Adobe InDesign price: How much does it cost in 2023?

Detailed guide Adobe InDesign pricing and buying options, covering all the available packages and pricing plans

By Matic Broz, the editor-in-chief with 10+ years of experience with design, stock media and licensing, and photography.

Updated on | 4 Comments

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InDesign cost

Wondering about the Adobe InDesign price in 2023? The software is available exclusively through the official Adobe website. Today, most software is paid for either monthly or yearly subscriptions instead of one-time fees. This way, you can get the newest updates from Adobe without having to buy a new version of software. If you want to subscribe to Adobe InDesign, our review will give you all the information you need to choose the package that’s right for you.

How much does InDesign cost?

For individuals who solely focus on InDesign, the monthly plan is priced at $31.49, and it offers the freedom to cancel at any time without incurring any additional charges. If you are committed to a longer-term commitment, you can opt for the annual plan, which is paid monthly at $20.99, or you can prepay for the entire year at $239.88. Both annual options come with a cancellation fee if you decide to terminate after 14 days, and Adobe charges 50% of the remaining amount you would’ve had to pay.

On the other hand, if you require a broader suite of creative tools, Adobe’s Creative Cloud All Apps package includes InDesign among 20+ other apps for $82.49/month or an annual fee of $54.99/month paid monthly. Prepaying for a year will cost you $599.88. 

In either plan, you get added perks like 100GB of cloud storage, Adobe Portfolio, Adobe Fonts, and more.

Adobe InDesign plans compared

InDesign planAll Apps plan
CostUS$20.99/moUS$54.99/mo
InDesign for desktop**
Cloud storage100GB100GB
Adobe Express with premium features for web and mobile**
20+ Creative Cloud apps*
Adobe Firefly**
Generative Credits500/month1000/month
Free trialFree trial

So… which plan to pick

Both plans offer complete desktop access to InDesign for Windows and Macs. The main decision you have to make before subscribing to a payment plan is whether you need only InDesign or other Adobe software and services as well. InDesign pairs well with programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat, allowing creatives like myself to publish digital and print media from scratch.

InDesign plans
Screenshot by Matic Broz/Photutorial

If you don’t see yourself designing logos, vectors, or animations and are focused solely on publishing, then the single-app InDesign option is the best for you. For $20.99/month, you get the latest version of the software with frequent updates and driver support. The subscription also includes 100GB of cloud storage and generative credits, which will give you priority access to Adobe’s AI tools, such as Generative Fill

If you’re looking for the best deal available, the Creative Cloud All Apps package is a safe option for most creatives. It gives you 20+ Adobe apps, including InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, along with 100GB of cloud storage, the latest features, fonts, and tutorials. Creative Cloud also offers an additional 64% discount for students and teachers, bringing the price down to $19.99/month.

Whichever option you choose, you also get the option to download a 1-month free trial of Adobe Stock with an eventual subscription for an additional $29.99/month. 

How to buy InDesign?

InDesign is available only through a Creative Cloud subscription that you pay for either monthly or annually. Follow these steps to buy InDesign:

  1. Go to the InDesign page on Adobe.
  2. Click on Free trial or Buy now.
  3. Pick one of the two plans.
  4. Pick a subscription (Monthly, Yearly, Yearly billed upfront)
  5. Create an Adobe account.
  6. Enter your payment information.
  7. Download and Install Creative Cloud.
  8. Download InDesign through Creative Cloud.

Buying Adobe InDesign is now a breeze, thanks to Adobe’s streamlined online purchasing experience. Starting at a base package that offers a range of options, users can securely check out using major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. In some regions, PayPal is also on the table.

However, it’s worth noting that your payment options and any additional fees could vary based on your location. Local taxes or surcharges may not be included in the upfront pricing you see online, as these are typically dictated by jurisdiction. To steer clear of any financial surprises, it’s advisable to double-check the final tally during the checkout process.

Is InDesign worth purchasing in 2023?

InDesign, powered by Adobe’s cutting-edge software engineering, is the go-to tool for most layout design and publishing tasks in 2023. If you’re dealing with both digital and print media, this platform should be on your radar.

Starting with the essentials, InDesign offers industry-leading features like template creation, automatic styling, and advanced interactive elements for publishing. Plus, the latest update amps up the collaboration game with its ‘Share for Review’ feature, allowing teams and individuals to efficiently offer feedback and iterate on projects.

Now, let’s talk drawbacks. If you’re new to Adobe’s ecosystem, you might find the interface daunting. There’s a learning curve to conquer, but once you do, the sky’s the limit. Compared to more straightforward platforms like Canva, which is excellent for basic design needs like social media graphics and presentations, InDesign brings a far greater depth of capabilities to the table. So, if your projects go beyond basic layouts, the investment is absolutely justified.

For those still on the fence, Adobe offers a 7-day free trial. It’s the perfect opportunity to dive into InDesign’s robust feature set and decide if it’s the right tool for your needs before committing to a subscription plan.

Is Adobe Stock a good add-on for InDesign?

Adobe Stock ranks highly among stock image platforms, with only Shutterstock outperforming it in terms of variety and quality. What sets Adobe Stock apart for many creatives is its seamless integration with the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, including InDesign. This means you can effortlessly browse and select assets right within your design workspace, making your workflow smoother and more enjoyable.

When you proceed to checkout for an InDesign plan, Adobe typically offers a 1-month free trial for Adobe Stock at the second step of the four-step checkout process. During this trial, you’re allowed to download up to 10 standard assets at no extra cost. But be cautious—if you don’t opt out before the trial period ends, your account will automatically be billed an additional $29.99 per month on top of your InDesign subscription fee.

Adobe InDesign Adobe Stock free trial
Screenshot by Matic Broz/Photutorial

Adding Adobe Stock may not be essential for everyone, but if you’re looking for a way to boost your creative capabilities and workflow efficiency in InDesign, it’s definitely worth considering.

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to get InDesign?

The cheapest way to get InDesign is through the single-app InDesign plan (100GB), priced at $20.99/month or $239.88/year. This plan provides you with InDesign for desktop and 100GB of cloud storage. Additionally, it includes access to Adobe Fonts, Adobe Portfolio, detailed tutorials, Behance, and Creative Cloud Libraries. You’ll also benefit from the latest features like Generative AI, accompanied by 500 monthly generative credits.

Can I just buy InDesign?

No, you cannot buy InDesign as a one-time purchase. You must subscribe to InDesign through a Creative Cloud subscription, which you can pay monthly or annually. This subscription model has enabled software companies to update their software much more frequently and offer additional features such as cloud storage.

How much does lifetime InDesign cost?

You cannot get InDesign for a lifetime because it’s only available with the Creative Cloud subscription, meaning you pay a monthly or yearly fee to use InDesign. When you cancel the plan, you also lose access to InDesign.

Can I cancel my subscription before the contract is over?

Yes, if you have subscribed to the ‘Yearly, billed monthly’ plan, then you do have the option to end the contract midway. Adobe still charges 50% of the remaining fee and gives you 30 days to back up your files stored in the 100GB cloud storage before it returns to the free limit of 2GB.

Comments

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  1. DesignWiz8

    Thanks for the detailed breakdown, Matic! I’m considering making the leap from Canva to Adobe InDesign. Do you think it’s worth it for small-scale freelancers?

    1. Matic Broz

      The educational discount is generally available worldwide, though the exact discount rate may vary by country. It’s best to check Adobe’s official website for the most current information.

  2. Sara Thompson

    Does Adobe offer any discounts for non-profits or educators

    1. Matic Broz

      Great question, Sara! Adobe does offer educational discounts that extend to educators and students, bringing the price down significantly. Non-profits may be eligible for discounts through Adobe’s volume licensing.