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InDesign
adobe.com · Adobe InDesign · scored Dec 2025InDesign leads layout design, but FTC sued over hidden fees
Best forProfessional designers and agencies needing industry-standard publishing tools
From $21 per month
SOC 2AI featuresenterprise
Top score
9.7Product9.8Market8.8Usability8.1Value9.6Integrations9.0Innovation
Industry-standard page layout software for print and digital publishing, now with generative AI tools.
Standout factThe FTC sued Adobe in 2024 over hidden early termination feesftc.gov
Biggest catchSubscription cancellation involved hidden fees, per the FTC lawsuit.ftc.gov
66,000+Companies using InDesigntheknowledgeacademy.com
26.13%Design software market shareexplodingtopics.com
$20.99/moStarting priceadobe.com
The thing people get wrong
InDesign pricing is straightforward month to month
The FTC sued Adobe in 2024 for hiding early termination fees and making cancellation difficult
Source: ftc.gov
Upside
- Industry standard for print and digital layout
- New generative AI tools like Generative Expand
- Native MathML support for equations
Catch
- Subscription only, no perpetual license
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- FTC lawsuit over hidden termination fees
Pick it ifProfessional designers and agencies needing industry-standard publishing tools
Skip it ifHobbyists deterred by monthly subscription costs and a steep learning curve
PricingFrom $20.99/month, subscription only, no perpetual license
Editor's takeInDesign's market position is not close. It holds roughly 26% of the design software market and runs at over 66,000 companies. The 2024 FTC lawsuit over hidden termination fees is a real mark against Adobe's pricing practices, worth knowing before committing to an annual plan.
Does Adobe InDesign have hidden subscription fees?
The FTC sued Adobe in 2024, alleging it trapped customers in year-long subscriptions through hidden early termination fees and difficult cancellation.
What does InDesign cost?
Pricing starts at $20.99 per month, subscription only. There is no perpetual license option.
The evidence: 6 criteria, 3 penalties (−0.18 points)
9.7
Product Capability & DepthLooked for: We evaluate the software's precision in layout design, typography control, and its ability to handle complex, multi-page documents for both print and digital formats.InDesign remains the undisputed industry standard for professional publishing, now enhanced with generative AI features like Generative Expand and Text to Image, alongside long-awaited updates like native MathML support and HTML5 export capabilities.adobe.comhelpx.adobe.comnexacu.com.au
9.8
Market Credibility & Trust SignalsLooked for: We assess market share dominance, adoption by major enterprises, and recognition within the professional design industry.InDesign holds a dominant market position, used by over 66,000 companies and commanding a significant portion of the graphic design software market, second only to Photoshop.explodingtopics.comtheknowledgeacademy.comuk.pcmag.com
8.8
Usability & Customer ExperienceLooked for: We examine the learning curve, interface intuitiveness, and the quality of support resources available to users.While powerful, the software is notorious for its steep learning curve and complex interface, which can be overwhelming for beginners despite recent UI improvements like the contextual taskbar.adobe.comhelpx.adobe.comjoinsecret.com
8.1
Value, Pricing & TransparencyLooked for: We analyze the pricing model, subscription terms, and transparency regarding cancellation fees and total cost of ownership.The subscription-only model is a major point of friction, exacerbated by a recent FTC lawsuit regarding hidden early termination fees and difficult cancellation processes.adobe.comftc.govsaasworthy.com
9.6
Integrations & Ecosystem StrengthLooked for: We evaluate how well the product connects with other tools in the creative workflow, particularly within the vendor's own suite.InDesign's integration with the Creative Cloud ecosystem (Photoshop, Illustrator, Fonts, Stock) is seamless and a primary reason for its continued dominance.adobe.comblueskygraphics.co.ukcreativepro.com
9.0
Innovation & AI CapabilitiesLooked for: We look for the adoption of cutting-edge technologies that significantly enhance the core user workflow.Adobe has aggressively integrated generative AI (Firefly) into InDesign, offering features like Generative Expand and Text to Image, though some print-specific limitations remain.helpx.adobe.comnexacu.com.auhelpx.adobe.com
Score adjustments−0.18 points in total
−0.06The FTC has sued Adobe for allegedly hiding early termination fees (ETFs) and making it difficult for customers to cancel subscriptions.ftc.gov · severity 85/100
−0.06Users consistently report a steep learning curve and significant resource usage, leading to performance issues on non-workstation hardware.g2.com · severity 55/100
−0.06New Generative Expand features currently have limitations for high-end print workflows, such as generating content in RGB rather than CMYK.bookmachine.org · severity 45/100
