Expert: Amy - 7/1/2007

Question
Hi Amy,

Platform: PC
Illustrator Version: CS2
Indesign Version: CS2
Final Output: for Press Printer

I have several questions as i'm trying to find the best possible way to import my Illustrator files into a master Indesign file, for Press output. I'll provide you with my scenerio and what i have within my Illustrator files.

- 1. Illustrator - my .ai files contain:

- Transparencies
- EMBEDDED Jpegs
- Fonts

a) But, i plan to flatten my artwork, and outline all my fonts, before importing them into Indesign as .ai files. Will this procedure, retain my Illustrator transparencies, embedded jpegs (without having to send the printer the photo jpegs)?

b) In regards to flattening the artwork, do i need to set my rasterize settings to highest (3oodpi), and transparency settings to highest?

- 2. Indesign -

Based on the above specifications of a flattened .ai file, should i be placing my .ai files into Indesign, as opposed to exporting as an .eps? I hear that when you save the native .ai file, you're actually saving a PDF file as well, and therefore placing a PDF file of the .ai file into Indesign.

a) So, the important questions is, does this PDF file retain my artwork as vector-based still? Keeping it vector is very important to me.

Please help me on the best way possible. i apologize, i know there are a bunch of questions in there. Thank You!!!

Answer
Hello there!

Here are my thoughts...

a) printers prefer that you don't use jpegs. I would re-save and re-place those jpegs as CMYK tiffs or CMYK eps images. To answer the embedding question, if you make sure the [ ] Link option is NOT checked when placing your image files, they will be embedded and you will not need to include the original image files when you go to print.

b) You are correct in choosing the highest resolution possible but it often depends on the artwork. I strongly suggest you read all about flattening (the how's and why's) at Adobe.com. They have a flattening guide and it is very helpful. I recently re-read it because technology advances and I try to keep up. There are tips and tricks to flattening that will help you get the absolute best product you can get.

2) I've done both - depends on the printer I work with. But I believe that if you place the AI file into InDesign, you don't need to flatten it first. InDesign supports transparency.

a) Yes, PDF files contain vector data so your crispness will be preserved.

What I recommend would depend largely on what the artwork looks like. First, read the Guide to Flattening at Adobe.com. Then, after you familiarize yourself with the technology, talk to the pre press person at your printer to find the method they prefer/recommend.

I'm not a big InDesign user, I prefer Quark for the work I do. Quark doesn't support AI transparency. I usually find raster solutions for transparency effects. When stuck for answers, I flatten files as cleanly as I can. Call me a purist. I don't like challenging my printer.  =) When you're on a tight budget, experimentation can be costly. That's not saying you shouldn't go for it... especially if you've got a helpful and friendly printer. I guess I'm saying I personally play it safe.

I hope something in this message helps you out!
-Amy Pace