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Adobe InDesign CS3

FAQ

Product information

What is Adobe InDesign CS3?
Adobe® InDesign® CS3 software is the latest release of Adobe's award-winning, professional page layout application. InDesign delivers a broad set of tools to design and produce compelling pages and richer documents of any length in less time and with more creative control. InDesign CS3 empowers creative and production professionals to solve day-to-day workflow challenges for significant productivity gains and more refined creative results.
What are the key new features and benefits of InDesign CS3?
Adobe InDesign CS3 is packed with new and enhanced features. Explore creative possibilities and produce sophisticated designs with built-in Adobe Photoshop® effects and finer transparency controls. New productivity tools ranging from faster file placement to style-driven table and cell formatting to automated bullets and numbering let you quickly and consistently build, update, and produce documents of any length. XML tools in concert with scripting enhancements automate repetitive tasks and dynamically generate page layouts complete with formatting. XHTML export to Adobe Dreamweaver® software lets you quickly repurpose print content on the web. For more information on the full set of design, efficiency, and output features in InDesign CS3, see upgrade details.
Who should use InDesign CS3?
InDesign CS3 is built for graphic designers, prepress and production professionals, and print service providers who work for magazines, design firms, advertising agencies, newspapers, book publishers, and retail/catalog companies, as well as in corporate design, commercial printing, and other leading-edge publishing environments.
How does InDesign CS3 integrate with other Adobe products?
InDesign CS3 tightly integrates with Adobe Photoshop CS3, Illustrator® CS3, Dreamweaver CS3, InCopy® CS3, and Acrobat® 8.0 Professional software. InDesign CS3 shares common commands, panels, tools, and keyboard shortcuts with Photoshop, Illustrator, and InCopy —so it's easy to apply what you know about one program to learning another and to move from program to program efficiently. The ability to import native Photoshop and Illustrator files simplifies the workflow involved in laying out, enhancing, and updating graphics. Native support for Adobe PDF files helps ensure reliable, consistent output whether you publish to print or the web. InDesign CS3 and InCopy CS3 work together to provide robust editorial workflow management for small creative teams. New integration between InDesign and Dreamweaver streamlines the process for repurposing print layout content on the web. For integration with industry-standard design tools, InDesign is the right choice.
What is the InDesign family of products?
Adobe InDesign CS3 leads an integrated publishing family that also includes Adobe InCopy CS3 and InDesign CS3 Server. InCopy CS3 is a professional writing and editing program that provides tight integration with InDesign CS3 to enable collaborative editorial workflows between designers, writers, and editors. InDesign CS3 Server brings high-end composition and layout to a server platform, introducing new levels of automation to editorial workflows, collateral creation, data-driven personalized publishing, and template-based web-to-print solutions.
Does InDesign provide a solution for large publishing environments?
Yes. If you require a custom solution built on top of core InDesign technology, systems integrators worldwide can provide InCopy and InDesign software-compatible publishing systems. For more information, see custom publishing solutions.
Is InDesign extensible?
Yes. InDesign offers developers the tools needed to fully extend and automate InDesign using standard programming technologies including C++, JavaScript, AppleScript, and VBScript. The Adobe InDesign CS3 Products SDK is a software development kit that provides documentation, tools, and sample code to help customize and build InDesign plug-ins. For more information, visit the Developer Center. For InDesign scripting resources, see the scripting page.
Should QuarkXPress users convert to InDesign?
Yes. InDesign is fast becoming the recognized leader in page layout and production. Small design firms to major publishing organizations worldwide have adopted InDesign and are using it in production. Supported by a vibrant partner ecosystem, backed by a reliable corporation, and fully customer inspired, Adobe InDesign is the right choice for fast-paced publishing environments. For more information on why and how to switch to InDesign CS3, see switching to InDesign CS3.
Should PageMaker users convert to InDesign?
Yes. InDesign is a natural upgrade choice for Adobe PageMaker® software users who would like to take advantage of the familiar Adobe user interface, leverage standard workflows, open a library of PageMaker documents (versions 6.0–7.x) in InDesign CS3, and design with a new level of power and control.
As a PageMaker user, am I eligible for special pricing if I want to switch to InDesign?
Yes. Qualified, licensed PageMaker users can upgrade to a full version of InDesign CS3, which includes all the features introduced in the InDesign CS PageMaker Edition, for only US$199 — a cost-effective upgrade path for PageMaker users who want to build on their existing creative expertise. Qualified PageMaker users can purchase the upgrade directly through the online Adobe Store or from any Adobe Authorized Reseller. For more information, review the eligibility chart on the upgrade details page.
Will Adobe update Adobe PageMaker to support Microsoft® Windows Vista™ and the new Intel® based Macs?
Adobe currently has no plans to update PageMaker. PageMaker 7.0 does not support Windows Vista or Intel based Macs.
Will Adobe continue to sell and support PageMaker?
Yes, Adobe continues to sell and support Adobe PageMaker for business, education, and small- and home-office professionals. However, we recommend that professional designers and production specialists who use PageMaker try InDesign CS3. InDesign is a natural upgrade choice because you can get up to speed quickly with familiar Adobe tools, open your library of PageMaker documents (versions 6.0–7.x) in InDesign, and experience a new level of design power and control. Adobe offers special upgrade pricing for qualified PageMaker users who switch to InDesign CS3. For more information on pricing, review the eligibility chart on the upgrade details page.
Which layout program is right for me — FrameMaker or InDesign?
Adobe FrameMaker® 7.2 software delivers a powerful, enterprise-class authoring and publishing solution for creating short documents, multivolume books, and technical documents that do not require a high level of design or graphic-intensive content. With its WYSIWYG, template-based environment and extensive long-document support, FrameMaker enables scalable, single-source authoring and multichannel publishing with support for multiple file output formats. InDesign CS3 offers a flexible design environment that enables the layout and production of professional, graphically rich documents of any length. InDesign software's native transparency support and fine controls over typography enable users to create highly expressive content. At the same time, InDesign provides the tools and automation required to speed up the production and maintenance of long documents outside of a strict template-driven workflow.
Can the Roman, Japanese, and CCK (Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, and Korean) versions of InDesign CS3 share files?
Yes. The Roman, Japanese,  and CCK versions of Adobe InDesign CS3 share a common file format, so you can open and modify Japanese and CCK layouts in Roman versions of InDesign CS3 and Roman files in Japanese or CCK versions of InDesign CS3. However, the Roman versions of InDesign CS3 do not have the typographical, layout grid, and frame grid tools for editing Asian text that are available in the Japanese and CCK versions.

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Pricing and purchasing information

How much does Adobe InDesign CS3 cost?
The estimated street price for Adobe InDesign CS3 is US$699, excluding applicable taxes and shipping. You can purchase directly from Adobe or from an Adobe Authorized Reseller. To order directly from Adobe, visit the Adobe Store online or call 800-585-0774.
What previous versions of Adobe InDesign are eligible to upgrade, and how much does it cost?
You can upgrade to Adobe InDesign CS3 from InDesign CS2, CS, or 2.0 for an estimated street price of US$199. Upgrade versions are available directly from Adobe or from an Adobe Authorized Reseller. To order directly from Adobe, visit the Adobe Store online or call 800-585-0774.
Do I need to prove that I qualify for upgrade pricing?
You can simply purchase your upgrade and verify that you have the qualifying older product during the installation process. If it's installed on your computer, the Adobe installer will either find it or prompt you to help it find the software for verification. If it's not installed, you will be prompted to enter the qualifying serial number for the older version.
I recently purchased an Adobe creative product, and then you announced Adobe Creative Suite 3. Do I have to pay full price for the new version?
It depends on when you purchased the product. If you purchased after the announcement and you have proof of purchase, contact Adobe Customer Service in your region for assistance in obtaining a post-announce upgrade. This is a limited-time offer and restrictions apply. For contact information, visit the Adobe.com site for your country or region and click Contact.
I bought an individual CS3 product and now wish I had a full edition of Adobe Creative Suite 3. What are my options?
You are eligible to move from your standalone CS3 product to certain editions of Adobe Creative Suite® 3 for the upgrade price. For example, if you purchased InDesign CS3 but now wish you had Adobe Creative Suite 3 Design Premium, you can purchase it for the upgrade price of US$1,599 from an eligible standalone product. Which editions you're eligible to purchase depend on which standalone product you have. For details, see the pricing questions in this FAQ.
I purchased Adobe Creative Suite 2.3, which includes Adobe Acrobat 8 Professional, when it came out. Do you have any special upgrade pricing for me?
Yes. If you own Adobe Creative Suite 2.3, you can get credit for the US$159 upgrade price you paid for it. For example, if you now want to upgrade to Adobe Creative Suite 3 Design Premium, you will pay only US$440 instead of the US$599 upgrade price that owners of older versions of Creative Suite would pay. This special upgrade pricing is available only directly from Adobe or through licensing. To get this pricing, visit the Adobe Store online or call 800-585-0774.
Do you offer volume licensing?
Yes. Adobe provides flexible volume software licensing plans through Adobe Open Options, which is offered through Adobe License Centers and resellers. For detailed information about the plans available, visit Adobe Open Options.
Which Adobe Creative Suite 3 products are available at special prices for education customers?
All new Adobe Creative Suite 3 offerings have education pricing. To learn more about Creative Suite 3 offerings for education, including products and pricing, visit the Creative Suite pages in Adobe Education.
What does it cost to move from an edition of Adobe Creative Suite 3 — Creative Suite 3 Design Premium, Design Standard, Web Premium, Web Standard, or Production Premium — to Master Collection?
You can purchase an edition of Adobe Creative Suite 3—including Creative Suite 3 Design Premium, Design Standard, Web Premium, Web Standard, or Production Premium— and then move to the Adobe Creative Suite 3 Master Collection for the difference in price. For example, if you paid the full estimated street price for Creative Suite 3 Design Premium, you can upgrade to Master Collection for only US$700 — the difference between the estimated street price for Master Collection and the estimated street price for Design Premium. Or, if you upgraded to Web Premium for US$499 and want to move to Master Collection, you will pay only US$1,500, which is the comparable upgrade price minus the upgrade price you originally paid for Web Premium.
To be eligible for this upgrade to Master Collection (and contrary to Section 5 of the End-User License Agreement for Master Collection), you must surrender all rights to and the license for the original edition of Adobe Creative Suite 3 and uninstall that software. This offer is available directly from Adobe, or through Adobe Authorized Resellers and License Centers if you're a volume license customer. Contact Customer Support in your region for details.
Can I switch platforms when I upgrade my software to an Adobe Creative Suite 3 version?
No, you are eligible to upgrade only to a version that runs on the same platform. For example, if you own Adobe Creative Suite 2 for Windows®, you are eligible to upgrade only to a Windows version of Adobe Creative Suite 3.

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Support information

In what languages will Adobe InDesign CS3 be available?
In addition to Universal English, Adobe InDesign CS3 will be available in these languages: Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Spanish, and Swedish.
WinSoft is also expected to release Arabic, Czech, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Polish, Romanian, Russian, Turkish, and Ukrainian versions of InDesign CS3. For more details, visit the WinSoft website.
What resources are available to help me learn and use Adobe InDesign CS3?
InDesign CS3 has a vibrant partner ecosystem that offers a large number of resources to help you learn and expand your knowledge of InDesign. Check out the InDesign User Group nearest you, view a list of InDesign training resources, or explore a combination of resources on the switching to InDesign CS3 page.
What is product activation?
Product activation is an interactive interpretation of the licensing agreement that has always existed between Adobe and its customers. The activation process authenticates licensed users without hindering their ability to use the software the way they always have. It requires a series of simple, quick, anonymous steps upon product installation or within the grace period set by Adobe. Just as creative professionals use watermarks to protect their digital photos and artwork, Adobe is using activation as a way to curtail unlicensed copying of its products.
Adobe's activation process is required on both Mac OS and Windows systems for all editions of Adobe Creative Suite 3 and related standalone products. For more information about activation, visit the software activation page.
Do Creative Suite 3 applications support Mac OS X Leopard (v10.5)?
Yes, Creative Suite 3 applications support Mac OS X Leopard. Some CS3 applications require free updates for full compatibility, while others are compatible without updating. Learn more about compatibility between CS3 applications and Leopard here.
Do Adobe Creative Suite 3 applications run on Intel based Macs?
Yes, every edition of Adobe Creative Suite 3 — Creative Suite 3 Design Premium, Design Standard, Web Premium, Web Standard, Production Premium, and Master Collection — plus all the standalone Creative Suite 3 applications fully support the new Intel based Macs. For complete system requirements, visit the area on Adobe.com for the product you are interested in.
Do Adobe Creative Suite 3 applications still run on legacy PowerPC® based Macs?
Many of the Adobe Creative Suite 3 applications are universal binary versions, which means they fully support both legacy PowerPC based Macs as well as the new Intel based Macs. However, Adobe is introducing three applications on the Mac platform — Adobe Premiere® Pro CS3, Encore® CS3, and Soundbooth™ CS3 — that will run only on the new Intel based Macs. Adobe Premiere Pro and Encore were previously available only on Windows, and Soundbooth is a brand-new offering. In bringing these applications to the Mac — and considering the hardware needs of most video professionals — it did not make sense to continue supporting an older computer architecture that Apple no longer sells or supports. This means that Creative Suite 3 Production Premium and Master Collection — both of which integrate Adobe Premiere Pro CS3, Encore CS3, and Soundbooth CS3 — claim support only for Intel based Macs, even though components of each are universal binary applications.
Do Adobe Creative Suite 3 applications fully support the new Windows Vista operating system?
Yes, every edition of Adobe Creative Suite 3, and all of the individual applications, such as Adobe Illustrator CS3, After Effects® CS3 Professional, and Dreamweaver CS3, fully support Windows Vista. They are designed to run on four editions of Windows Vista — Home Premium, Business, Ultimate, and Enterprise (certified for 32-bit editions).
Why don't Adobe Creative Suite 3 applications support the Starter and Home Basic editions of Windows Vista?
The Starter and Home Basic editions of Windows Vista are entry-level operating systems for the casual user. They do not offer the level of support that Adobe's professional creative products require. However, some Adobe products designed for the more casual user, such as Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0, do run on Windows Vista Starter and Home Basic editions.
Do Adobe Creative Suite 3 applications run on 64-bit versions of Windows Vista?
While Adobe Creative Suite 3 software is natively 32-bit, these applications will run on 64-bit versions of Windows Vista. For an in-depth overview of 64-bit computing and its value, please see the blog by Adobe Photoshop software architect Scott Byer.

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