IDML is the XML-based exchange format for Adobe InDesign, compatible across all versions from CS4 onward.
IDML (InDesign Markup Language) is Adobe's own XML-based interchange format for InDesign documents. Unlike native INDD files, which are binary and version-specific, IDML files can be opened in any InDesign version from CS4 onward. This makes IDML the professional standard for translation agencies working with InDesign: it eliminates version conflicts and allows translation memory tools to extract text segments for consistent terminology and recycling of previously translated content.
IDML's XML structure allows translation memory tools to extract and match segments. Repeated content across issues, chapters, or campaigns is leveraged automatically, reducing cost and delivery time.
Text frames, table cells, and master page elements are extracted as clean XML segments. Translators work on text only, with no risk of accidentally editing InDesign markup.
IDML preserves all InDesign features: master pages, layers, object styles, paragraph styles, character styles, tables, and cross-references.
Overset text correction and preflight verification are included in every IDML project. The delivered file is ready to open in InDesign and export to PDF.
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Everything you need to know about translating InDesign Markup files.
In InDesign, go to File > Export, then choose InDesign Markup (IDML) from the format dropdown. The exported .idml file is a single ZIP-based package containing all document content. You do not need to package linked images to export IDML, but please include them in your submission if DTP layout work is required.
IDML is compatible with Adobe InDesign CS4 and all later versions, including all Creative Cloud releases. Opening an IDML file in InDesign will prompt you to save it as an INDD file in your current version. This makes IDML the safest format for exchanging InDesign projects between different users and agencies.
Yes. After the first project we can provide a translation memory analysis showing the percentage of segments that were matched at 100% (identical) or fuzzy (similar) levels. Subsequent projects in the same subject area typically show 20 to 40 percent leverage on regular publications such as product catalogs, annual reports, and magazine issues.
Send us your InDesign Markup file and we will quote as quickly as possible. Format preserved, meaning accurate, delivered on time.
