How to retrieve the lost InDesign file from PDF?

[datap6156868]

I have a PDF file created from Indesign 14.0 but i lost the source InDesign file. Is there anyway to retrieve that InDesign file from PDF?

[CHMprepress]

Don't think that is possible

[Derek Cross]

Recosoft produce a plugin that may help, but it's not free: https://www.recosoft.com/products/pdf2id/

[datap6156868]

Thanks for your suggestion. 

[BobLevine]

Open the PDF in Acrobat, save as Word, place in a new InDesign document and get back to work.

Next time work in a Dropbox or Onedrive folder where you can easily recover deleted documents.

[datap6156868]

Thanks for your suggestion let me try.

[Bill Silbert]

Bob, could you elaborate on this process please? I've tried it with a couple of pdfs and although the files look good (and are editable) in Word, I get either a blank frame with an overset box on it or a completely messed up layout with elements missing when I try placing in InDesign.

[Gusgsm]

From the manual of Copycat 101:

The usual method for cloning other folks' designs is to place the original PDF in a downmost layer with a partial opacity (50% or son), then placing in a layer above the new elements and formatting them until you reach a perfect cloning, then erase the layer with the PDF.

PS: If you have no idea of the fonts used, examining the PDF "Properties" in Acrobat usually gives the needed information.

[Chad Chelius]

PDF2ID by Recosoft or PDF2DTP by Markzware are two great products that will convert a PDF to a native InDesign file.

[Steve Werner]

Keep in mind that all these methods are trying to reconstruct the original InDesign document, to varying success depending on the complexity of the content. THEY DO NOT GIVE YOU YOUR ORIGINAL BACK. The only way to do that is to do a backup as Bob suggested above and restore the backup.

[datap6156868]

Dear Chad which will be the most effective one Recosoft or Markzware.

[Steve Werner]

There is probably not a simple answer. If the products offer a trial vesion, check it out on the file(s) you work with to test.

[Chad Chelius]

Yeah, I can't pick one for you. They're both awesome products and they work quite well. Steve's suggestion is probably the right one so you can make your own choice.