Complex artwork crashing

Forum|Forum|7 years ago
April 21, 2019
2 replies
1444 views

I am trying to print a file to PDF, and then format that PDF to an imposed file for binding. The problem is that the InDesign file involves a complex grid that is currently done via an illustrator file placed on the master. Not like a document grid template, but a literal grid - graph paper. The complexity of the grid, even though it is a linked file, is causing everything to crash when I try to process everything to print.

There MUST be something I am missing - I am sure many artists for many reasons have made artwork more complex than what I'm working with, here. It's even all one colour! I have tried making the grid native in InDesign ( a terrible waste of time), I've tried using placed image files at high resolution (they have to be VERY high res for good print output and so no help on the resources used), I've tried pasting the artwork out of illlustrator so the EPS data is embedded, and I've tried linking the .ai file as a placed resource. They all are TERRIBLE. InDesign is constantly crashing and I really need to make it through this £$%^ project!!

What am I missing?

This topic has been closed for replies.

C

CitrusBookBinderyAuthor

Known Participant

We design and print everything in-house. Our process is typically:

1. Create vector grids in Illustrator

2. Place grids into InDesign for formatting into booklets with specified number of pages.

3. Output via Acrobat with creep, imposition, etc.

4. Print.

Michael Bullo

Community Expert

I've tried using placed image files at high resolution (they have to be VERY high res for good print output and so no help on the resources used)

Could you please elaborate on your above statement. It sounds like you have tried exporting out high res graphics from Illustrator and placing them into InDesign but I don't know what you mean when you say "They all are TERRIBLE".

C

CitrusBookBinderyAuthor

Known Participant

I'm sorry - its been an incredibly terrible week and my frustration is interfering with my ability to communicate effectively.

Being able to cleanly export and print complex grids is key to my business. Some are ... low-poly ... is the best way I can describe them, even though I know that is a 3D term. One or two small vectors per centimeter. Others are much more complex - the one causing me problems right now is somewhere around 10 vectors per centimeter. Not much for a small page, but for an A4 sheet that is like 6000 vectors.

I've tried a few ways of doing this - I've tried using line patterns in InDesign to make them natively, but that is hard to control. I've tried creating them in illustrator (which gives me the absolute most control over spacing) and then copy/pasting them into InDesign as an EPS. This gives me perfect output for files with around 288 pages, but when I try to output a larger book at 408 or 432 pages the overall size is crashing the application. Alternatively, I tried making the .ai to the exact size I need and using it as placed artwork thinking it would be less of a drain on resources, but the same thing is happening. I have a damn good PC and I still cannot output and print this file.

Derek Cross

Community Expert

Which version of InDesign an OS?

Don’t use EPS, it’s an obsolete format.

Don’t print to PDF that’s an obsolete workflow, use the InDesign PDF presets — consult your printer but usually PDF/X-4 is the one to use, select single pages, not spreads and tick Use Document Bleed Settings. Assuming you’re using a commercial printer, they will do the imposition, not you.

Work in RGB colour mode in Illustrator, and Place native AI image files in InDesign.

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