Expert: InDesign Pro - 5/14/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi, thanks for your time. I want to know if one needs to embed video clips that is
inserted into a document made in Adobe Indesign CS3, and then exported as a
Pdf file and finally burned onto a DVD? or is the video clips in the Pdf just
burned onto DVD without the need to embed them?
Regards, Johan

ANSWER: Hi Johan, thanks for the question.

Actually, when exporting the document to PDF, you have the option to link or embed the file, depending on your specific needs.

After you select Export and choose PDF as your file type, you name your file and choose its location. When the second dialog box comes up, there is a specific area under the General tab in the bottom-right where you can choose how to deal with imported multi-media files. [see image]

Another solution that I find works well, is to house the files online and link to them from the exported PDF that way. It keeps your file sizes down in the PDF and lets anyone with an internet connection view your interactive PDF. Another cool idea if you do it that way, is you can update the movies on your server without updating the PDF... as long as you name the file the same, keep the same dimensions, etc.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Scott

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Scott,

Thanks for your answer. It is quite clear what you said regarding PDF files for
the internet, but, my question is specific for PDF files (created in Adobe
Indesign), to be burned onto DVD and copies be made for distribution,
commercially.

Should I just burn the PDF files onto a DVD and the video clips will play
automatically? Do the clips get burned with their original files as well? In
other words, no embedding or linking to the originals which sits on my PC?

Regards, Johan

Answer
Hi Johan,

When you choose embed multi-media files in the PDF export dialog box, it will embed them entirely and you do not need to include them as seperate files too. However, always test your DVD on another computer before mass producing them.

The video clips can each have their own preferences depending on what you choose. You can have them play automatically, start playing when a button is clicked, etc.

If you embed the movie files, test your DVD and burn your discs properly, you can be confident they will work the same on other computers.

One thing to note: Since Adobe has opened up its PDF format to other developers, many people have made they're own PDF readers. Keep in mind that most of your interactive elements produced by an InDesign-exported PDF will only work in Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat--and not Apple's Preview or other third-party PDF readers. You might want to mention that in small print on your DVD.

Have fun, let me know if there's anything else I can help with.

Scott