ID Tip #247: Importing Copy Files

So, sometimes when your copywriter arranges his copy in the Word file with lots of formatting, and it can impede on your ability to select the type when imported into InDesign.

Make things easier by unchecking "Retain Format" in the Import window. This will cause InDesign to strip the file of all formatting (including bold, italic, and underlining). I'm not sure if it strips the file of it's table-setup, but we'll talk about that later.

Abbreviations

From now on, for the sake of keeping titles from becoming short novels, I may use the following shortcuts:

Adobe® InDesign® = ID
Adobe® Illustrator®= IL
Adobe® PhotoShop® = PS
Adobe® Acrobat® = AC

we'll test it out and see if it's too confusing, eh?

InDesign Tip #103: Create a PDF w/ spreads

Another challenge! (thanks again, derek)

When exporting PDFs from InDesign (one of it's most fabulous features compared to Quark PDF-making), do the following to make a PDF of your spread.

1. Hit apple+E or File>Export
2. Create your 'save as' name and choose a location. Be sure Adobe PDF is selected as the file type to be created (it is the default setting). Hit Save.
3. In the next window, select the type of PDF you wish to make: screen (lo-res), print (higher-res), or press (highest-res).
4. Check the button that says Spreads, just below the page range.
5. Then click Export.

That should create your PDF. I tried it using a 3-page and 4-page spread and it worked beautifully.
Derek, let me know if that answered your question.

InDesign Tip #102: Page Palette Options

Derek asked how to view pages in the pages palette horizontally (so you don't have to make your palette so tall).

Easy, I say! And much more economical when working with multi-page documents, in my opinion.

Here's how:
Click on the arrow in the upper right corner of the pages palette.
In that menu, select Palette Options.
If you want your pages or master pages to show horizontally, uncheck Show Vertically.
In this same window, you can also choose to put the pages palette ABOVE the masters palette (should you desire), as well as creating a fixed window size for either palette.

Experiment and customize your palettes! It's fun, and it's nice to have things just where you like them.
Now give me harder questions!
:)