Expert: Laith Ibrahim - 6/11/2008

Question
Hello.  I'm trying to save a native vector illustrator file (CMYK) and then place
it into InDesign (CMYK) and preserve the vector-based art for complete
editing.  However, when I save an Illustrator file and then place it into
InDesign, the file becomes a raster image!  It is only when I copy the item in
Illustrator and drag it across my desktop and drop it into InDesign that the
vectors are preserved.  I'd like to import Illustrator files and have full
functionality of them in InDesign.  Help.

Answer
Hi Jared,
Until this moment Adobe Indesign is still unable to completely edit Illustrator files. Even when you "cut and paste" or "Drag and drop" the results are not great. You can edit simple file using the Direct Selection tool (the white arrow). More complex file requires the use of Adobe Illustrator without any doubt.

When you place an Illustrator file (ai) and place it into Indesign the file will not become a raster image. Just change the display setting by right clicking on your placed illustration and choose "Display Performance>High Quality Display". Your file will look crisp after you change the display setting.

If you have both Indesign and Illustrator programs, here's the best way to work with Illustrator files in Indesign.

1.Use the native ai file format. When saving the file in Illustrator always make sure that "Create PDF compatible File" is selected in the "Save as" options. By embedding a PDF into the native ai file, Indesign will gain access a composite of  the ai file.

2. Place the ai file in Indesign. In the "Place" options make sure the option "Link" is selected.

3. Now that you have the file placed in Indesign, you can edit it by right clicking on it and choosing "Edit original". This will open the file back in Illustrator, make your changes and just hit "save".  When you look at your file in Indesign the new changes are there. If not, just update the link of the placed file in the "Links" palette.

If you like to read more about the subject of why Indesign isn't fully capable of editing Illustrator files, here's a link to an intersecting article named "The Ugly Truth Behind PDFs and AIs". Check the responses as they have some good information too.
http://indesignsecrets.com/the-ugly-truth-behind-pdfs-and-ais.php

Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Best regards,


Laith