Adobe InDesign: Feature Requests
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1. Description
2. Why is this valuable to you?
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5606 results found
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Place dialogue box: make "All Pages" to be default option instead of "Previewed Page"
It will be a very useful feature (it will save a lot of time) to allow the user to select the default option in the Place dialogue.
This would be very useful when you have to import all the pages of a great number of files: one could make "All Pages" the default option so to skip all the dialogue boxes that show for each file.For example:
You have 50 Illustrator (ai) files. Each file contains 2 canvases.
You could tell Indesign to keep the "all pages" option in the first tab of the "Import options" dialogue as the default option for all the files when placing them at once.
For example:
I have 50 Illustrator (ai) files. Each file contains 2 canvases.How to tell Indesign to keep the "all pages" option in the first tab of the "Import options" dialogue for all
the files when placing them at once?It will be a very useful feature (it will save a lot of time) to allow the user to select the default option in the Place dialogue.
This would be very useful when you have to import all the pages of a great number of files: one could make "All Pages" the default option so to skip all the dialogue boxes that show for each file.For example:
You have 50 Illustrator (ai) files. Each file contains 2 canvases.
You could tell Indesign to keep the "all pages" option in the first tab of the "Import options" dialogue as the…
4 votes -
Better Stroke Styles with Gap color
This is actually a crossover between objects and styles. When I do a custom striped stroke style with a gap color, the gap color peeks out behind the stroke. It appears both in InDesign and in the resulting PDF. That background color should not show.
4 votes -
Please Integrate with photoshop.
Im having a nightmare trying to open Indesign files in to photoshop, keeping layers. One can think that it would be more natural, because thay are both design programs made by the same company. In practice it seems to be impossible. Please I need to be able to do it somehow. Any clues?
4 votes -
Vignette effect for frames
Hi guys,
This would be a killing feature. There's NO WAY to automatically assign a vignette effect to a photo frame. I order to do that I have to:
1) Emulate the effect . by assigning inner shadow to a frame. This is kind of ok but it has probblems: it's not a propper vignette (vignettes actually affect corners, kind of a radial gradient) and there is no way to apply a size that is relative to the frame (I know, this is not even possible anywhere).
2) On a picture, I can select the content of the frame (the picture) and make it 2multiply". Then I paint the picture frame with a radial gradient in black and white. This seems to be the best solution but I can't save this as an object style!
I hope I'm not missing something.. but something like this would be great.
Thanks!
PabloHi guys,
This would be a killing feature. There's NO WAY to automatically assign a vignette effect to a photo frame. I order to do that I have to:
1) Emulate the effect . by assigning inner shadow to a frame. This is kind of ok but it has probblems: it's not a propper vignette (vignettes actually affect corners, kind of a radial gradient) and there is no way to apply a size that is relative to the frame (I know, this is not even possible anywhere).
2) On a picture, I can select the content of the frame (the…
4 votes -
Option to turn off auto centre when selecting layers
When selecting objects in my layers panel, my screen jumps to that object. This is not what I want. No way. Never.
Sometimes i go through my layers and select them to see what they are especially if they aren't named. But i don't want to navigate to them automatically! If i have zoomed in and am looking at a particular object, there is no way i want some automatic feature to take me away to a different part of the document - just so i have to zoom out and go back to where i was focusing on.
Big time wasting feature right there.When selecting objects in my layers panel, my screen jumps to that object. This is not what I want. No way. Never.
Sometimes i go through my layers and select them to see what they are especially if they aren't named. But i don't want to navigate to them automatically! If i have zoomed in and am looking at a particular object, there is no way i want some automatic feature to take me away to a different part of the document - just so i have to zoom out and go back to where i was focusing on.…
4 votes -
Layers panel addressing one page at a time (even with spreads) for 508 compliancy
My agency has to do a lot of remediation to our files to meet accessibility requirements. Currently we use the layers panel to arrange objects on the page so that the reading order makes sense when the PDFs are read using assistive software. With files set up in spreads, all items on the spread are considered in the reading order despite the final PDF being output as single pages. It would be nice if the layers panel could be configured to address one page at a time (vs. two pages, as it is now). For simple projects, the spread approach works fine, but as projects become more complex and with the addition of more pages, this becomes extremely time consuming to remediate.
My agency has to do a lot of remediation to our files to meet accessibility requirements. Currently we use the layers panel to arrange objects on the page so that the reading order makes sense when the PDFs are read using assistive software. With files set up in spreads, all items on the spread are considered in the reading order despite the final PDF being output as single pages. It would be nice if the layers panel could be configured to address one page at a time (vs. two pages, as it is now). For simple projects, the spread approach…
4 votes -
Package with Smart Compression and Resolution-Based Image Resizing
Add an optional "Smart Asset Optimization" feature to InDesign's Package workflow that automatically resizes and compresses linked images based on the size and resolution they're actually used at in the document. The feature would create optimized copies for the package while preserving the original files, resulting in significantly smaller package sizes, faster file transfers, and more efficient archiving without sacrificing output quality. Users could choose target resolutions (such as 300 PPI for print) and compression settings to match their production needs.
3 votes -
Typelock/Copyguard: Protect textfields from textual input. for safer use of keyboard shortcuts
Nobody want's typo's and as a designer I don't want to be responsible for making them after the client send me their final copy.
So, a big quality of life feature would be if I could protect textfields from textual input, yet they are still moveable, sizeable, scaleable , etc.
Usecase: You just resolved all textual feedback and now want to finish the design of the magazine. The fastest way to work is to use keyboards shortcuts, but there is a risk of accidentally type instead of changing a tool.In short:
- Protect textfield from textual input. (with a button or switch as visual cue to turn on and off)
- Keep textfields editable in scale, placement, rotation, etc
- If possible text can be selected and changed stylistically.Nobody want's typo's and as a designer I don't want to be responsible for making them after the client send me their final copy.
So, a big quality of life feature would be if I could protect textfields from textual input, yet they are still moveable, sizeable, scaleable , etc.
Usecase: You just resolved all textual feedback and now want to finish the design of the magazine. The fastest way to work is to use keyboards shortcuts, but there is a risk of accidentally type instead of changing a tool.In short:
- Protect textfield from textual input. (with a…3 votes -
Pie charts and other charts
Why are tables the limit for charts in indesign?
I know we can make them in illustrator and copy them over/import them, but come on, this program should have this basic feature already.
This is getting ridiculous, Indesign has been out since 1999 and that isn't counting the pagemaker predecessor from 1985....
And y'all are focusing on ai slop instead. Please add more advance charts; etc. Get it together.
3 votes -
Allow use of numerical font weights instead of labels
Please include an option to use font numerical weights in paragraph/character styles. Font weight labels are not standardized among fonts. A variant could be labelled Normal, Book, Regular, Roman, or any other label that the font foundry thought was a good idea at the time. That means in my character style menu, there are many different labels corresponding to the same weight.
If InDesign internally tracked its weights numerically, I wouldn't have to use a separate character style for different uses of Semibold just because one foundry calls it "Semi Bold" or "SemiBold" or "SemiBd". CSS has this feature even for static fonts, so I know more than just variable fonts support this sort of functionality: https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/CSS/Reference/Properties/font-weight
This functionality doesn't even need to be directly exposed to the user; rather it could be a change to how InDesign (and Illustrator) treats font variants internally. If you use "SemiBd" for a character style, it would simply use the corresponding numerical weight if that character style is being used with a different font that doesn't call that weight "SemiBd".
Please include an option to use font numerical weights in paragraph/character styles. Font weight labels are not standardized among fonts. A variant could be labelled Normal, Book, Regular, Roman, or any other label that the font foundry thought was a good idea at the time. That means in my character style menu, there are many different labels corresponding to the same weight.
If InDesign internally tracked its weights numerically, I wouldn't have to use a separate character style for different uses of Semibold just because one foundry calls it "Semi Bold" or "SemiBold" or "SemiBd". CSS has this feature even…
3 votes -
Allow importing/copying gradients between InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
It should be possible to import gradients swatches from Photoshop and Illustrator into InDesign, and vice versa. Whether by finally being able to have a gradient saved in CC Libraries or being able to copy+paste an object with the gradient applied between programs.
I can't tell you how many times I've finally gotten a perfect gradient in Photoshop, only to then realize I need it in InDesign and my only options are to 1) painstakingly make it again in InDesign, 2) design InDesign things in Photoshop with the existing gradient, or 3) Export a gradient from Photoshop as a jpeg and import that into InDesign to use in a clipping mask. This should be as simple as clicking Export/Import Swatch or copying and pasting an object from one program to another.
It should be possible to import gradients swatches from Photoshop and Illustrator into InDesign, and vice versa. Whether by finally being able to have a gradient saved in CC Libraries or being able to copy+paste an object with the gradient applied between programs.
I can't tell you how many times I've finally gotten a perfect gradient in Photoshop, only to then realize I need it in InDesign and my only options are to 1) painstakingly make it again in InDesign, 2) design InDesign things in Photoshop with the existing gradient, or 3) Export a gradient from Photoshop as a jpeg…
3 votes -
Remove or Disable Share Button
I need to have the option to Disable or Remove the Share Button. It is constantly running in the background and slows down InDesign significantly. I work in an office where I will never share a document in InDesign and I'm sure there are a lot of people who are in the same situation.
This has slowed down my work and the other managers are not happy. We are looking at switching to Affinity.
3 votes -
Indesign Claude, ChatGpt, Gemni, Integration
- Claude, ChatGpt, Gemni, Integration so users can convert a word doc to a PDF with a prompt or AI Agent
- Claude, ChatGpt, Gemni, Integration so users can make copy updates to PDF with a prompt or AI Agent
3 votes -
Indesign .RTF or .DOCX exporter
If Adobe are so keen to help with sharing and workflows why have they failed to add a decent way of exporting to Rich text Files or .DOCX from Indesign?
I propose an adobe RTF /DOCX exporter that ships with Indesign.
Currently we have to rely on a third party product or a script to do this. It seems ridiculous to have to pay for software that is keen for AI to fill in the gaps but miss out on something as basic as this.
If anyone who has to re-assemble a document format PDF export knows what a nightmare this can be.
Implementing a native RTF (or MS Word) exporter would significantly enhance user experience. It would enabling seamless editing within their preferred word processing applications. Integration like this would streamline workflows, especially for professionals who require quick, efficient document editing and collaboration.
Relying on third-party plugins or exporting solely to PDF can introduce inconsistencies and compatibility issues. Whereas an Adobe-native solution would ensure consistent and high quality output.
If Adobe are so keen to help with sharing and workflows why have they failed to add a decent way of exporting to Rich text Files or .DOCX from Indesign?
I propose an adobe RTF /DOCX exporter that ships with Indesign.
Currently we have to rely on a third party product or a script to do this. It seems ridiculous to have to pay for software that is keen for AI to fill in the gaps but miss out on something as basic as this.
If anyone who has to re-assemble a document format PDF export knows what a nightmare…
3 votes -
Alternative to GREP: keywords
Grep styles are incredibly useful to use, and I use them very frequently. However, sometimes I would simply like to apply a style to a long list of keywords. To illustrate an example, I like to apply a style to game terms when writing for TTRPGs.
This is technically doable via Grep but quickly becomes unwieldy when the list of words is long. I would love some way to include a large list of words and automatically apply a character style to any word that appears in that list. Alternatively, a way to quickly copy all grep styles from one paragraph style to another
Grep styles are incredibly useful to use, and I use them very frequently. However, sometimes I would simply like to apply a style to a long list of keywords. To illustrate an example, I like to apply a style to game terms when writing for TTRPGs.
This is technically doable via Grep but quickly becomes unwieldy when the list of words is long. I would love some way to include a large list of words and automatically apply a character style to any word that appears in that list. Alternatively, a way to quickly copy all grep styles from one…
3 votes -
Increase bounding box line thickness via Preferences > User Interface Scaling > Anchor Points, Handle, and Bounding Box Display Size
I would like the option in Preferences > User Interface Scaling > Anchor Points, Handle, and Bounding Box Display Size to be able to thicken the bounding box lines more. The Anchor Points and Handle are plenty big even with low scaling, but even with large scaling, the lines don't get thick enough for me to see well on my high-res display. Thanks for considering.
3 votes -
"Preview" checkbox selected by default in ALL dialog boxes
Please make it to where the "Preview" checkbox starts out checked by default.
OR: why not get rid of the box altogether.
We definitely want to preview the changes we're making w/o having to check an extra box every time.
Thanks!3 votes -
No gap between QR-Code and surrounding object frame
... or else it is much more work to give the QR-Code an exact size or correct alignment with other objects.
3 votes -
A context-sensitive search function for Paragraph Styles
When all I need to see is one instance of a style, with no particular text string specified, It would be great to be able to right-click on a paragraph style in the style menu and simply choose "Find Style" rather than having to open the FIND/CHANGE menu, clear it of any previous entries, and fill in all the new parameters before I can make that one simple search.
EXAMPLE: My client composes her business books in Word and often uses up to nine or 10 "Headings." I just want to see an instance of them so I can get an idea of their appearance and a sense of how they've been used. It is a hassle to go back and forth to the FIND/CHANGE dialogue for every single "heading" style used when all I want is a quick look. It would be much easier just to right-click on a style in the paragraph palette, fully understanding it has limitations and is mainly just for looking, not changing, etc.
If I only had one or two instances like this in the document, it wouldn't be so bad, but with a book-length business book with many headings, it is cumbersome and a little maddening to have to keep going back and forth with the FIND/CHANGE menu.
When all I need to see is one instance of a style, with no particular text string specified, It would be great to be able to right-click on a paragraph style in the style menu and simply choose "Find Style" rather than having to open the FIND/CHANGE menu, clear it of any previous entries, and fill in all the new parameters before I can make that one simple search.
EXAMPLE: My client composes her business books in Word and often uses up to nine or 10 "Headings." I just want to see an instance of them so I can get…
3 votes -
InDesign 2026 - PDF Export Generates Abnormal File Size
After updating to InDesign 2026, exporting PDF files results in drastically larger file sizes compared to previous versions (e.g., from 6 MB to 50 MB) with the exact same content.
The issue persists even when:
The "Smallest File Size" preset is used.
The Compression settings (downsampling) have been verified and correctly set to 72 ppi.
This appears to be a regression bug introduced in version 2026 that either ignores or poorly handles compression settings or the management of vector/transparency elements during export.
3 votesPlease send the following information to sharewithID@adobe.com :
- Reproducible Steps – What were you doing when the issue occurred?
- Video recording of the issue
- Is(Are) the issue related to a specific document(s)/asset(s)? If yes, could you provide us with the document(s)/asset(s)? Please package the entire document (To package the document, choose File → Package…)
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Adobe InDesign Team
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