InDesign package file: A guide to share INDD

The Adobe InDesign files (extension INDD) are packed with different fonts, graphics and links. In order to send them in the manner you have created them, you need to first package them. The Package feature in Adobe InDesign is essential for ensuring all elements are included when you package Adobe InDesign files. The following is a complete breakdown of how and why to package your INDD files. First, let’s be sure you have a clear understanding of the INDD and its functions.

What is an InDesign file?

The InDesign file format is the file extension used by the software system Adobe InDesign. An InDesign document is the foundation of your design project, containing all the elements you need to create professional layouts. It includes a wide array of unique elements such as page data, layouts and more. The INDD is typically used for professional, business creations such as marketing layouts, flyers and newspapers. The INDD lets users add text and graphics without disrupting the overall layout of a project.

Introduction to Creating an InDesign File

Creating an InDesign file is the first step in designing and editing documents, including magazines, brochures, and newspapers. Adobe InDesign is a professional page design and layout software that allows users to create and edit multi-page documents. To start creating an InDesign file, open Adobe InDesign and select the “File” menu, then click “New” and choose “Document” from the drop-down menu. This will open the “New Document” dialog box, where you can set the document’s settings, such as the page size, orientation, and margins. Once the document is created, you can start designing and editing your InDesign file by adding text, graphics, and other elements. This initial setup is crucial for ensuring that your project runs smoothly and meets your design requirements.

Why package InDesign files?

When sharing anything that has the InDesign file extension, it’s important to have all the elements in their right place. Because of the complexity and many variables of an INDD project, sometimes things like fonts or links get lost during the sharing process. Packaging the files is the solution to this problem. It ensures a consistent flow from one process to the next, keeping things like layouts and structures of a project in the right place. Packaging helps to avoid issues related to missing files, ensuring that all necessary components are included.

Think of this process like physically sending something in the mail. For example, let’s say you have ten different bottles to send all to the same place. You could place them into ten separate containers and send them individually. However, this is a cluttered option that lacks efficiency. You should instead decide to place them all into the same box and only have to send one item now. This is the idea behind the packaging utility for InDesign. By using the Package feature, you can ensure that all necessary files are included, making it easier to package files for sharing and collaboration.

Benefits of Packaging

Packaging an InDesign file is essential for keeping everything organized and eliminating unnecessary back and forth with the client and/or printer. The benefits of packaging InDesign files include keeping all the necessary files, such as fonts, links, and graphics, in one place, making it easier to share and collaborate on projects. Packaging also helps to prevent missing links or fonts, which can cause errors and delays in the printing process. Additionally, packaging InDesign files helps to ensure that the file is compatible with different InDesign versions and can be easily opened and edited by others. By packaging their InDesign files, users can save time and reduce the risk of errors, making the design and printing process more efficient.

Necessary preparations to undergo

Before packaging your file, make sure you know what’s about to take place and how to prepare everything correctly. One of the best ways to accomplish this is by naming or renaming all of the included files something uniform. This keeps everything neat and tidy. Next, check to see if the potential recipients have the same access to the fonts you used. This is especially important when sending the INDD to another team member who needs to further edit it. When packaging your file, make sure to select the option to copy fonts to ensure all necessary fonts are included. Finally, check your links to make sure they’re all valid.

Now that you have everything ready to go, it’s important to know what happens you package it. Packaging the INDD file creates a new folder, which you can name whatever best details its contents. It then places all the materials necessary from the document inside the folder, such as fonts and links. Additionally, selecting the option to copy linked graphics ensures that all necessary assets are included in the package. This is then ready to email and share, depending on the size limits of your specific emailing systems.

Finally, updating graphic links in the package helps maintain document integrity and organization.

Step-by-step instructions to package InDesign files

1. Open Adobe InDesign and load the intended INDD file you wish to package
2. Under the ‘File’ menu, select ‘Package’
3. Click the ‘Package’ button on the package dialog box that appears
4. Click ‘Continue’
5. Select the location where you would prefer the file to be packaged to on your computer, such as your desktop
6. After selecting the location, click save to ensure the document is properly exported
7. Click ‘Package’

You can now locate all the contents of the packaged file in your newly created folder. From there, you’re able to compress and send the contents to other users. Different tools are able to unpackage these files. It’s likely even that whichever operating system you (or whoever you share your file with) use has a way to open these files naturally without any third party software tools.

Once the files are packaged, you can zip the folder by right-clicking and selecting the compress option to make it easier to share.

Because INDD files don’t share the same way other digital assets do, use the package option to share all of the contents of your INDD file in an orderly fashion. The better your understanding of this process, the quicker you’ll finish projects.

Understanding Package Contents and Sharing InDesign Files

When packaging an InDesign file, it’s essential to understand what contents are included in the package. A typical InDesign package file contains the INDD file, IDML file, links folder, font folder, and PDF. The INDD file is the original InDesign file, while the IDML file is a backup file that can be opened in different InDesign versions. The links folder contains all the linked graphics and images, and the font folder contains all the fonts used in the document. The PDF file is a high-resolution version of the document that can be used as a guide for printing. To share an InDesign file, package the file and send it to the client or printer via email or other sharing methods. It’s essential to check the size limits of the emailing system before sharing the packaged file to ensure smooth delivery.

Best Practices

To ensure that InDesign files are packaged correctly, follow these best practices. Before packaging an InDesign file, use the “Preflight” function to check for errors and fix any missing links or fonts. Validate links to ensure they’re all valid and check if the potential recipients have access to the same fonts used in the InDesign file. When packaging the InDesign file, choose the correct options, such as copying fonts, copying linked graphics, and updating graphic links in the package. Include a PDF file in the package to provide a guide for printing. By following these best practices, you can ensure that your InDesign files are packaged correctly and can be easily shared and collaborated on, minimizing the risk of errors and ensuring a smooth workflow.