Getting Started with InDesign!

[Office_0106]

Hello!

I hope this message finds you well. I apologize if this request feels a bit out of the blue. I work as an office assistant and frequently use Microsoft Publisher for various tasks such as drafting sympathy and prayer letters, newsletters, bulletins, thank-you notes—you name it, I probably do it with Publisher.

However, Microsoft has announced that Publisher will be ‘retired’ (discontinued) in October 2026; So I need to begin transitioning to a new program, which involves both learning a new platform and transferring my files.

That's where I could really use some guidance. I want to start learning Adobe InDesign, but I have no prior experience with Adobe products. Fortunately, my job provides a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud. My questions are:

-Does this subscription include all Adobe programs, or are additional charges required for specific applications?

-Where should I start with Adobe in general?

I’ve already signed into the Adobe website and found InDesign. It states that I need to ‘request access,’ which I have done. However, I’m unsure who is reviewing or accepting my request, as I am the only account holder.

Any advice or directions on how to get started with Adobe InDesign would be greatly appreciated. For now, I’m focusing on transferring my files and managing the bulk of this project as I plan to start familiarizing myself with the new software as soon as possible.

Thank you so much for your time and support. It truly means a lot.

Wishing you an excellent day! 

Sincerely,

A tired but eager future Adobe InDesign user

[Peter Spier]

A full subscription to Creative Cloud includes all the apps you are going to need ( there might be some older, esoteric apps no longer in common use that are not included, but at your level that won't be a problem.)

To install programs rom the subscrciption you need to first download and install the CC Desktop application, then use that to download and install the other programs.

Markzware has a Publisher to InDesign File conversion service (https://markzware.com/markzportal/convert-microsoft-publisher-to-adobe-indesign-files-online-free-pr...) which you may find useful.

As for learning InDesign (and other Adobe applications), I recommend finding a good local trainer -- the learning curve is pretty steep and having someone to interact with is going to be helpful, but if that's not an option, LinkeIN Learning has some excellent online classed. 

And by all means, continue to ask questions here on the forums. Quite a few of us are current or former trainers, and may more are expert pros who volunteer their time to help you succeed.