Expert: Glen Demers - 8/25/2009

Question
I generally put all elements in a root project folder when working in ID. This time I wanted to try just creating the project from different images scattered all around my computer. I thought that when I packaged the project it would pull in copies of all linked images to the Links folder, but it doesn't seem to do that. Am I missing something or is this not what "Package" does in ID. If not is there a way to do this? I am just trying to save the time to manually gather all the elements. Thanks in advance for your time.

Answer
Hi Tom,

When you package a job it will gather the linked graphics, fonts, Layout file and a report into a folder. You must have permission make copies of the fonts for your service bureau in order to package fonts - you'll get a warning.

Make sure your links are up to date in the links palette, save your job and the select Package. InDesign will perform a preflight to check that all fonts are loaded and graphic links are up to date. You can fill in some information on the job for the report including contact info and special instructions. In the next dialog box check Copy fonts if you want and make sure you checked Copy Linked Graphics. Checking Update Graphic Links in Package will update the links to the ID file in the package folder. Check Include Fonts and Links from Hidden and non-printing layers - this will package graphics that have been set to non-printing.

Package will create a new folder in the directory you specified, with a report, ID doc, Links folder and Fonts folder (if Copy Fonts was used). The report can be opened in any text editor and will contain a list of linked graphics packaged as well as note any problems. I use package all the time to gather all the elements of a job into one folder, it'll even include graphics from the pasteboard. Packaging may require a long time to finish if you have lots of links to large images.

For additional tips on Packaging InDesign files as well as screen shots of the process, <a href="http://www.bestprintingonline.com/indesign.htm#collecting">Click here</a> or copy this link into your browser http://is.gd/2xWzX

Hope this helps,
Glen Demers
Prepress Technician, Best Printing Online
www.bestprintingonline.com

For more InDesign tips please visit our help pages here: http://www.bestprintingonline.com/indesign.htm