8 of 16 GB

[Erwin van der Linden]

Hi there, looking for a new MAC for my grandpa who does a lot in Indesign, preparing books. His current Macbook Air doesn't support InDesign anymore since it has only 4GB of RAM. Looking for a new computer, we ran into the discussion of how much RAM would be appropriate. When can we expect InDesign to have a minimun system requirement of 16GB? Couldn't convince my grandpa yet on buying a 16GB machine, but I think it's a good idea so that he can install Indesign as long as possible. Since he is only working on preparing books with text and an occasional photo, 8GB RAM would be absolutely enough to do the job, but I wan't him to be able to use the computer as long as possible (5-10 years max). Thanks in advance!

[Barb Binder · Accepted solution]

Exactly! It doesn't make sense to buy a computer that's going to meet the minimum requirements for this version, but one that will work well into the future. I'd say 16 MB is a minimum, more is always better. We don't know when the system requirements are going to make a jump again like they did from version 17, but they will. He's lucky to have you looking out for him. 

~Barb

[Erwin van der Linden]

Thanks so much Barb, so it's in 2022 that Indesign jumped to the minimum requirement of 8GB. How long will this 2022 version be supported?

[Peter Spier]

It's not "supported" now, but will continue to be avaialble until version 19 is released (presuming you meant InDesign 2022, which is no longer the current release). Adobe only provides downloads for the current release and one verion previous.

[Randy Hagan]

I would lean strongly toward getting 16GB, minimum, for working with InDesign, Illustrator and/or Photoshop. 32GB would be better.

You can always add external storage, but with Apple SoC architecture, you can practically never add extra RAM. Future-proofing 10 years out is hard to predict, but 16/32GB should get him up to 5 years out. And if he's really happy with his trusty MacBook Air, he's limiting himself to the 24GB ceiling. I'm also sure the chance of getting your grandpa onto a Windows system is zilch.

Hope this helps,

Randy

[Laubender]

@Randy Hagan said: "… I'm also sure the chance of getting your grandpa onto a Windows system is zilch."

I must underline this statement. It's easier to add RAM to a Windows machine.

Even with my seven years old Windows 10 laptop I was able to add e.g. 32 GB of RAM. And I could add even more.

Regards,
Uwe Laubender
( Adobe Community Expert )

[Rishabh_Tiwari]

Hi @Erwin van der Linden ,

Thank you for reaching out. In addition to the suggestions shared above, you can check this article for information on InDesign system requirements. Feel free to reach out if you need further assistance.

Thanks

Rishabh

[Barb Binder]

Hi Erwin:

16 GB has been recommended for the last five versions (v14–18), but the minimum requirement jumped from 4 GB to 8 GB with v18/2023.) You can see the system requirements using the link below (and there is a link to see the older system requirements on the same page, all the way back to v13): https://helpx.adobe.com/indesign/system-requirements.html

~Barb

[Erwin van der Linden]

Hi there all, thanks so much for helping out. We just ordered the 16GB version. This will help him out for the next 5 and maybe more years. Small and enjoyable detail: he is 91 years old. Always worked in the print industry and still going strong. This keeps him going and he is enjoying it very much. And indeed @Randy Hagan , switching to windows is a no-go. 'Never move an old tree'! Enjoyed this community very much. So quick and the answers are very detailed. Thanks!

[Randy Hagan]

A lot of us around here aren't that far up there, but you can find more than a few gray hairs amongst us. Glad your grandpa's still running strong and booking business. And glad we could lend a hand.

If you — or he — find yourselves in a spot, don't hesitate to come back here and sound the alarm. There are lots of sharp folks around here who can help.

Take care,

Randy

[Barb Binder]

Love it! Glad we could help you move the needle. And as Randy said, come back to see us anytime.

~Barb