How to import a pdf into InDesign

By
Danny Powell
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How to import pdfs into InDesign header

Designers often need to combine content created in other programmes with layouts built in Adobe InDesign. One common example is placing an existing PDF, such as an advert, proof, or finished page, into a larger layout.

Our video tutorial shows how to import both single-page and multi-page PDFs into InDesign correctly, explaining how to adjust crop settings, scaling and page order for a smooth layout process.

Our video guide to importing PDFs into InDesign

If you’d rather follow along on screen, the video below demonstrates how to import single and multi-page PDFs, use the correct bleed settings, and control scaling within your document.

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What is Adobe InDesign used for?

Adobe InDesign is a layout programme designed to combine text, images and other assets in a structured, print-ready format. It’s used for brochures, books, magazines, catalogues, reports, menus and any project where precise alignment, consistent typography and page control are essential.

Why import a PDF into InDesign?

Importing a PDF allows you to bring existing design elements — such as approved artwork or finished pages — into a wider document. This is particularly useful when:

  • A client provides a pre-approved PDF advert to include in a publication

  • You’re creating a multi-page document from single-page proofs

  • You’re assembling assets from different designers or departments into one layout

Importing a PDF in this way preserves its contents without the need to edit or rebuild the artwork.

Can you edit a PDF once it’s placed in InDesign?

No. When you place a PDF into InDesign, it behaves as an image rather than editable text or vector artwork. The purpose is layout and positioning rather than editing.

If you need to make changes to the content, it’s best to open the original file in the application it was created with, export a new PDF, and then reimport that version into InDesign.

How do you import a single-page PDF into InDesign?

The process is straightforward:

  1. Open or create a new InDesign document.

  2. Draw a frame where you want the PDF to appear.

  3. Press Command + D (Mac) or Ctrl + D (Windows) to open the Place dialog.

  4. Check Show Import Options, then select your PDF.

  5. In the Import Options window, choose your crop area — for print layouts, select Bleed.

  6. Click OK and your PDF will appear inside the frame.

You can then resize or reposition the frame as needed.

What are the PDF crop options in InDesign?

When you place a PDF, InDesign lets you choose from several crop areas. These correspond to how the PDF was created:

  • Media – the full size of the PDF page

  • Crop – the final trimmed area (no bleed or printer marks)

  • Bleed – includes bleed beyond the trim (recommended for print)

  • Trim – the finished size after bleed is removed

  • Art – any art box defined by the creator

For most print jobs, selecting Bleed ensures the artwork extends correctly to the page edge.

How do you import a multi-page PDF into InDesign?

InDesign includes a built-in script to make this easy:

  1. Go to Window > Utilities > Scripts.

  2. Open the User folder and locate the PlaceMultipagePDF.jsx script.

  3. Double-click it to run.

  4. Choose your PDF file and set which pages to import (or import all).

  5. Adjust scaling and positioning — for example, scaling A4 pages down to A5 at 71%.

  6. Select Crop to Bleed if preparing for print.

  7. Click OK and InDesign will automatically create a new page for each page of your PDF.

How do you change page order or layout after importing?

If you prefer not to view the pages as facing spreads, go to File > Document Setup and untick Facing Pages. You can then rearrange pages freely in the Pages panel, dragging them into any order that suits your layout.

Why is scaling important when importing PDFs?

Scaling ensures that imported pages fit correctly within your chosen document size. Common conversions include:

  • A4 to A5: scale to 71%

  • A5 to A4: scale to 141%

Using proportional scaling keeps text and imagery sharp and prevents distortion.

Always check your final dimensions before exporting the completed layout for print.

Why crop to the bleed area when preparing for print?

Bleed is the extra margin around a page that ensures artwork runs cleanly to the edge once trimmed. When importing a PDF for print, cropping to the bleed area ensures no white edges appear after cutting.

For more on bleed and print setup, see our Supplying Artwork for Print guide.

Key takeaways

Importing PDFs into InDesign is a practical way to assemble existing artwork within a new layout. Use the Place command for single pages or the Multi-page PDF Importer script for longer documents, always choosing the correct crop and bleed settings for print.

Once placed, you can scale, position and reorder pages with ease, ensuring your layout remains tidy and print-ready.

If you’d like to expand your InDesign skills further, explore our other tutorials on typography, layout and preparing artwork for professional printing including how to add bullet points in InDesign and more across the Adobe suite.

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