Guidance needed: Is InDesign API suitable for automated document generation and editing?

From a capabilities perspective, there is very little difference between what InDesign and InDesign Server can do in an automated fashion. InDesign Server is the same core software as InDesign, just without the user interface, and it's driven by the same scripting API. It's also important to note that currently, neither application offers a modern REST API for web-based communication. "InDesign API" refers to the built-in JavaScript capabilities used for automation.

For your use case, the main problem is licensing. The EULA specifically disallows a completely hands-off, "black box" server usage of the desktop InDesign application. Any automated process in the desktop version must be initiated by an end user.

This leaves you with a few distinct options:

a) Ignore the EULA. You could set up the desktop version of InDesign to work as a server. It is technically feasible, but it exposes you to significant legal and compliance risks.

b) License InDesign Server. I have not followed the pricing closely for a while, but I know it has become much more accessible. This gives you the advantage of being fully in control of your system and allows you to scale it as needed.

c) Wait for Adobe's Cloud API. Adobe has indicated they are working on a true cloud-based, REST API for InDesign. However, there is no clear timeline, making this a speculative option for now.

d) Use a Third-Party Service. You can use an "InDesign Server as a Service" provider, like Typefi's "RunScript." This can give you the benefits of a server environment with a pay-per-use model.

Whichever option you choose, you still need to architect the system that connects your incoming data to the scripts that run in InDesign to create the final documents.

I have a lot of experience building such solutions, but I do not work on projects involving option a, as it violates the EULA. If you would like to discuss more, feel free to send me a direct message.

Regards,
Vlad

What do you mean with InDesign API? Could be https://developer.adobe.com/firefly-services/docs/indesign-apis/

If so, that page mentions "enterprise" in the first few words, to me a hint on the price tag / audience. That's a pretty new service though, so only few will have experiences, could be a positive surprise. You have to go through the associated forms for yourself.

There are also third party offers such as PrintUI (https://santacruzsoftware.com/printui/) and from Typefi (https://runscript.typefi.com/) . Maybe one fits your purposes?

Here are some other plugin makers that work InDesign:

• DesignMerge Pro (Meadows Publishing Solutions): A professional suite with a point-and-click interface for defining variable elements and handling large-scale data publishing.
• XMPie (Xerox): An advanced solution for highly personalized and dynamic content, including data-driven videos and targeted marketing materials

Catalog & Database Publishing Tools

• EasyCatalog (65bit): A powerful plugin that allows data to control design, often used for managing product catalogs from data sources like Excel.

• InCatalog (Em Software): Links data to placeholders within InDesign documents, allowing for bidirectional linking and updating content from data files, even updating page numbers back to the data.
• DataLinker (Teacup Software): Connects ODBC and CSV data sources directly to InDesign, offering advanced formatting and the ability to automatically generate barcodes with BarcodeMaker

Key Features Beyond Data Merge

• Conditional Content: Place text or images based on specific data rules.

• Advanced Image Handling: Better control over image positioning, fitting, and importing from URLs or DAM systems.
• Data Source Integration: Connect to more diverse sources beyond flat files, like databases (ODBC).
• Automated Updates: Re-link and update documents when underlying data changes (e.g., price updates).
• Scripting & Automation: Options for custom logic and complex workflow automation. 

1. Is InDesign API the best way to achieve this? Or would I need InDesign Server instead?

Both APIes are almost the same. InDesign Server is a 'headless' InDesign, so it has no features related to the user interaction: like selection, alerts, etc. I don't think you need InDesign Server for your task.

2. How can I gain access to the InDesign API?

Here's the reference. Install VSCode and the ExtendScript Debugger extension. 

3. Is there any information about pricing or usage limits for the InDesign API?

It's free, of course.

And how many pages are these 20-30 documents per month?

Seems like this volume would be ok for a .csv file coupled together with InDesign's Data Merge panel.

https://helpx.adobe.com/indesign/using/data-merge.html

What scale/volume are you anticipating?