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Verity5F9D
Participant
August 29, 2022
Question

Can I package an indesign file as psd?

  • August 29, 2022
  • 4 replies
  • 350 views

I'm currently working on a project for a client, who wants to end result to be packaged as a psd, so that text and layers are all fully editable. However, its a multi-page pdf and additionally I am much more accustomed to working in Indesign (tbh I suck at PS). Is there a way to design to doc in Indesign and then package it for my client as a psd?

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    4 replies

    Willi Adelberger
    Community Expert
    Willi AdelbergerCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    August 30, 2022
    1. InDesign packaging means all used assets and IDML, INDD and PDF are assambled in a common folder. Photoshop has noting to do here, except that some assets might be PSDs.
    2. On the Mac is a JS aveilable which creates layered PSDs from the INDD file. I have never tested it, I know only it exists.
    3. 3 The common way to get an INDD to Photoshop is to export the INDD as PDF/X-4, open that in Photoshop and all layers are lost.
    Derek Cross
    Community Expert
    Derek CrossCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    August 30, 2022

    The only way your client can edit your InDesign documents (assuming you're happy for him/her to do so) is for them to take out their own InDesign licence and learn how to use the application.
    There may be developments in due course that would allow others to edit parts of an InDesign document but, although it's been mentioned, nothing firm has been announced to date..

    Mike Witherell
    Community Expert
    Mike WitherellCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    August 29, 2022

    Full answer: no. And it is a bad idea.

    Mike Witherell
      Jumpenjax
      Community Expert
      JumpenjaxCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      August 30, 2022

      When you package you can adjust to have a quality pdf. But Mike is correct it is a bad idea.

      Lee- Graphic Designer, Print Specialist, Photographer
      Scott Falkner
      Community Expert
      Scott FalknerCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      August 29, 2022

      Short of rebuilding the entire document in Photoshop, no. The file formats are incompatible. You could export PDFs with different layers visible then place them into a Photoshop file, but the content of those layers would not be editable. Text would be rasterized or PDF smart objects. Your client is making a very unreasonable request. You can either talk them out of it or tell them truthfully it will triple the time and their bill.

        V
        Verity5F9DAuthor
        Participant
        August 29, 2022

        Hi Scott, thanks for answering! I'm going to talk to my client about finding a workaround. She's not being unreasonable though, she's not v experienced in Adobe so didn't realise this was impossible. 

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