Converting an InDesign project to Illustrator (.ai)

[Adam]

A project was created in InDesign, but the printer only accepts Illustrator.

Is there a way to transfer the project from InDesign to Illustrator (.ai)
while keeping the spot colors spot and the process colors process? I know
the text will become static (shapes instead of editable text) but I can live
with that if I have to. However, the spot vs process issue is a big deal.

Thanks!

[keith]

Give the printer a PDF file made from your InDesign file. If they
can't work with that, you're dealing with the wrong printer.

Keith

[Usenet]

I would convert all text to outlines first, then create a Press Quality
.pdf. Sometimes an unembedded font created wonkiness in InDesign pdfs

[Self-meditating in Tampa, Florida USA]

Very true about the outlined fonts. The RIP they use can definitely
run into problems with embedded fonts. I know from experience ;(

Great advice.

gary in florida -- colllllld brrrrr :)

[Adam]

keith wrote:
>
> Give the printer a PDF file made from your InDesign file. If they
> can't work with that, you're dealing with the wrong printer.

A PDF file will properly separate SPOT layers from PROCESS ones?

What can you do with an AI file that you can't with a PDF file? Besides
editing content on the printing side, I mean.

[steggy]

Adam schreef:

Try just copying the Indesign doc into Illustrator.

Or why not PDF it.

[steggy]

Adam schreef:

Nothing Adam. That is why most printers nowadays really love PDF.
Although if saved in the right manner, the PDF file can be opened and
edited in Illustrator.

Just make sure you make a high res PDF (most of the times the
PDF/X-1a:2001 preset is good enough). Spot colours will be preserved.

[Adam]

"steggy" <ste...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:6tph6eF...@mid.individual.net...

>
> Nothing Adam. That is why most printers nowadays really love PDF.
> Although if saved in the right manner, the PDF file can be opened and
> edited in Illustrator.
>
> Just make sure you make a high res PDF (most of the times the
> PDF/X-1a:2001 preset is good enough). Spot colours will be preserved.

What about flexography and silkscreening, and the trapping (dot gain)
associated with it? I was told PDF can't handle that. If you can prove me
wrong, I would *love* to switch to PDF permanently for all projects, and
make it a company-wide policy.

[steggy]

Adam schreef:

If you are using Adobe software to make the original documents, I do not
think you have anything to worry about. The PDF just makes a 100% copy
of your doc. To be completely safe you should get into Enfocus, to
create Certified PDF's. But to be honest: I have a professional studio
and I always deliver the PDF's right out from InDesign/Illustrator.

Mind you it would be a good idea to have Adobe Acrobat Pro in the house.
With Preflight you can check the file before sending it to the printer.

Trapping is not an issue.

[Self-meditating in Tampa, Florida USA]

Good reco, Steggy. We do the same thing; generate PDF's directly from
InDesign -- and preflights are a major thing (even when we're
outputting what we call 'transitional' books that fill the gap between
commercial sheetfed production and school-start-dates). PDF workflows
are wonderful once you get a grip on them.

gary in florida (brrrrrr!)

[steggy]

Self-meditating in Tampa, Florida USA schreef:

Please do not tell me it is cold in Florida...

And yes (to start a discussion) the whole Certified PDF (e.g. Enfocus)
is puzzling me for years.

If and when things are well prepared in InDesign or whatever a good PDF
does not give any trouble.

Sometimes I get a "Problem" warning I have no clue about, let alone
solve it. Never ever did it give any problem for the printer and the end
result. Make sure the colors are set right and the fonts are OK.