Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 10/8/2008

Question
Hi

I am having trouble loading in a Word file. I have used InDesign before, and I believe that with that software I used "place" or maybe even "insert." However, when I use "place" in the version of AI I'm using, it tells me that the file I'm trying to place is incompatible (a Word doc). I don't think that the "insert" option is available for this function...? How exactly do I bring in a Word document (or any text document come to that), please? Is it a problem with Word? Do I have to save my work as an rtf or similar before loading it in? I tried to get round the problem by cutting and pasting but the text pasted in 72 font and didn't paste correctly onto the page! (I don't have to "draw" a box before loading in copy do I? I also did that and it had no effect!!)

Many thanks.

Jane


Answer
Hi JD,

First, yes you need to draw a text box before you place text (file>place) into that box. Next, depending on what version of AI you have, your word doc may be too new. I always save out as either rtf or just plain txt before placing.

Thanks

Kevin