Designers often find themselves needing to migrate their work from one tool to another, whether for collaboration, a shift in project requirements, or simply to explore the unique features of a different platform. One common challenge is moving designs from Adobe InDesign to Figma—two powerful tools with distinct capabilities. Typically this process is tedious and time-consuming, requiring manual recreation of designs. However, thanks to Figma plugins like pdf.to.design, this move from InDesign to Figma can now be completed in just a few clicks.
How to move designs from Adobe InDesign to Figma
Here’s a straightforward approach to quickly migrate your work from InDesign to Figma:
1. Export your InDesign file as a PDF
Begin by saving your InDesign (.indd) file as a PDF. This format acts as a bridge between the two platforms, ensuring your design elements are preserved.
- Open your InDesign file.
- Navigate to “File > Export > Save as Adobe PDF (Interactive)”.
- Define a few basic settings for your PDF and click “Export”.
2. Open the pdf.to.design plugin in Figma
In the Figma file you want your designs imported to, launch the pdf.to.design plugin. You can find it in Figma Community by searching for “pdf.to.design” from the plugins menu.
3. Upload or drag-and-drop your PDF
With the plugin open, simply upload your exported PDF file. You can also drag and drop the file directly into the plugin interface for convenience.
4. Choose “Import as editable layers”
Once your PDF is uploaded, you’ll see different options for import. Select “Import as editable layers” to ensure that text, shapes and other elements remain fully editable in Figma.
5. Map missing fonts and select pages to import
If the PDF contains fonts not installed in your Figma environment, the plugin gives you the option to map these fonts to available alternatives. Additionally, you can choose specific pages to import, which is especially useful for multi-page documents.
6. Enjoy your editable designs in Figma
Once you’re done, your designs that were once in Adobe InDesign will now appear in Figma as fully editable layers. You can refine, collaborate and prototype with the same ease as a natively created Figma project.
Give it a try!
Thanks to tools like pdf.to.design, migrating files from Adobe InDesign to Figma has never been easier. What once required hours of manual recreation can now be accomplished in moments, preserving both your time and the integrity of your designs.
Whether you’re transitioning for a specific project or making a long-term switch, this streamlined workflow empowers you to focus on creativity rather than logistics.
Give it a try and experience the simplicity of seamless design migration!