Adobe InDesign 2024 vs 2025: Complete Feature Comparison

Executive Summary: Evolution of Desktop Publishing Excellence

Adobe InDesign continues its dominance in the professional desktop publishing arena with the 2025 release (version 20.5), building upon the solid foundation of InDesign 2024 (version 19.x). This comprehensive comparison analyzes the transformative features, performance improvements, and workflow enhancements that distinguish these two versions, helping design professionals make informed decisions about upgrading their creative toolkit.

Key Generative AI Capabilities

InDesign 2025: AI-Powered Creative Revolution

The most significant addition in InDesign 2025 is the Generative Fill (Beta) feature, which allows you to generate and apply fill effects to SVG shapes and text in a layout. This groundbreaking feature transforms how designers approach creative layouts:

Generative Expand (Now Out of Beta)

Extend images beyond their original borders using Generative Enlargement, powered by artificial intelligence
Automatically fills empty spaces when resizing images
Seamlessly generates coherent extensions of backgrounds or objects
Perfect for adapting existing assets to different aspect ratios

Enhanced Text to Image Panel

Advanced options with reference image support
Multiple style effects application
Generated image variations are automatically linked and stored in the InDesign GenAI Assets folder
Streamlined management through the Links panel
Support for complex creative prompts

InDesign 2024: Foundation AI Features

Text to Image (Beta Introduction)

Basic generative AI image creation
Simple text prompt functionality
Limited style options compared to 2025
English-only support in initial release

Auto Style Feature

Powered by Adobe Sensei, gives you the ability to create your own style packs or select from 20 preset style packs
Automatic text formatting across multiple frames
Style pack creation and management

Performance and Technical Improvements

InDesign 2025: Next-Generation Architecture

GPU Acceleration Enhancements

GPU support on Windows, Accessibility enhancements, Align to Bleed, Lowercase icon in Properties and Control Panel
Improved rendering performance
Faster document navigation
Enhanced zoom capabilities

History Panel Revolution

Browse through previous edits with ease
Create new documents from previous versions
Instant revert functionality
Non-destructive workflow improvements

InDesign 2024: Stable Performance Foundation

Core Performance Features

Basic GPU acceleration (limited compared to 2025)
Standard document processing speeds
Traditional undo/redo functionality
Stable but less optimized rendering

Collaboration and Workflow Features

InDesign 2025: Enhanced Team Productivity

Adobe Express Integration

Export and open InDesign documents in Adobe Express with one click
Lock elements for brand consistency
Simplified collaboration with non-designers
Template creation for broader team use

InCopy on the Web (Beta)

Browser-based text editing capabilities
Real-time collaboration features
Assigned story management
Streamlined editorial workflows

InDesign 2024: Traditional Collaboration

Basic Cloud Features

Cloud document saving
Share for Review functionality
Standard InCopy desktop integration
Limited web-based options

Accessibility and Export Enhancements

InDesign 2025: Comprehensive Accessibility

HTML5 Export Capabilities

Export InDesign documents to HTML5 and host them on your website or server to improve SEO and accessibility
Text as HTML or SVG tags options
Enhanced web presence for print designs
Improved search engine optimization

MathML Support

Creating, styling, and editing math equations has become a breeze
Direct insertion of MathML as SVG
No need for expensive third-party plugins
Perfect for technical documentation

Advanced Accessibility Features

Improved page breaks for screen readers
Enhanced table and figure accessibility
Instant figcaption announcement support

InDesign 2024: Basic Accessibility

Standard Export Options

Traditional PDF export
Basic accessibility tagging
Limited HTML export capabilities
Requires plugins for mathematical content

User Interface Evolution

InDesign 2025: Modern Interface Design

Contextual Task Bar

With the new Contextual Task Bar pinned to your workspace, you can quickly start using the key tools and access the relevant next steps at your fingertips
Dynamic tool suggestions
Task-focused workflow
Reduced panel clutter

Properties Panel Enhancement

Consolidated control options
Responsive to selection changes
Streamlined workspace management
Available across Creative Cloud apps

InDesign 2024: Traditional Interface

Classic Panel System

Standard panel arrangement
Manual workspace configuration
Traditional tool access
Less context-aware interface

Document Management Updates

InDesign 2025: Advanced Document Control

Password Protection

Secure content before publishing
Enhanced privacy controls
Authorized access management
Document encryption options

Spread Visibility Management

Easily manage spread visibility on your pasteboard with a simple toggle
Auto page numbering adjustments
Hidden spread support
Improved document organization

PDF to InDesign Conversion (Beta)

Convert any PDF into an InDesign document
Cloud-based conversion process
Editable document recovery
Legacy file modernization

InDesign 2024: Standard Document Features

Basic Document Management

Traditional save and export
Standard page management
Limited PDF conversion options
Manual spread organization

Typography and Text Handling

InDesign 2025: Advanced Typography

Enhanced Text Processing

Improved World-Ready Composer
Better RTL language support
Advanced OpenType features
Refined character and paragraph styles

Generate Effects for Text

Apply generative fills to typography
Create textured letterforms
Pattern and image fills
Creative typography solutions

InDesign 2024: Standard Typography

Traditional Text Tools

Basic style pack functionality
Standard OpenType support
Manual text formatting
Limited creative text effects

Migration Considerations

Upgrading from 2024 to 2025

Benefits of Upgrading:

Access to cutting-edge AI features
Significantly improved performance
Enhanced collaboration capabilities
Better accessibility compliance
Modern export options

Potential Challenges:

Learning curve for new features
Some 80+ early InDesign 2025 users have already reported it’s sluggish behaviour
Beta features may have limitations
Compatibility with older plugins

System Requirements:

Updated hardware recommendations
Increased RAM for AI features
Modern GPU for acceleration
Latest operating system versions

Pricing and Licensing

Cost Considerations

Adobe Creative Cloud Subscription:

Both versions included in standard subscription
No additional cost for 2025 upgrade
Access to beta features included
Regular updates and bug fixes

Enterprise Licensing:

Volume licensing available
Team collaboration features
Admin console management
Priority support options

Plugin Compatibility and Third-Party Integration

InDesign 2025 Plugin Support

UXP Plugin Development:

GUID support for UXP 3P plugin developers
Enhanced personalization options
Improved licensing mechanisms
Better usage analytics

Legacy Plugin Considerations:

Some older plugins may require updates
Check compatibility before upgrading
Contact developers for 2025 support

Real-World Performance Metrics

Productivity Improvements

InDesign 2025 Advantages:

Up to 5x faster with linked images (multithreading)
Reduced time for repetitive tasks with AI
Faster document opening and saving
Improved stability with large files

InDesign 2024 Baseline:

Standard processing speeds
Reliable performance
Predictable behavior
Proven stability

Industry-Specific Applications

Publishing and Print Production

InDesign 2025 Benefits:

Automated image extension for layout flexibility
MathML for academic publishing
HTML5 export for digital editions
Enhanced accessibility for compliance

Marketing and Advertising

Creative Advantages:

Generative AI for rapid prototyping
Adobe Express integration for team collaboration
Quick layout variations with AI
Brand consistency tools

Final Verdict

When to Choose InDesign 2025

Ideal for:

Design teams embracing AI workflows
Publishers requiring accessibility compliance
Agencies needing rapid prototyping
Organizations prioritizing web presence
Technical documentation creators

Key Advantages:

Cutting-edge generative AI features
Superior collaboration tools
Modern export capabilities
Enhanced accessibility support
Improved performance architecture

When to Stick with InDesign 2024

Suitable for:

Stable production environments
Teams with established workflows
Organizations with legacy plugin dependencies
Users preferring proven features
Budget-conscious individual designers

Key Benefits:

Proven stability and reliability
Full feature maturity
Complete plugin compatibility
Minimal learning curve
Established workflows intact

Conclusion: The Future of Desktop Publishing

Adobe InDesign 2025 represents a significant leap forward in desktop publishing technology, particularly with its integration of generative AI capabilities and enhanced collaboration features. While InDesign 2024 remains a robust and capable platform, the 2025 release positions itself as the future-ready solution for design professionals seeking to leverage AI-powered creativity and modern workflow efficiencies.

The decision to upgrade ultimately depends on your specific needs, workflow requirements, and readiness to embrace AI-assisted design. For forward-thinking design teams and publishers, InDesign 2025 offers compelling advantages that justify the transition. However, those with established workflows and specific plugin dependencies may benefit from a more measured approach to adoption.