Expert: Roy Wilhelm - 7/18/2008

Question
Hello, I am use to using Page Maker as my book design software, but my printer and others recommend using InDesign. Even though it offers many new features I am baffled how I'm to get the text to my editor without having him buy the software. #1 Is there any way to select text (copy it) and drop it into a word document? # How can I select just the coy so to send to my editor?
Thank you

Answer
Hi. Glad to help you.

You have three options:

1. Your editor purchases InDesign or InCopy(much cheaper). There are obviously two constraints here: training time and money.

2. Export as a PDF. Constraint here is that your editor can't edit the text in the file. He/she can only print a hard copy, make written edits, and mail it back to you to make the changes in the file.

3. Export the text. You can export to Rich Text Format (RTF) or Text only. RTF files will save font styles and formatting (bold, italic, etc.) so this is more favorable. Text only will lose all formatting. Only problem with RTF is that if your editor doesn't have the fonts you used, he/she will have to replace them with something else.

Exporting Text Files
If you need to edit text outside InDesign, you can export it as Adobe InDesign Tagged Text, Rich Text Format, or Text Only. Using the Type tool, click in a story to export all of it or highlight the portions to export. Then, choose File > Export and select an option from the Format menu.


Hope this helps!