PDF to InDesign conversion
Hand us a PDF and get back a fully built InDesign file — text, styles, and graphics reconstructed, threaded, and ready for translation and reflow.
In short: We turn flat PDFs into working InDesign files (INDD and IDML) with paragraph styles, threaded frames and linked graphics, so translated text reflows without a rebuild. Layout from scratch is billed at €15 per hour. A quote usually comes back within 15 minutes; large batches of files take longer.
What you get back
We do not trace a flat PDF into a picture. We rebuild a working InDesign document so it behaves correctly the moment translated text lands in it.
- Native INDD, plus IDML for CAT-tool round-trips
- Paragraph and character styles, not local overrides
- Linked graphics and correctly placed images
- Master pages, page numbering, and sections
- Threaded text frames so copy reflows cleanly
Both directions
PDF to InDesign and InDesign to PDF. We work with all versions of INDD and IDML files, so we fit whichever end of the workflow you need — source prep before translation, or final layout after it.
Built for the languages you ship
Styles are what make a layout survive localization. German and Russian run longer than English, Chinese spaces differently and Arabic runs right to left. With proper styles and threading in place, your team reflows target text without rebuilding the file for every language.
Formats in and out
In: PDF, INDD, IDML, and common source files. Out: INDD, IDML, or press-ready PDF. Delivery by email or straight into your CAT tool or TMS environment.
What’s included and what it costs
Rebuilding a PDF in InDesign is billed by the hour, because the time depends on how dense the layout is. Conversions from other layout programs and layout after translation are priced per page.
| Work | Price |
|---|---|
| Rebuild from PDF to InDesign (layout from scratch) | €15.00 / hour |
| Conversion from Publisher, QuarkXPress or FrameMaker to InDesign | from €3.00 / page |
| Drawings placed into an InDesign or IDML layout | from €8.00 / page |
| Layout of the translated file (DTP1) | €1.50 / page |
Your quote gives the estimated hours and cost for the file before we start.
Included in the price
- Native INDD plus IDML for your CAT tool
- Paragraph and character styles instead of local overrides
- Master pages, page numbering and sections
- Threaded text frames, so translated text reflows
- Linked and correctly placed graphics
- Missing fonts and broken links flagged before production
Priced separately: corrections after review (DTP2) at €15 per hour, and a final layout check (QA) at €2.00 per page. Urgent jobs: +50% of the project cost. See all rates.
PDF to InDesign questions
Can you rebuild an editable InDesign file from a flat PDF?
Yes. We reconstruct a working InDesign file with real styles, linked graphics, and threaded text frames, rather than tracing the PDF into an image.
Do you provide IDML for CAT tools?
Yes. We deliver IDML so your CAT tool can extract and reinsert text, and we return the finished INDD for final layout.
What about missing fonts or broken links?
We flag missing fonts and unlinked graphics on review and either source suitable equivalents with your approval or request the originals before production.
How much does PDF to InDesign conversion cost?
Rebuilding a PDF in InDesign is billed at €15 per hour, and the quote gives you the estimated cost for your file before we start. Conversions from Publisher, QuarkXPress or FrameMaker start at €3.00 per page.
Can you convert QuarkXPress, Publisher or FrameMaker files to InDesign?
Yes. This form-to-form conversion starts at €3.00 per page and moves old layouts into InDesign, where updates and translation are faster and cheaper.
Do you also lay out the translated InDesign file?
Yes. Layout of the translated file (DTP1) is €1.50 per page, and corrections after review are €15 per hour.
Need a PDF turned into a working InDesign file?
Send the file with your target languages and deadline. Quote usually within 15 minutes; large batches of files take longer.