Leaving Adobe InDesign? Here's everything you need
Compare 2 EU alternatives side-by-side. Find the right fit based on migration difficulty, pricing, and privacy features.
Your data may be subject to US surveillance laws
Adobe InDesign is headquartered in the US. Under the CLOUD Act and FISA Section 702, US authorities can access your data without your knowledge. Switch to an EU alternative to keep your data protected under GDPR.
All EU Alternatives at a Glance
| Alternative | Country | Pricing | Difficulty | Time Estimate | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Affinity SuiteRecommended UK-based professional creative suite including Photo, Designer, and Publisher as one-time purchase alternatives to Adobe. | 🌍GB | Paid | Medium | 2-4 hours | |
Linearity Curve German design tool for creating vector graphics, illustrations, and animations with intuitive interface. | 🇩🇪Germany | Free plan available | Medium | 2-4 hours |
Our Top Picks
Best for Privacy
German design tool for creating vector graphics, illustrations, and animations with intuitive interface.
Certifications:
Migration difficulty data is being enriched for these alternatives.
Detailed Comparison of Each Alternative
UK-based professional creative suite including Photo, Designer, and Publisher as one-time purchase alternatives to Adobe.
Advantages
- One-time purchase of Affinity Suite costs around $54.99 vs. Adobe's $20.99/month.
- Affinity Suite offers cross-platform support for Windows and macOS.
- Affinity Publisher supports advanced typography similar to InDesign.
- No ongoing subscription fees mean long-term savings for users.
Trade-offs
- InDesign's integration with Adobe Creative Cloud is unmatched.
- Affinity lacks some advanced interactive PDF features present in InDesign.
- Learning curve exists for users transitioning from InDesign's interface.
German design tool for creating vector graphics, illustrations, and animations with intuitive interface.
Advantages
- GDPR compliance ensures data protection for EU users.
- Vector design allows for scalable graphics without quality loss.
- Collaboration features enable real-time teamwork on projects.
- Auto Trace simplifies converting raster images to vectors.
Trade-offs
- Limited typography tools compared to InDesign's advanced features.
- Migration may require reformatting existing InDesign files.
- Learning curve for users familiar with InDesign's interface.
Before You Switch
Export your data from Adobe InDesign before you start the migration. This ensures you have a backup and makes the transition smoother.
General Data Export Steps
- 1Log into your Adobe InDesign account and navigate to Settings or Privacy.
- 2Look for "Download your data", "Export", or "Data portability" options.
- 3Select all data you want to export and choose a standard format (ZIP, CSV, JSON).
- 4Wait for the export to complete — large accounts may take hours or days.
- 5Download and verify the export before proceeding with migration.
Under GDPR Article 20, you have the right to data portability. Adobe InDesign is required to provide your data in a structured, commonly used format upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best EU alternatives to Adobe InDesign?
There are 2 European alternatives to Adobe InDesign. Affinity Suite, Linearity Curve are among the top-rated options. All are GDPR-compliant and store your data in European data centers.
How long does it take to switch from Adobe InDesign?
Migration time varies by alternative. Most migrations can be completed in under an hour with our step-by-step guides. We provide detailed migration guides for each alternative.
Can I export my data from Adobe InDesign?
Yes, most services including Adobe InDesign allow you to export your data. Check the settings or privacy section of your Adobe InDesign account for data export options. GDPR also grants you the right to data portability.
Is switching from Adobe InDesign to an EU alternative safe?
Yes, switching is safe when done correctly. We recommend: 1) Export your data from Adobe InDesign first, 2) Set up the new EU service, 3) Import your data, 4) Run both services in parallel for a transition period, 5) Update any linked accounts or integrations, and 6) Cancel your Adobe InDesign subscription only after verifying everything works.
Why should I switch from Adobe InDesign to an EU alternative?
EU alternatives provide stronger privacy protection under GDPR, keep your data in European data centers, and are not subject to US surveillance laws like the CLOUD Act or FISA Section 702. By switching, you gain true data sovereignty and support European tech innovation.