Build a solution

Are you considering building or even selling a solution powered by Adobe® InDesign® Server software? If so, moving from the idea to a working solution usually involves the following four steps: evaluate, download, develop, and license.

Evaluate

Your first step is to evaluate InDesign Server to see if it's the right technology for the solution you have in mind. You should also make sure that you have the appropriate development skills needed for the job, including a track record of building solutions, a working knowledge of C++ and scripting, and, ideally, some experience developing plug-ins for the desktop version of InDesign. To aid your evaluation, you should also download and review the following:

Technical Introduction to InDesign CS3 Server

This document, which is part of the InDesign Server Software Development Kit (SDK), gives an overview of Adobe InDesign Server. It details how to install and run InDesign Server in a simple environment and briefly describes how to communicate with InDesign Server through SOAP and Java™.

Introduction to InDesign CS3 Server (PDF, 2.6M)

InDesign CS3 Server Scripting Guide

This handy reference, also part of the InDesign Server SDK, provides important background information on creating scripts for InDesign Server. It offers simple examples of common scripting operations and discusses the conversion of InDesign scripts for use with InDesign Server.

InDesign CS3 Server Scripting Guide (PDF, 990k)

InDesign CS3 SDK

Because InDesign CS3 Server shares the same codebase as InDesign CS3, many developers find it useful to start developing with the desktop version of the application. They use it to prototype their ideas before making the jump to InDesign Server.

Additional useful InDesign CS3 resources

Automated publishing using the InDesign family — XML and scripting

Using the XML rules feature within the InDesign family

FAQ for InDesign Server Developers

Download

If you're ready to get started writing code for InDesign Server, the next step is to download the debug and runtime versions of the software. To do so, please follow these steps:

1. Request access to InDesign Server software

   Fill out the one-page InDesign CS3 Server download request form. Instructions for the completion of this form can be found in the PDF file.

   IDS developer download request form (PDF, 360k)

2. Commercial Developers join the Adobe Solution Partner Program at either the Basic or Premium level.  In-house developers purchase individual development support cases

   The Adobe Solution Partner Program gives commercial developer access to Adobe development support. Premium membership includes five development support cases. Premium membership for commercial developers is strongly recommended. In-house developers can purchase packs of 1, 5 or 10 development support cases as required.

   Learn more about the Adobe Solutions Partner Program: Basic | Premium

3. Download InDesign Server

   Once the approval process has been successfully completed, you will be given access to the InDesign Server debug and runtime versions, documentation, and sample code.

Develop

Now it's time to start developing your solution powered by InDesign Server. During the development process, consult the following resources.

Developer Center

Find extensive additional developer resources to help ensure that your questions are answered promptly.

Partner showcase

If you have successfully developed a solution that you plan to resell, inform your local Adobe representative so that you can be considered for inclusion in the InDesign Server partner showcase. The partner showcase allows potential customers to learn about your solution and to contact you.

License

In order to fully deploy your solution, you'll need to purchase an InDesign Server license. Adobe offers a number of licensing models, depending on how the server is used within your publishing solution. Once you decide on the appropriate model, there are also a number of ways to buy the software. For more details, please contact your Adobe account manager or Adobe partner manager.

How to license InDesign Server

Next steps

• System requirements