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J
JoCoGov
Participating Frequently
February 24, 2021
Answered

Conversion from Word or pdf ?

  • February 24, 2021
  • 2 replies
  • 884 views

I have a 250 page annual report that is in Word and pdf.  I want to make it in In Design.  Can I convert the Word document or pdf to In Design OR should I rebuild it from scratch in In Design?

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Correct answer Randy Hagan

If you're happy with the layout as it is, I would go for the PDF. You can place it page by page for a (nearly) flawless reproduction of the original.

 

If you're not, It's better to start with the copy from Word. Then either access the original graphics, or failing that, with varying degrees of success, extract images and use Illustrator to pull the vector graphics out and re-save them. Strongly recommend getting the original graphics, if at all possible. Then you can rebuild the report to your satisfaction.

 

Good luck,

 

Randy

2 replies

Brad @ Roaring Mouse
Community Expert
Brad @ Roaring MouseCommunity Expert
Community Expert
February 24, 2021

If you are statisfied with the look and design of the Word/PDF you have now and are attempting to convert that "verbatim" into InDesign, there are some conversion utilities out there (from companies like markzware, etc) that can convert PDF to ID, but there are costs attached to them... and they are faaaarrrr from perfect, but may get you further ahead than starting from scratch.  Personally, I rarely see benefit to using these when I could rebuild it quicker and better myself, but with a 250 page document, it may be a bit of a time saver, which may be worth the cost.

 

Good luck

    BobLevine
    Community Expert
    BobLevineCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    February 24, 2021
    Why would anyone convert the PDF when they already have a Word file?
    Brad @ Roaring Mouse
    Community Expert
    Brad @ Roaring MouseCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    February 24, 2021

    I think you're missing the point. If you are starting from scratch, of course you would use the Word document. That's not the issue here. The OP already knows that there's the option to start from scratch and import the Word.

     

    I'll give you an example. I had a client who had a project that they had built my "someone at the office" in Publisher, but now wanted me to clean it up, give it a designer's touch, and get it ready for print. There were major layout choices, borders, multi-columns, pictures placed, etc etc etc, and it was 120 pages long. Also, it was gawd-awful, but they liked it and just wanted it "fixed". Well, I ain't gonna do MY work in Publisher, and the amount of time it would take me to rebuild it and match what they've done in my ID was beyond their budget. But, I had the Publisher file converted to an ID file for not even $100, and that got me 80% of the way there. Some rework, cleanup, re-design and fixing everything that needed to be fixed took only a few hours. Done.

    The way I'm reading the OP, he has a document that was prepared and "designed" in Word, and a PDF of that. He would rather work in ID. Indeed. Can that be converted to ID without rebuilding?? Yes, using a plugin or converter as discussed. Will that save time? Not usually, but at 250 pages, it might be worth looking into.

    BobLevine
    Community Expert
    BobLevineCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    February 24, 2021
    Just place the Word file using the file > place command.

    If you're asking this, I strongly suggest getting some training or you're going to be in for a world of hurt.
      J
      JoCoGovAuthor
      Participating Frequently
      February 24, 2021

      LOL.  I understand the place command.  I'm talking about converting a 250 page pdf or Word document to a 250 page In Design document.

      Randy Hagan
      Community Expert
      Randy HaganCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
      Community Expert
      February 24, 2021

      If you're happy with the layout as it is, I would go for the PDF. You can place it page by page for a (nearly) flawless reproduction of the original.

       

      If you're not, It's better to start with the copy from Word. Then either access the original graphics, or failing that, with varying degrees of success, extract images and use Illustrator to pull the vector graphics out and re-save them. Strongly recommend getting the original graphics, if at all possible. Then you can rebuild the report to your satisfaction.

       

      Good luck,

       

      Randy

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