PageMaker files into InDesign

[M***@adobeforums.com]

Hi,

I am working with some files that were created in PageMaker (some v.6, v.6.5, v.7) and currently only have a trial version of PageMaker 7.0. As I need to continue to work with these files i have to purchase the program (which I am aware in outdated)...if I purchase InDesign will I be able to open my files and have them hold their formatting, etc.? What problems could I anticipate in the process?

Thanks,
Meaghan Hines

[unknown]

Opening Pagemaker or Quark documents in InDesign will result in a file
that's anywhere from near perfect to practically unusable.

I wish I could give you a better answer but anyone guaranteeing you good
results is just guessing.

Bob

[P***@adobeforums.com]

Why not download the InDesign trial and see what happens when you open your files? That will give you some guidance.

In the long run, though, InDesign is a far superior product and will allow you to do better work faster in the future. Are you going to be doing new designs, too? If so, my personal opinion is that it is worth buying ID and spending the time required to fix your old PM files if they don't come through perfectly.

The biggest problem I think I've seen reported with PM files is missing and embedded links. It's very important that you unembed and make sure all links are up to date before opening in ID.

Peter

[c***@adobeforums.com]

Difficult choice. InDesign CS3 is going to be released sometime in near future-we all had a sneak preview of InD CS3 in May 2006. If You'll buy InD CS2 now You'll have to upgrade it sometimes soon. Also nobody has said that InD CS2 is fully compatible with Windows Vista. And Vista is reality now and coming with every new computer. I would wait till InD CS3 is out. But...

Claudius

[Stan Wetherald]

I have had good luck opening Pagemaker files that I created in InDesign. There are text tracking issues but those are easily fixed in ID. If you used paragraph rules in PM, the line spacing and paragraph spacing has to be adjusted in ID. Linked graphics in PM work great in ID.

If you did not create the PM files, then as Bob says, moving them to ID will result in files that are anywhere from near perfect to unuseable. Depends on if the original designer followed good design guidelines in PM or not.

Stan Wetherald
Quality Quickprint
DeLand, Florida USA