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

[Serene_Explorer5310]

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?

[Anantha Prabu G]

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.

[Serene_Explorer5310]

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

[Anantha Prabu G]

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.).

[leo.r]

It's a duplicate, some other answers are here:

https://community.adobe.com/t5/indesign-discussions/pdf-x-4-2010/m-p/15478623#M634519:~:text=%40Sere...

https://community.adobe.com/t5/indesign-discussions/pdf-x-4-2010/m-p/15478623#M634519:~:text=By%20Se...

[Brad @ Roaring Mouse]

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.

[rob day]

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: