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Participant
August 27, 2025
Question

How can I save PDF/X-4:2008 in the 2025 version of the software?

  • August 27, 2025
  • 4 replies
  • 321 views

Hello, I would like to ask whether it is possible to save PDF files in the PDF/X-4:2008 standard in the 2025 version of the inDesign software. I found that the software can only save PDF files in the PDF/X-4:2010 standard. Now I need to save files in the PDF/X-4:2008 standard. How can I save them?

4 replies

rob day
Community Expert
Community Expert
August 27, 2025

I found that the software can only save PDF files in the PDF/X-4:2010 standard

 

Hi @Serene_Explorer5310 , Also, in case you missed it, the Description field for the [PDF/X-4:2008] preset states  ... must conform to PDF/X-4:2008... even though the Standard is PDF/X4:2010. Not sure if this has changed with the most recent ID version:

 

Brad @ Roaring Mouse
Community Expert
Community Expert
August 27, 2025

InDesign has been exporting PDF/X-4 as 2010 standard for years now... even in CS. I think the confusion has been that the included preset was still listed as PDF/X-4:2008. The important part of this, and the only reference within an exported PDF,  is PDF/X-4. 

According to ISO, the differences between 2010 and 2008 were more minor administrative cleanup to the specification than any functional changes; so they are functionally identical.

Anantha Prabu G
Legend
August 27, 2025

InDesign 2025 only supports exporting to PDF/X-4:2010, not PDF/X-4:2008. The difference is that Adobe updated the standard in line with ISO changes, so the older 2008 version is no longer available as an export option.

Thanks,PrabuDesign smarter, faster, and bolder with InDesign scripting.
Participant
August 27, 2025

Thank you very much, is there any other way to store it?

Anantha Prabu G
Legend
August 27, 2025

You’re welcome! 🙂 Unfortunately, there isn’t a direct way in InDesign 2025 to export as PDF/X-4:2008. The only options are:

  • Export as PDF/X-4:2010 (the only X-4 variant InDesign supports now).

  • Then convert it afterward using Acrobat Preflight or third-party tools (Callas pdfToolbox, Enfocus PitStop, etc.).

Thanks,PrabuDesign smarter, faster, and bolder with InDesign scripting.