InDesign question
Nemo33 (8 points) | Thu, 2007-12-13 16:04Hi Everyone,
I'm sort of new to working with InDesign (I've got CS3, BTW). I just inherited some files that were originally created by another designer. It looks like they cut and pasted vector graphics straight from illustrator into inDesign. Just a cut and paste - the graphics aren't placed or linked that I can tell. My question is how well will these graphics print? Will they have issues with the colors or printing cleanly? Do I need to go back, get the original illustrator files and replace the graphics with placed/linked versions of the same?
I got the files from a source who usually knows what they are doing and the images look crisp when exported as a PDF, but I want to be sure I'm not shooting myself in the foot by not replacing them with linked files.
Thoughts? Suggestions? Thanks!!
Commenting on this Forum topic is closed.
... when it comes to copy and pasting VECTORS. Bitmapped images are a different story, I think inDesign embeds them at the resolution that came from the original file so its ANYBODY's guess how they will turn out. Did you print them to a laser printer to see if everything looks normal?
Once they are vectors you should have no problem at all.
"Try not, Do! or do not, there is no try."
-Yoda
It should be fine, and I've seen this done, but I hate it because ID is a very limited Illustrator program.
I'd recommend cutting the vectors and making illustrator files out of them, then placing them in InDesign. Then you can use the graphics in other documents and have only one source file instead of cutting and pasting.
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Powerpoint is not a design application
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Dirt and Rust
The cut and paste objects from Illustrator to InDesign will print just fine. I've done this myself on a print project and it worked great.
In fact I recommend doing this with logos or other elements that you might need to change its color. You can create your black and white logo, copy and paste it into InDesign and then change the color of the logo to a given Pantone you might have in your InDesign color palette. No need to worry about external links because it's saved in the file. Plus you don't need to jump between two applications.
G.
InDesign imports colors. You lose some of illustrator's functionality in InDesign. If you want to change the logo on all pages you have to have it on the master page in order to do so...
You don't have to jump between two applications once your illustrator logo is done and placed.
I'm still not seeing the benefit of not simply placing the logo in your ID file?? I recommend placing any and all graphics and let ID handle the text. That's what it's best at and excels at.
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Powerpoint is not a design application
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Dirt and Rust
Usually, I would simply place the illustrator logo in InDesign. The problem is that I'm making minor edits to 40+ individual files, and doing so on a tight budget and deadline. I didn't want to spend the time cleaning up the files other than what's absolutely necessary to make sure they'll print OK.
It sounds like this time they should be fine. Any that I build going forward I'll probably go back to placing the files so they are linked as I'm used to doing.
I really appreciate everyone's help!
This makes sense. Have you let the client know though that their file needs work?
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Powerpoint is not a design application
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Dirt and Rust
Just thought I'd chime in and say it works great for me.
I frequently place vector logos, icons, bugs, etc. into my InD projects. Generally, if the object uses only one or two colors, I'll copy/paste from AI. As others have mentioned, I can change or adjust the colors of the pasted image without having to jump over to AI and edit and re-save. This comes in really handy when you need to repurpose a page or section with a different color scheme (say using pink for Breast Cancer Awareness or green or red for a Christmas theme.)
For more complicated vector elements, I'll place a linked file.
1. InDesign file size
2. Won't lose your graphics if your ID file gets corrupted
Just place. You'll be better off:
http://indesignsecrets.com/copy-and-paste-vs-place.php
To repurpose a logo just create multiple versions. This eliminates the jumping back and forth.
Trust me, I've worked in intense production environments and you do not want to paste your graphics into your files. If one has an error, you have to go find EVERY INSTANCE of that graphic rather than just changing one graphic and updating your ID files.
Having an illustrator file set as 'overprint' being a prime example of an issue that can happen that's time consuming to fix in the paste method.
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Powerpoint is not a design application
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Dirt and Rust
check out typesetting forum where industry experts answer design questions.
cheers!