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Best file format for import from Photoshop CS2 files to Indesign CS2 1
- Thread starter rossmcd
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...you can now hide or show a .PSD file’s layers and layer comps. While before you might have saved five variations of one image as separate TIFF files and placed them one-by-one in an InDesign layout, you can now keep all five versions in one .PSD file and test their suitability by toggling layers on and off.
...you can also display layers in an Illustrator file, though you must first save it as a PDF 1.5 or 1.6 file and check the option to include layers.
...Indesign has great features for the psd file format, it is a compressed format too that preserves layers. i keep my image comps in psd now and import psd into Indesign, yet to encounter output issues from my print providers using this format and exported to pdf, works like a charm...
...with illustrator best to keep files as native .ai files as i have encountered illustrator eps issues before...
andrew
...you can also display layers in an Illustrator file, though you must first save it as a PDF 1.5 or 1.6 file and check the option to include layers.
...Indesign has great features for the psd file format, it is a compressed format too that preserves layers. i keep my image comps in psd now and import psd into Indesign, yet to encounter output issues from my print providers using this format and exported to pdf, works like a charm...
...with illustrator best to keep files as native .ai files as i have encountered illustrator eps issues before...
andrew
- Thread starter
- #3
andrew
thanks for the thoughtful note - seems like native is the way to go.
one query - your mentioned "encounter output issues from my print providers using this format and exported to pdf".
I interpret this as meaning that send a pdf export version, presumably 'Press Quality', to your printer and that this caused no problems in the finished print product. Is this what you meant?
ross
thanks for the thoughtful note - seems like native is the way to go.
one query - your mentioned "encounter output issues from my print providers using this format and exported to pdf".
I interpret this as meaning that send a pdf export version, presumably 'Press Quality', to your printer and that this caused no problems in the finished print product. Is this what you meant?
ross
...yes, you have interpreted me correctly ross...
...worth checking with your provider first as to what pdf version their RIP can handle, 1.3 (Acrobat 4) means flattening any transparency used in your indesign layout at export...
1.4 (Acrobat 5) to 1.6 (Acrobat 7) will retain transparency in the pdf file. For these to output correctly the print providers RIP will need to be bang up to date.
Better to go for 1.4 to 1.6 if your print provider can handle them, as RIP's that support these formats will deal with the flattening process. Bear in mind also that PDF can be edited to a degree with plugin tools, such as enfocus pitstop, but changes are nearly always better done from your source files, keeping your archived artwork up to date with whatever a print provider has output for you.
RGB images, with a correctly setup colour management, can be used with caution. The colour handling can be dealt with in your advanced options on pdf export. Keep to consistent colour profile workflow throughout all your adobe applications though, because different profiles will render different results. If colour critical work is to be undertaken make a note of your profiles used in RGB to CMYK image conversions. As a rule Adobe RGB (1998) for print work and sRGB IEC 61966 for website work.
For CMYK profiles your print provider may offer some to work with, or alternativley choose a setup from within Adobe Bridge that best suits the continent nearest you.
Andrew
...worth checking with your provider first as to what pdf version their RIP can handle, 1.3 (Acrobat 4) means flattening any transparency used in your indesign layout at export...
1.4 (Acrobat 5) to 1.6 (Acrobat 7) will retain transparency in the pdf file. For these to output correctly the print providers RIP will need to be bang up to date.
Better to go for 1.4 to 1.6 if your print provider can handle them, as RIP's that support these formats will deal with the flattening process. Bear in mind also that PDF can be edited to a degree with plugin tools, such as enfocus pitstop, but changes are nearly always better done from your source files, keeping your archived artwork up to date with whatever a print provider has output for you.
RGB images, with a correctly setup colour management, can be used with caution. The colour handling can be dealt with in your advanced options on pdf export. Keep to consistent colour profile workflow throughout all your adobe applications though, because different profiles will render different results. If colour critical work is to be undertaken make a note of your profiles used in RGB to CMYK image conversions. As a rule Adobe RGB (1998) for print work and sRGB IEC 61966 for website work.
For CMYK profiles your print provider may offer some to work with, or alternativley choose a setup from within Adobe Bridge that best suits the continent nearest you.
Andrew
I'm another one who votes for using the native Adobe files for placed graphics. Although I rarely use layers, I will still always save as PSD or AI for use in ID.
If you are in a situation where you don't know the capability of the RIP to be used, e.g. sending an ad to a magazine, then play it safe and use the PDF/X-1a setting, as this is an internationally recognised standard that flattens the transarency (and always check the PDF after you have made it) so you don't get funky results when printed.
If you are in a situation where you don't know the capability of the RIP to be used, e.g. sending an ad to a magazine, then play it safe and use the PDF/X-1a setting, as this is an internationally recognised standard that flattens the transarency (and always check the PDF after you have made it) so you don't get funky results when printed.
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