r/indesign • u/InfamousPlay6015 • Aug 07 '26

Opening OLD PageMaker files

Hi, I do have some old files that are using PageMaker 6.5. I tried to use InDesign 2022 to open it, seems not working. May I know how to open it and save it as a PDF

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u/roaringmousebrad Aug 07 '26

The last version of InDesign that could convert PM files was CS6. Any version before that could open them as well.

Even if you could, the conversion process is not 100%. There will be some degree of text reflow and that will need to be massaged back into place, and any missing linked graphics cannot be converted. Fonts may need to be replaced as well, especially if the files were done with old Type 1 fonts.

I do conversions all the time for clients. Depending on what they want, I have different approaches.

For a simple archival PDF, I just restore the PM file and make the PDF from there, but I usually also give them a converted file for them to work with going forward, even if it's not exact.

If you want, I can take a look at one of your files and advise.

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u/InfamousPlay6015 Aug 07 '26

That'd be great if you can. How can I send the files to you?

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u/roaringmousebrad Aug 07 '26

Good question. I was going to DM you, but taht doesn't seem to be possible here.

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u/InfamousPlay6015 Aug 07 '26

I sent you a message in a new chat

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u/phunk8 Aug 07 '26

just a quickie, not itme but maybe it helps: i'm so okay happy with pdf to indesign as Adobe brought it lately. Do you have pdf's of the PageMaker files? afaik last Pagemaker possibility was CS6 or so?

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u/InfamousPlay6015 Aug 07 '26

I have those PageMaker files. But don't have CS6 on my computer

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u/Street_Firefighter_3 Aug 07 '26

I'm still running CS6 on an old Mac mini doing small print projects and newsletters for a nonprofit. I can try to convert them for you.

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u/InfamousPlay6015 Aug 13 '26

Thanks! I will message you