Export and import user settings

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn to export and import user settings in Adobe InDesign.

InDesign provides an option to export and import User Settings, providing users with a smooth and enhanced experience to restore their custom settings if needed. Keep your settings up to date with the latest version for a hassle-free experience. You can now: 

  • Export User Settings to a file.
  • Import and apply User Settings from a file.

Export user settings

You can export User Settings to a file.

Go to File User Settings > Export User Settings.

Specify the location and a File name. The default file name is IDSettings_<version>_<locale>_<platform>_<date (YY_MM_DD)>.

Select Save.

Import user settings

You can utilize your exported User Settings to quickly set up InDesign.

Go to FileUser Settings > Import User Settings.

Select the saved User Settings file.

Select Restart Now to import the User Settings.

Scenarios when user settings cannot be imported

You may not be able to successfully import the User Settings if these were exported from:

  • a different locale.
  • a different InDesign version (latest public version, beta app, or pre-release app).
  • a different OS platform.


User settings

User Settinngs

How to access

Windows: Edit Preferences General

macOS: InDesign Preferences General

Workspaces

Window > Workspace > New Workspace

Menu sets

Edit Menus

Keyboard shortcuts

Edit Keyboard Shortcuts

Glyph sets

Type Glyphs

Limitations

The following values are set to default while you import User Settings:

  • Interface > Live Screen Drawing
  • User Interface Scaling
  • Type > Enable in-menu font previews > Number of Recent Fonts to Display
  • Type > Enable Japanese Font Preview in 'Find More'
  • Type > Sort Recent Fonts List Alphabetically
  • Type > Preview Font on Hover
  • Advanced Type > Type Contextual Controls > Show Adornment on Text Selection/ Text Frame for more Type controls
  • Clipboard Handling > Show Auto Style Option
  • Clipboard Handling > Show Paste Options