How to Buy InDesign in 2024 Without Subscription

By Ann Young 13 days ago, Photo Editing Tips

Adobe InDesign CC 2024

  • Rank
    (4.5/5)
  • Included: InDesign + 100GB of cloud storage, Adobe Portfolio, Adobe Fonts, and Adobe Express
  • License: Full version
  • Platforms: Mac / Win

Cay you buy InDesign from Adobe without paying for a subscription plan? What is the best way to do it in 2024? Read more about 2 most economical ways to buy InDesign desktop publishing software and online publisher.

2 Best Ways to Buy Adobe InDesign

While Lucidpress, one of the most popular alternatives to Adobe InDesign with similar performance, is limited in functionality and takes a long time to learn, InDesign developers strived to make their software as simple and effective as possible. The desktop publishing software includes tools for design, pre-print checking, publishing documents for print, and precise control over the typography.

#1 OPTION - Adobe InDesign Subscription

  • Rank
    (4/5)
  • Single App Plan: InDesign + 100GB of Сloud Storage, Adobe Portfolio, Adobe Fonts, and Adobe Express
  • All Apps Plan: InDesign + 100GB Cloud Storage, The entire collection of 20+ creative desktop and mobile apps including Photoshop, Illustrator, and Adobe XD
Pros
  • Regular updates and active tech support
  • Huge amount of Adobe cloud storage space
  • Professional tools
  • Supports almost all file formats
  • Can be conveniently paired with other Adobe products
Cons
  • Monthly payment
  • Some Creative Cloud functions are available without the Internet connection

Nowadays, before you buy InDesign CC, you have to determine what you’re going to use it for. If your needs are limited to creating page layouts, then buying the “Single App” plan is enough since you won’t need other programs. However, if you want to create a beautiful design from scratch, then I recommend picking the “All Apps Plan,” since you’ll probably need Adobe Photoshop and other softwares as well.

Unlike the standalone version, which I’m going to discuss later, InDesign CC has a lot of new or updated professional tools: footnotes can now encompass several text columns in a specific area or the entire document, fonts can be searched based on visual similarity, and many other smart tools that allow adding both text and images to tables. This is something free programs like InDesign can’t offer.

Functionality-wise, the editor is capable of not only fully controlling the design of each layout but also previewing and correcting digital multimedia interactive PDF-files and more!

When it comes to Adobe Creative Cloud, one of its distinct features is cloud storage. All plans contain basic 100GB, but you can increase that amount up to 10TB if you are ready to pay a couple of bucks more.

#2 OPTION - Adobe InDesign CS6

Adobe InDesign CS6

  • Rank
    (4/5)
  • License: Full version
  • Version: 6 Standalone
  • Platforms: Mac / Win
  • Free Adobe InDesign Mobile: iOS
Pros
  • Doesn’t require the Internet connection
  • One-time payment
Cons
  • Doesn’t receive updates
  • Lacks advanced tools
  • Doesn’t have cloud storage or integration with other softwares
  • Technical support is unavailable

Even though Adobe InDesign CS6 is a rather outdated program, for many users, it’s still an industry standard, and in some ways those people are right. The thing is that the 6th hybrid update introduced a plethora of new functions and capabilities to all products, including InDesign. That was the last step before Adobe abandoned the idea of standalone apps, which is why the developers did their best to boost the software’s functionality and performance to the maximum. That’s why many users still buy InDesign CS 6 even though it has some flaws.

The program is still capable of performing all basic tasks, the only difference is the work speed. The new CC generation constantly receives optimization improvements as well as new tools that make the work simpler and more convenient. Since there’s no such thing as open source Adobe InDesign, CC seems to be the best choice.

InDesign Cost

Both ways of purchasing InDesign have their advantages and disadvantages. If you haven’t purchased a licensed software before, I suggest looking at the CC edition since it receives regular updates, has tech support, a huge amount of cloud storage space, and close integration with other products. This version of InDesign costs $20.99. If you’re still using the CS6 version – you’re limited in additional functionality and workflow speed, in that case, I recommend testing the trial version.

Adobe InDesign Discounts

Seeing that a lot of users were unhappy with the price, particularly if they were members of an educational establishment and needed access to purchase InDesign or other Adobe products for their studies and assignments, the developers decided to give small privileges to the students and personnel of educational institutions. The privilege presupposes a rather substantial discount – 60% of the chosen plan’s total price.

To receive a discount, you need to visit the “Students & Teachers” section and fill out a small form. Before completing the form, make sure you’re over 13 years old and attend a listed below educational institution:

  • University or college
  • Primary or secondary school
  • Homeschool

How to Get a Discount?

If you’re 13+ years old and are registered in an official educational establishment, follow these steps:

STEP 1. Fill out the form, type in the full address of your work place/learning establishment.

STEP 2. Add a working school-issued email.

STEP 3. Send a scanned copy of any document given by your establishment that confirms your identity. Suitable documents include:

  • School ticket
  • Report card
  • Deciphering

STEP 4. Done. Wait for a letter with further instructions that will be sent to your email.

Other Discounts on Adobe Plans

If you’re not a teacher or student, don’t get discouraged, since you can make use of a slightly different, but still a very effective method of purchasing InDesign with a nice discount.

Adobe system is known for making its users happy with pleasant discounts, especially around the holidays. I should note that you don’t even have to fill anything out since all you need to do is to visit the official store page during the discount period and pick the needed plan to buy InDesign at a reduced price. However, you should know that such a “bonus” is active once and after the month ends you’ll be transferred back to regular price.

InDesign Free Download

Adobe InDesign

  • Rank
    (4.5/5)
  • Platforms: Windows, Mac OS
  • License: Trial Version
  • Price: Free

If you search for “How to Get InDesign For FREE” or “Download Free InDesign” in a web-browser, all you’ll see is a bunch of InDesign freeware torrent files. However, you shouldn’t rush and download the software this way since it’s illegal. In order to avoid getting into trouble with the law, make use of the free trial version.

You have to remember that this is the only existing legal way to test a free version of InDesign that supports all additional Creative Cloud functions. This option will be a great choice both for beginners and more advanced users who are still using CS 6. During one week, you can compare and test all the available features. Afterward, you’ll have to pick one of the available plans and prolong the subscription. You can find out how much does Adobe InDesign cost on the website.

Free InDesign Fonts

If you’re developing your own projects or creating different projects for print media, you’ll likely need premade fronts. Install them as plug-ins and use them in a single mouse click.

1. Free InDesign font “Cardone”

font cardone for indesign free download

This font can be found in the list of the best fonts for Photoshop. It’s often used for text that expresses all kinds of information thanks to the legible letter shape and refined look.

2. Free InDesign font “Chalsyn”

font chalshyn for indesign free download

This is one of the most recognizable InDesign fonts. A mixture of intricate lines and curves will add a bit of elegance to your text.

3. Free InDesign font “Constanta”

The name of this font speaks for itself – the letters have a constant form and look slightly bold. I suggest using it as a headline font, for instance, on websites.

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