We translate InDesign files in any language while preserving your layout, paragraph styles, and typographic hierarchy. IDML is the XML-based exchange format for Adobe InDesign and the professional standard for translation workflows, compatible with 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 and CAT tools to extract text segments for consistent terminology and recycling of previously translated content. Common document types handled include product catalogs, annual reports, marketing brochures, corporate magazines, and multilingual packaging inserts, all formats where InDesign is the production tool of choice.
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.
“We are extremely satisfied with the translation services provided. The translations were accurate, professional, and delivered on time. The attention to detail and linguistic precision were outstanding. Communication was smooth, and the team was always +”
Google review (INTL) , a year ago
“Reliable, trustworthy and customer-centric This is the summation of Michael, Suzy and their team of translators. I have worked with them for over a year, and they have been my translation service for advertising in many European languages - from Swedish to +”
Google review (INTL) , 6 years ago
“Great communication, perfect translations in different languages in a very short notice. I would recommend! We are very pleased, thank you :-)”
Google review (INTL) , a year ago
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.
Yes. If you have only a native InDesign (.indd) file, open it in InDesign, go to File > Export, and choose InDesign Markup (IDML) from the format list. This takes under a minute and produces an IDML file compatible with all InDesign versions from CS4 onward. If you no longer have access to InDesign, send us the INDD file and we will handle the conversion before translation begins. For clients who only have a printed or PDF version of the original InDesign document, we can reconstruct the layout in InDesign before translation. Contact us to discuss project scope.
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 reuse 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.
