open in CS6 when needed. This does not work in Windows 10. Changing the registry key from HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\InDesign.Document\Shell\Open\Command\"C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Adobe InDesign CS6\InDesign.exe" "%1" to
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\InDesign.Document\Shell\Open\Command\"C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Adobe InDesign CS5.5\InDesign.exe" "%1" opens CS5.5 now but right clicking and open with only shows CS5.5.

Is there a way to make the right click context menu work as Windows 7 did, being able to choose which version I want on the fly? Apparently Windows 10 is not smart enough to work like the Mac does, there you can open the application version you want to use and after that, double click the file and it opens in whatever version is already running.

Thanks

This topic has been closed for replies.

3 replies

John T Smith
Community Expert
Community Expert
December 25, 2021

Did the instructions I posted yesterday on how to create a shortcut on the desktop work for you?

John T Smith
Community Expert
Community Expert
December 24, 2021

Open Windows File Explorer and go to the program folder

RIGHT click the program EXE and select Copy

RIGHT click on the Windows desktop and select Paste Shortcut

Rename the shortcut as needed

Then double-click that shortcut to open the version you want to use

Nancy OShea
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 24, 2021

Right-click on file in Windows File Explorer and select Open with...  Choose your preferred app.  

Alternatively, uninstall unwanted versions.

Go to Win search.  Type "Add or Remove Programs."  Click on System Settings.

 

 

 

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
Mike_zZ1Author
Known Participant
December 24, 2021

I tried right-clicking and open with but the only options presented are InDesign CS5.5 and 'Look for an app in the Microsoft Store'

Legend
December 24, 2021

Do you have a "More apps" choice? Below "Microsoft Store" and less prominent?