10+ Best Plugins & Tools for Adobe InDesign in 2024

InDesign is a versatile and powerful program that's widely used in the publishing industry. It's known for its intuitive interface, extensive layout and design capabilities, and seamless integration with other Adobe software.

However, despite its many features, there may be times when you need to speed up your workflow or achieve something that's not quite possible with the tools InDesign offers.

Thankfully, InDesign plugins can help you expand the software's functionality and take your creations to the next level. These plugins are essentially add-ons that integrate with InDesign and provide additional features and capabilities that are not available out of the box. By installing the right plugins, you can save time, automate repetitive tasks, and create more engaging designs.

In this roundup, we've gathered the best InDesign plugins available today. These plugins cover a wide range of use cases and can help you enhance typography, manage images, generate QR codes, and much more.

If you're new to Adobe InDesign, you might like to take a look at our collections of tutorials to help you get started.

The Top Plugins for Adobe InDesign

Active Tables for InDesign

Effortlessly create tables in InDesign that rival Excel's functionality with this powerful plugin.

Seamlessly sort your data and unleash the full potential of formulas, which can operate across multiple tables and even be copied and pasted into text throughout your document.

InDesign Calendar Wizard

Designing a calendar from scratch in InDesign can be a laborious task that wastes your precious time. Fortunately, this plugin streamlines the process, allowing you to easily create flexible calendars.

PDF2ID for InDesign

Say goodbye to the hassle of manually recreating layouts from PDFs with this premium plugin. Effortlessly convert PDFs to InDesign and unlock the ability to edit them with ease, saving you countless hours in the process.

BookBarCode for InDesign

Designing book covers can be a time-consuming process, especially when it comes to generating barcodes. Thankfully, this plugin eliminates the need for external apps, allowing you to create fully EAN-13 compliant vector barcodes directly from an ISBN number.

InDesign Typefitter

With this essential plugin, save yourself the headache of manually correcting common text problems in InDesign. With just a few clicks, you can fix bad breaks, overset text, short lines, unbalanced columns, and other pesky issues that can plague your workflow.

Text Count for InDesign

Gain greater control over InDesign or InCopy documents with this powerful plugin, which provides accurate word counts and helps manage oversets and spacing.

With a real-time info panel that displays a precise count and estimate results, this tool offers three new functions for handling overset text, making it easier to stay organized and efficient.

InDesign MathMagic

Effortlessly edit mathematical equations in InDesign documents with the MathMagic plugin. Featuring a user-friendly WYSIWYG interface and a range of powerful features, this tool easily lets you edit mathematical expressions and symbols.

Annotations for InDesign

Streamline your design process and enhance collaboration with this essential plugin, which allows you to import comments and annotations from PDF files directly into InDesign.

With this tool, making adjustments and modifying designs based on client or team feedback is a breeze, empowering you to stay agile and responsive to evolving needs.

Custom Borders & Backgrounds for InDesign

Transform your InDesign documents into visually striking masterpieces with custom borders and backgrounds, thanks to this indispensable plugin.

Say goodbye to the hassle of importing patterns from Photoshop or Illustrator and effortlessly create your own, with various customization options to help you achieve your desired look.

InDesignQR Code Maker Pro

With this invaluable plugin, empower yourself to create sleek and efficient QR codes directly in InDesign. Boasting support for Number, Latin, Kanji, and UTF-8 modes, this tool streamlines the process of generating QR codes, saving you time and effort in the process.

InDesign Plugin FAQs

What are InDesign Plugins?

They are additional tools or extensions that enhance the functionality of Adobe InDesign, offering more features and capabilities.
Why Should I Use Plugins with InDesign?

Plugins can streamline your workflow, add new features, and simplify complex tasks, making your design process more efficient and creative.
Are InDesign Plugins Easy to Install?

Yes, most plugins can be easily installed through the Adobe InDesign plugin manager or by following the specific installation instructions provided with the plugin.
Are These Plugins Compatible with All Versions of InDesign?

Not always. Check the compatibility information for each plugin to ensure it works with your specific version of InDesign.
Do Plugins Slow Down InDesign?

Most plugins are designed to integrate smoothly without significantly impacting performance. However, it depends on your system specs and the plugin's complexity.
How Do I Choose the Right Plugin for My Needs?

Consider the specific tasks you want to streamline or the additional features you need. Look for plugins that are well-reviewed and align with your requirements.
Are There Free Plugins Available for InDesign?

Yes, there are several free plugins above that offer various useful features and enhancements.
Can InDesign Plugins Be Customized?

Some plugins offer customizable settings to better fit your workflow and design needs. Check the plugin's features for customization options.

Conclusion

Adobe InDesign is a powerful program, but with the right plugins in your toolbox, you can take your design game to the next level. Explore this collection of plugins to find the perfect fit for your needs and unlock new levels of efficiency and creativity in your projects.

Don't settle for mediocrity – empower yourself with the best tools available and achieve your design goals with ease.