Converting big file to older version of InDesign

[jurekpolok]

Hello,

Here is my issue:

I was working with big InDesign file. It is product Catalogue (>600MB and >200pages).
I worked on InDesign 2020 version, but now I need to downgrade to 2018 (as I have preset license for this version of Adobe). 

When I try to open the 2020 project with InDesign 2018 it says that the file must be converted. It takes really long time to convert it to half and then it all crashes and the message pops up: "Unable to convert *name_of_the_file* to InDesign Markup Language (IDML)". I also tried saving the file as .idml from InDesign 2020 point but then the file was only ~60MB and didn't open.

Can someone please help me or explain why does it keep happening?

[Barb Binder · Accepted solution]

The way to open a file made in a newer version of InDesign in an older version of InDesign is to convert it to IDML.

If that just won't happen because of the file size,  I would recommend downloading the trial version of 2020 on a different computer (or locate someone who can help you on 2020, or license it yourself for a month) then break the file into smaller files and save each of the files  into IDML

~Barb

[datap6156868]

Hey there, how the file size became >600MB do you have links embedded in InDesign file. If so Unembed those links and try exporting IDML.

[SJRiegel]

"as I have preset license for this version of Adobe"

Not sure what this means -- as far as I know, every Creative Cloud license is good for for all versions. The only limitation would be if your operating system does not support the 2020 version.

[@mj]

Hi,

I'm going to work from top down in your message.

1. Creative Cloud is a subscription license as you probably know. Which gives you access to the latest version. Could you help us understand what you mean by preset license? My understanding is that you should have access to 2020.
2. 600Mb to 60Mb file - I would agree with datap6156868, check to see if you links are embedded and unembed them.
3. On savinf to IDML, here is Adobe's checklist. https://helpx.adobe.com/in/indesign/using/saving-documents.html#save_backwards_to_the_previous_indes...

Hope you get sorted.

[BobLevine]

600 MB INDD to 60 MB IDML sounds about right. And IDML file is basically instructions for InDesign to recreate the file. There are no images or previews.

But I'll echo what others have asked. What is the "preset license" you're referring to.

[Geоrge]

To find a page that kills your idml-export you're need to use it half-blade method

See my post here - https://community.adobe.com/t5/indesign/error-background-pdf/m-p/10674245