Kiss Print Hassles Goodbye by Packaging Print-Ready PDFs

Crafting the perfect design is like putting together a puzzle. It starts with a simple concept or vision. But as ideas evolve, your project comes to life in your design software. Fonts are sized, graphics are imported, and colors are blended until the project is perfect.

When your “puzzle” is complete, you are ready to send it to your printer. But you can’t just send your masterpiece (your finished InDesign file) alone; you have to send along the individual pieces you used. Why? Because what looks like a complete InDesign file is actually just a small preview that maintains links to the original files outside the document. To send a complete package to print, you must include all the fonts and any graphics you imported into your design along the way.

Don’t worry! You don’t have to keep track of all these pieces alone. InDesign will walk you through the steps to collect and package everything you need. Start with four simple steps:

1) Before sending a package to print, eliminate unnecessary information like previous file versions and unused color swatches. Run your package through a final quality check. Did you submit high-resolution photos, best quality logos, and appropriately marked bleeds in your PDF files?

2) Open file. Choose: File > Package.
Dialog boxes in the package tab will display a summary panel with an overview of the packaging process, including details on fonts, links and images, colors and inks, print settings, and external plug-ins. These tabs will point out missing fonts, color inconsistencies, and potential production problems. Click through each of these tabs to catch any mistakes before continuing.

3) Move to the lower right corner of the package dialog box and click the oval titled “package.” A “Printing Instructions” dialog box will appear. Here you’ll submit your contact information and any other project notes your printer should reference.

4) After updating your instructions, click Continue. A “Create Package Folder” dialogue will offer you a standard save option or tweaks on final details. Here a PDF preset can be set up or selected, so it exactly matches the workflow of a specific commercial printer.

Export Preset Options

InDesign allows for PDF presets that enable designers to choose between high quality, press quality, or the smallest file size presets. Each preset will embed fonts and images and capture your design perfectly.

When packaging a PDF file, always consult with us in advance to save on time, labor, or unnecessary stress. We’re here to make things flow as smoothly as possible!

Learn Adobe InDesign CC for Print and Digital Media Publication: Adobe Certified Associate Exam Preparation (2nd Edition) (Adobe Certified Associate (ACA)) 2nd Edition

by Jonathan Gordon (Author), Rob Schwartz (Author), Conrad Chavez (Author)

Used by graphic designers worldwide, Adobe InDesign CC is a layout powerhouse. But that power is easy to harness, as you’ll soon learn. These real-world projects teach you to think like a designer and master the details that set your work apart. Hone your InDesign skills as you:

Produce an advertising poster
Design a magazine for print and tablet delivery
Build interactive forms
Add controls for video, animations, and more to a digital media publication

This study guide uses more than 11 hours of video integrated with text to help you gain real-world skills that will get you started in your career designing publications for print and screen using InDesign CC. It lays the foundation for taking the Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) certification exam and helps prepare you for an entry-level position in a competitive job market.

Purchasing this book gives you access to valuable online extras. Follow the instructions in the book’s “Getting Started” section to unlock access to:

Web Edition containing instructional video embedded in the complete text of the book with interactive review questions along with product updates
Downloadable lesson files you need to work through the projects in the book