Open the document that will receive the XML content or create a new document.
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Import XML data into InDesign
Last updated on
Jun 2, 2026
Learn how to import XML data from external sources into Adobe InDesign.
Importing XML content adds structured elements to your document. These elements appear in the Structure pane and can be placed into the layout or merged into tagged placeholders. InDesign offers two distinct import modes that determine how XML content integrates with your document:
Import XML in append mode
When you append imported content, the existing structure and content of the document are left as is. The new XML content is placed at the end of the Structure panel as elements.
Select View > Structure > Show Structure to open the Structure pane.
Select File > Import XML.
Select the XML file you want to import.
Select Show XML Import Options.
Select Append Content.
Select Open to open the XML Import Options dialog box.
Select the Create Link, Apply XSLT, and Import CALS tables as InDesign tables options as needed.
Select OK.
Import XML in merge mode
When you merge imported content, InDesign compares the incoming XML with the structure and names of elements already in your document. If the elements match, imported data replaces existing document content and is merged into correctly tagged frames (or placeholders) in the layout.
Open the document that will receive the XML content or create a new document.
Select View > Structure > Show Structure to open the Structure pane.
Select File > Import XML.
Select the XML file you want to import.
Select Show XML Import Options.
Select Merge Content.
Select Open to open the XML Import Options dialog box.
Select or remove options in the XML Import Options dialog box, as needed.
Select OK.
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