Double-click on the package to unzip the folder and access the files.
Step 2: The installed font will come in a zip file that usually contains a lot of other files. Once you've downloaded the fonts of your choice, you may need to restart your computer to complete the installation process.
There are so many sources for both free and paid fonts online. You’ll be packaging files on autopilot in no time.Step 1: Begin by finding the fonts you want to install.
This function in InDesign seldom changes with software updates. Now any time you need to send a packaged InDesign file (or “Collect” if you’re working with an old school vendor), just follow these four easy steps. Send your files in accordance with your vendor’s preferences and pat yourself on the back for packaging your first InDesign file. Today, most vendors and outside recipients should be able to accept files via any of the major file transfer services such as, , or. zip file), this package folder may be too large to email.
Include PDF will automatically export a PDF of your project as-is for a quick proof/preview of the contents of your package.Ĭlick Package and marvel at your organized, ready-to-go files!Ĭhances are that even when zipped ( right click IDML stands for InDesign Markup Language and any version of InDesign can open these files. Include IDML is useful if you’re sharing files with someone using older software.Copy Linked Graphics means that every image and asset you’ve linked to is included in the package.Copy Fonts allows you to include the typefaces you used in your design.Here’s a quick rundown of the most important must-use options: You may feel bombarded with options, but you may not need everything offered in this menu. In this final window, you’ll select a destination folder for your collected files. Whatever you enter here will export as a plain text file alongside your project files. You might even include your contact information. Depending on the project and who is receiving these files, you may want to provide additional instructions at this stage. If you checked the Create Printing Instructions box on the previous menu, the Printing Instructions window will appear. Hit the Package button to proceed to the next step. You also have the option of reviewing your file information in more granular detail in the menus on the left. Read through this because an error at this stage will cause headaches down the line. Next, you’ll see a window containing a summary of your file information. If your printer provided a preflight checklist, or your department has its own preflight process, now is the time to use it.įirst, go to File > Package in the main menu, or hit Option+ Shift + Command + P.Broken links will not magically transport themselves to your package. Check your Links panel to confirm that all assets are accounted for.Ensure that the fonts you’re sharing are available and okay to share with an additional party.Remove all unnecessary layers, unused swatches, and extraneous objects outside your pasteboard.In action, this looks like Shutterstock-Blog-InDesignPackageTutorial-210517.indd. A format that I swear by is: ClientName-ProjectName-Deliverable-YYMMDD.indd. Make sure your InDesign filename is descriptive enough to know what you’re looking at in a glance.Start by cleaning up your files, and removing any potential for confusion and delay. The first step to a smooth transition is keeping yourself organized. Image via Visual Generation.ĭon’t rely on software functions for a no-fuss project hand-off. Practice Good File Hygiene Get organized in InDesign and stay organized, no matter how many projects you have. Follow these four easy steps below to quickly collect your files.ġ. Regardless of your incentive, the steps to package your InDesign file are the same. Or, perhaps you’d like to create an archival copy of your project that you can pick up later without having to worry about updating or missing links. Or, maybe you’re sending assets to a vendor or freelancer outside of your organization and want to provide a comprehensive collection of everything they need. Your printer may have requested it for print production reasons.
There are several reasons you’d want to package your InDesign file at the end of the project.
Learn how to collect your entire design project in one easy-to-share package.