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cherylhub
cherylhub
Participant
March 16, 2018
Answered

How do I convert a InDesign CC file to a Photoshop?

  • March 16, 2018
  • 6 replies
  • 8838 views

How do I convert a InDesign CC file to a Photoshop file without loosing anything?

What format should it be saved in InDesign to convert to Photoshop?

Orginally created in InDesign.

I need to update and publish a small directory but I use Photoshop.

      Correct answer macpawel

      Maybe it's funny - but it works,

      Save your InDesign file as EPS

      Open this EPS in Illustrator

      Save this as (Export) PSD file (check editable text and editing option)

      Open in Photoshop and ...

      you can work

      I can't belive it - but works fine

      pawel

      6 replies

      P
      Pamela22364228eloh
      Participant
      July 25, 2023

      Wow!  This is great info!  It definitely works! Thanks 🙂

       

      rob day
      Community Expert
      rob dayCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      July 25, 2023

      Hi @Pamela22364228eloh , This thread is 5 years old, but an option that I did not mention in 2018 is my InDesign Layers to Photoshop Layers script, the most recent version can be downloaded here:

       

      https://shared-assets.adobe.com/link/5aa6cfc2-d1bf-47e1-6b6b-70aec58f38b5

       

      This is the direct download page for the JavaScript version:

       

      https://shared-assets.adobe.com/link/98b5e96d-0bd5-499d-649b-8bf6a6169d88

       

      The script exports InDesign layers to Photoshop layers with the option to convert the PS layers to Smart Objects. Double clicking a vector Smart Object will open a text smart object in Illustrator where you can do some editing.

       

      Here’s the original forum thread covering versions and bugs—I’ve tested up to CC2021:

       

      https://community.adobe.com/t5/indesign-discussions/how-to-export-indesign-layers-to-photoshop-layers-same-structure/td-p/1983207/page/7

       

      The dialog:

       

       

       

       

      Robert at ID-Tasker
      Robert at ID-Tasker
      Legend
      January 5, 2024

      So there is still no tool to export all objects as objects?

       

      macpawel
      macpawelCorrect answer
      Participating Frequently
      March 16, 2018

      Maybe it's funny - but it works,

      Save your InDesign file as EPS

      Open this EPS in Illustrator

      Save this as (Export) PSD file (check editable text and editing option)

      Open in Photoshop and ...

      you can work

      I can't belive it - but works fine

      pawel

        winterm
        winterm
        Legend
        March 16, 2018

        You must be kidding.

        Well, IF you know nothing about InDesign, and thus are not using it's powerful features anyway, IF your layout is super simple, after some rain dances and incantations you can transfer elements from ID layout even to MS PowerPoint, and still have them (kinda) editable there.

        BUT: you will never convert/export/transfer a hedgehog to cactus "without loosing anything" © OP

          JonathanArias
          JonathanArias
          Legend
          March 16, 2018

          you should not to this at all. photoshop is for photos, not for layout.

            Derek Cross
            Community Expert
            Derek CrossCommunity Expert
            Community Expert
            March 16, 2018

            Yeah, without doubt, stick with InDesign.

              Bill Silbert
              Community Expert
              Bill SilbertCommunity Expert
              Community Expert
              March 16, 2018

              You can't directly convert InDesign to Photoshop and maintain the edibility of the original InDesign file. You can export each page of the InDesign as a jpeg or pdf and open those in Photoshop as flattened files. You can copy and paste each InDesign page into Photoshop and make it a "Smart Object" but when you double-click on the smart object icon in the Photoshop layers panel it will bring you to Illustrator where the type will be a zillion insertion points and not editable as a flow of text. The best thing I could suggest is to leave it as InDesign. Photoshop is not designed as a page layout program and despite the fact that there are many who try to use it as such it simply does not have the features that InDesign has for automating the page design and layout process. Granted it does have a learning curve but it is the right tool for the job.

                winterm
                winterm
                Legend
                March 16, 2018

                cherylhub  wrote

                [...] without loosing anything

                Huh? Not possible.

                You can export hires pdf from ID and open it in PS.

                Another (much better) approach: find someone who's able to do required edits in InDesign.

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