With the help of the ligand-oriented method, we have successfully embedded independent copper-based units into the indium–organic framework system for the first time, in which the Cu₄I₄ clusters and In₃O(CO₂)₆ clusters coexist. This heterometallic cluster-based framework InOF-8 has a large porosity with extra-open channels along the c-axis, and its sorption capacity has also been investigated.