How to Quickly Convert InDesign File Templates to Word Documents

Here's a problem: you've got a layout file, but it won't open in Microsoft Word. If it's an InDesign template it isn't compatible with Microsoft Word.

The solution? Let's learn how to convert InDesign files to Word Documents. You can easily transform an INDD file into a DOCX file as you export InDesign to Word.

This tutorial shows you how easy it can be to convert InDesign to Word. With this new skill, you'll never repeat your design work to use an INDD file in Microsoft Word.

In this tutorial, you'll learn to convert InDesign to Word documents. with top template designs from Envato Elements. It's the best way to source unlimited designs you can use. You'll also see the pay-as-you-go designs for easy InDesign to Word conversions from GraphicRiver.

Why You Should Convert InDesign To Word

Adobe InDesign is a powerful creative tool. Use it to create a vast array of designs, including layouts, flyers, and more.

But you might be more comfortable working in Microsoft Word than in Adobe InDesign. You might have a great InDesign file that you want to use in Microsoft Word, but don't have time to rebuild it. We'll teach you to solve this challenge by learning how to convert InDesign files to Word documents.

File conversion only takes a few steps. We want you to save time instead of redesigning everything, so let's learn how to convert InDesign files to Word documents.

Get The Best Templates for Word and InDesign on Envato Elements

To follow this tutorial, the best way to get started is with a pre-built template from Envato Elements. It's got thousands of InDesign templates at your fingertips. As a member, you can download as many as you want. 

With an Envato Elements subscription you pay a low monthly fee for unlimited access to thousands of design assets. Choose from:

• stock images
• WordPress themes
• graphics
• audio files
• and much more

Now let's look at our step-by-step guide on how to convert InDesign files to Word.

How to Export InDesign Files to Word (Quickly and Easily)

Let’s learn how to convert InDesign files to Word in a few quick steps:

1. Download a Template From Envato Elements

To convert InDesign to Word, you’ll need to choose a template. As mentioned, your best option is to go to Envato Elements. There are thousands of InDesign files that you can use in Microsoft Word.

You’ll benefit from the sleek styles and flexibility of InDesign templates. But you’ll be able to use them in one of the most common and popular word processing apps in the world. InDesign to Word lets you do exactly that.

For this example, we’ll use the Flyer InDesign template. It’s a beautiful flyer design that you can convert to a Word document.

When you’ve found your template of choice, click on the Download button on the right side of your screen. 

Elements will ask for a license usage. Add one, then click Add & Download. Open up the downloaded .zip file and browse to the InDesign folder. Double-click on the .indd file to launch it in InDesign.

2. Convert InDesign Files to PDF

InDesign opens, and you’ll see your flyer layout displayed. Of course, you can make changes right inside InDesign. But here, you want to work with Microsoft Word instead. 

Unfortunately, you don’t have the option to export InDesign to Word directly. Instead, you’ll need to save the InDesign file as a PDF, and then convert the PDF into a Word .docx file.

Working in InDesign, click on the File dropdown in the upper left corner of your screen. Near the middle of the menu that appears click Export.

In the Save As box, give your file a name. Then, click on the Format dropdown and choose Adobe PDF (Print). This is the easiest way to begin exporting InDesign to Word. PDF files are among the most common and easy-to-edit formats in the world. 

Choose a location to store the exported PDF, and then click Save. This is the start of how to convert InDesign to Word document files.

You’ll see the Export Adobe PDF menu appear. This offers you a variety of options regarding page layouts, layers, and more. In most instances, the default settings work well. When you’ve reviewed them, click Export, and InDesign will create a PDF.

3. Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat

To convert InDesign to Word, you’ll also need to use Adobe’s Acrobat PDF app. Browse to the PDF file that you just exported from InDesign. Right-click on it, then choose Open With > Adobe Acrobat. 

Acrobat launches and you’ll see the PDF displayed. Now, it’s time to make the next move on your InDesign to Word journey. Browse to the File dropdown in the upper left. Hover over Export To > Microsoft Word. 

You’ll see two options: Word Document and Word 97-2003 document. The first option is preferable. This creates the newer .docx format found in newer versions of Microsoft Word. Click on Word Document.

The Save As PDF menu appears. Like the earlier step, you can name your file and choose where it'll save on your computer. When you’re finished, click Save.

4. Edit the File in Microsoft Word

Acrobat performs the conversion and then automatically launch Microsoft Word. That’s all it takes. In a few clicks, you’ve learned how to export InDesign to Word. You’ll see the InDesign template in Word, fully editable and ready to work with.

It will perform just like any other Word file. Highlight text and type over it to customize it. Then, you can add custom images and more. InDesign to Word delivers flexibility to you. It’s a great way to make your favorite InDesign templates more useful. Get started and convert InDesign to Word today!

The Best Source for Unlimited InDesign and Word Templates

You've already seen a preview of Envato Elements, the best way to download unlimited design templates for a flat rate. Let's learn more about why it's truly the best way to get the designs you need for any project.

Here's the thing: we don't have time to reinvent the wheel. In the world of graphic design, you can use the power of pre-built templates to avoid starting from scratch. It's much better to jump to Elements, grab a template, and just fill in the details.

On Elements, you'll never worry about cost. With an "all-you-can-download" model, you've got everything you need without buying design after design. You'll also unlock stock photos, graphics, and other design assets that perfectly balance your Word documents.

In our example, we started with an InDesign template from Elements, then converted InDesign to Word document. But, Elements also has an incredible depth of Microsoft Word templates that don't even need to be converted.

Need a template but not ready for a subscription? That's no problem, we've got you covered with pay-as-you-go designs that work for InDesign to Word conversions. On GraphicRiver, you can pay for single templates and use them on a project. 

No matter which option you choose, don't forget that templates are the best way to save time and give you great results.

5 Top Templates for Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Word

Whether you want to start with an InDesign template and convert it, or with a Word format template, we've got you covered. Let's look at a mix of five of the best templates for each app on Elements. They're all included with a subscription to Elements:

1. Flyer InDesign

We've worked with this template while learning how to convert InDesign files to Word. You've already seen that it's possible and easy to take your favorite templates and convert InDesign to Word, so this template fits the bill perfectly if you like the design. It's simple and straightforward and takes no time flat to customize.

2. Invoice Word

Every freelancer and business owner needs a go-to invoice template. It keeps your business moving by clearly billing your customers for work you've rendered. With the help of this Word template, you can list all the details clearly. You don't even need to convert InDesign to Word documents because this template already has a compatible DOCX.

3. InDesign Portfolio Template

Here's another great example of why you might want to learn how to save InDesign files as Word docs. There aren't many native Word templates for portfolios, so converting InDesign to Word is the best way to go. Start with this file, then export InDesign to Word for the best of both worlds. It's the easiest way to show your favorite work in a Word file.

4. Resume Word

Want to tell your story while applying to new roles? You need a great resume template, and this one fits the bill perfectly with a light and airy design. It's another template that you won't need to convert InDesign to Word. It's got all the pre-built elements to help you package your experience while putting your best foot forward to a potential employer.

5. Modern InDesign Catalogue

Rounding out our selections, how about a template that serves as a catalogue of options? It's another document format that's ideal for converting InDesign to Word documents thanks to all the INDD templates it includes. Download it, add your details, and then export InDesign to Word templates so that you've got a great catalogue.

More Top Templates for Microsoft Word and Adobe InDesign

Templates are the very best way to save time. And now that you know how to save InDesign files as Word docs, you've even more options for great designs.

On Envato Tuts+, we're serious about cataloging the very best templates. Make sure to jump over to the links below to see our favorite options.

• 
  Microsoft Word
  Best of 2021: 30 Microsoft Office Word Document Templates to Download Now
  Nona Blackman
• 
  Templates
  30 Creative InDesign Business Proposal Templates (Free + Premium for 2021)
  Daisy Ein
• 
  Templates
  40+ Best (Free & Premium) Business Proposal Templates (Download Word & InDesign Formats)
  Brenda Barron

Learn More About Adobe InDesign

Adobe InDesign is a powerful part of the Adobe Creative Cloud software. It's the perfect tool to create layouts, printed documents, and more. Like most Adobe apps, it takes time to get the hang of navigating the app. Even if you're only using the app to export InDesign to Word, knowing a few skills is very helpful.

If you want to learn more about Adobe InDesign, we've got you covered. With a few of the best tutorials, it's easy to get comfortable with InDesign, so make sure to check out the links below.

• 
  Adobe InDesign
  How to Quickly Make a Business Proposal in InDesign With Templates
  Daisy Ein
• 
  Resumes
  How to Make a Resume Template in InDesign (With Free Template Download)
  Grace Fussell
• 
  Proposals
  How to Write & Design a Winning Business Proposal in 2021
  Laura Spencer

Learn More About Microsoft Word

This tutorial taught you a helpful skill, how to save InDesign files as Word docs. But it's just the beginning of learning how to use Microsoft Word.

We have many more resources that teach you Word skills, like our guide, Learn How to Use Microsoft Word (Beginner Tutorial Guide.) It's the complete resource you need to keep learning after you convert InDesign to Word document files. Make sure to check out these links to keep learning:

• 
  Microsoft Word
  How to Quickly Create & Save a Microsoft Word Template
  Andrew Childress
• 
  Microsoft Word
  What Is Microsoft Word (Definition)? What Is MS Word Used For? (+Top Features)
  Alexis (Lexi) Rodrigo
• 
  Microsoft Word
  How to Make Awesome Page Layout Designs in Microsoft Word (+Video)
  Alexis (Lexi) Rodrigo

You Learned How to Convert InDesign to Word Documents

This tutorial helped you solve a critical challenge you might face: taking an InDesign to Word when you don't have a .docx template. With this new skill, you won't have to recreate the wheel when exporting InDesign to Word templates.

Learning how to convert InDesign files to Word is even better when you use premium templates. Don't forget to tap into the massive library of InDesign to Word templates on Envato Elements and GraphicRiver. You can also start with a pre-built Word template in the Elements library or pay-as-you go for DOCX templates on GraphicRiver.

Don't start to redesign your InDesign templates when you want to switch to Word! Instead, remember that you can simply convert an existing file to the new format with your new skills.