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Alex Bl
Participant
Feb 23, 2026 7:50 PM UTC
Question

How to Convert Old QuarkXPress 3.0 Files to InDesign

Hello

I have received some CDs in an old Mac Version of QuarkXpress that I would like to bring into InDesign in Windows 11. I believe the files are 3.0 or earlier. No filename extensions as expected. I do not have any budget, This is for a history book for my local sailing club. So, MarkZware is unfortunately not an option.

 

any suggestions, please?
Thank you

    12 replies

    Colin Flashman
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    Mar 1, 2026 11:37 PM UTC

    There’s a difference between subscribing to Markzware’s apps and using their site as a one-off via MarkzPortal - https://markzware.com/products/markzportal/ - is this a consideration?

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    If the answer wasn't in my post, perhaps it might be on my blog at colecandoo!
    rob day
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    Feb 24, 2026 3:36 PM UTC

    Hi ​@Alex Bl , If you want to share the file I have a working copy of CS6 and might be able to convert it for you

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    Alex Bl
    Alex BlAuthor
    Participant
    Feb 24, 2026 6:24 PM UTC

    thank you very much ​@rob day 
    It is a number of files and I could not ask that of you.
    That said, reading your note i remembered seeing my old CS5 installer CD, which i will now install on an older PC. I just note ​@Kasyan Servetsky ‘s comment about everything being scrambled…… we’ll see.

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    Kasyan Servetsky
    Legend
    Feb 24, 2026 11:44 AM UTC

    As far as I know, InDesign up to version CS6 natively opens Quark 3.3/4.1 files.
    If you open such an ‘on Mac originally created qxd file’ on Windows, all text will get scrambled and unreadable. So, for this purpose, you’ll need a very old Mac with CS6 or earlier.

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    Alex Bl
    Alex BlAuthor
    Participant
    Feb 24, 2026 11:54 AM UTC

    that makes things very clear, thank you

    i thus do not have a hope.

    😣

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    Kasyan Servetsky
    Legend
    Feb 24, 2026 11:59 AM UTC

    Another approach: if you have PDF versions of these files, you can try to convert them to INDD.

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    BobLevine
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    Feb 23, 2026 8:48 PM UTC

    If they really are Quark 3.0 files, add the extension and use the file > open command in InDesign. InDesign can natively open 3.x and 4.x files.

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    Alex Bl
    Alex BlAuthor
    Participant
    Feb 24, 2026 11:46 AM UTC

    I had hoped so, but it did not work. And yes, i have the latest InDesign. 

    The reason I thought Quark 3.0 was that the files start with:

      MMXPR3 B BDC

    I also read that InDesign will open Quark starting with 3.5

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    BobLevine
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    Feb 24, 2026 1:40 PM UTC

    I just checked and it’s 3.3-4.1.

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