How to Export from Illustrator in Adobe InDesign

Updated on:

April 6, 2026

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Use this interactive demo to learn how to export artwork from Adobe Illustrator into Adobe InDesign.

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Here is a step-by-step guide on exporting Illustrator files for use in InDesign, since direct AI-to-INDD conversion is not supported:

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To export from Adobe Illustrator for use in InDesign, go to the top menu and click 'File' → 'Export' or 'File' → 'Save As.'
For Save As, you can select formats such as .AI, .EPS, and PDF. Note that .AI is the best choice for placement in InDesign.
For Export, you can use formats such as JPEG, PNG, or TIFF. These formats allow InDesign to place raster images exported from Illustrator.
Once you have selected your Illustrator file format, open InDesign, go to the Filemenu, and choose 'Place' to import the file you previously saved.

📌 Why this matters

This workflow lets you combine Illustrator's precise vector design capabilities with InDesign's superior layout and typography tools, creating professional publications that would be difficult to achieve in either program alone.

The real advantage comes from maintaining editability—when you place AI files directly into InDesign rather than flattening them to basic image formats, you preserve scalability and can make quick adjustments without recreating artwork, streamlining your design process for everything from business cards to multi-page brochures.

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