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Overground555
Overground555
Known Participant
August 6, 2021
Answered

How do I take an InDesign document into Photoshop, and back again?

  • August 6, 2021
  • 1 reply
  • 20922 views
I'm doing some page layout work, and some of the work needs to be done in Photoshop. Is there a way to bring an INDD document into Photoshop, do some work there, and then jump back into InDesign with the newly created design so I can continue with my type and layout there?
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Correct answer Per Berntsen

You're largely right, Trevor.

Before right clicking the image, it has to be selected. Then choose Edit (which will launch the application associated with the file type, which might be something other than Photoshop if it's a jpg for instance) or choose Edit with > Photoshop.

The same thing can be done from the Links panel.

After saving in Photoshop, the file will update automatically when you return to InDesign.

All this requires that you have placed (File > Place) the image in InDesign.

Photoshop cannot open InDesign files.

 

1 reply

Trevor.Dennis
Community Expert
Trevor.DennisCommunity Expert
Community Expert
August 6, 2021

It's a while since I have used InDesign, but our @jane-e  teaches it.  It soundds like you are doing it back to front though.  Start the image in Photoshop, and save it as a PSD and import it into InDesign.  You can then right click the image and chose to Edit in Photoshop.  I 'hope' that I have that right.  Like I say, it's years since I last used it.

 

Jane will be along later with some 'accurate' information.

    Per Berntsen
    Community Expert
    Per BerntsenCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    August 6, 2021

    You're largely right, Trevor.

    Before right clicking the image, it has to be selected. Then choose Edit (which will launch the application associated with the file type, which might be something other than Photoshop if it's a jpg for instance) or choose Edit with > Photoshop.

    The same thing can be done from the Links panel.

    After saving in Photoshop, the file will update automatically when you return to InDesign.

    All this requires that you have placed (File > Place) the image in InDesign.

    Photoshop cannot open InDesign files.

     

    Per Berntsen
    Community Expert
    Per BerntsenCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    August 6, 2021

    Thanks for the feedback you both. It's unfortunate Photoshop has no editing capabilities with InDesign.


    You may find it unfortunate, but it has to be this way.

    Photoshop is an editor for pixel based images, and InDesign is a vector based layout application. They are very different, and cannot be expected to open each other's files.

    Personally, I have no problems with using Edit in Photoshop when I need to edit an image.

    You can even create a keyboard shortcut for Edit original.

     

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