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Participating Frequently
November 18, 2017
Question

Create an email in InDesign

  • November 18, 2017
  • 5 replies
  • 11472 views

I've been trying to export an email from InDesign for a client, but images fail to appear, and centred text appears justified, when I export. (See below.)

When I export to HTML, I select Images and then make Copy Images: Link to Server Path, enter the https:/website and delete all text from the File Extension field.

I get a warning saying there are 2 unresolved hyperlinks (which I checked -- they are all green and working).

It also says: External Text Anchor is not found:15

I don't understand what this means. Can anyone tell me what I'm doing wrong?

Many thanks!

This topic has been closed for replies.

5 replies

Scott Citron
Legend
November 19, 2017

I agree with Derek that creating an email like this is infinitely easier using MailChimp or similar product. My only experience is with MailChimp, but I recommend it highly.

Derek Cross
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 19, 2017

If you want to go the route of creating your own, Lynda.com have an online video tutorial on how to create a simple HTML Newsletter (you can get a 30-day free trial): Creating an HTML Email Newsletter

Willi Adelberger
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 19, 2017

Did you consider to use Publish Online functionality?

Participating Frequently
November 19, 2017

Hi Will. Yes I've tried that too but all the images & text mix up - ends up looking quite like the HTML email. 

Derek Cross
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 18, 2017

You can create HTML Newsletters in Dreamweaver but it's a big learning curve as, unlike coding a web page, HTML emails need to display well on old email software such as Outlook or Mac Mail, as well as adapt to smartphone and tablet screens. Have a look instead at something like MailChimp: Marketing Automation - Sell More Stuff | MailChimp

Participating Frequently
November 19, 2017

Hi Derek

Agreed -- I use Mailchimp for other clients but this one wants it created as a stand alone thing. I thought the client wanted an interactive PDF which is why I created it in InDesign, but they're saying they want it as an email - which is where I'm getting stuck...

I've used Lynda.com before (more for FCP editing training) which is really good! But is the 'Creating an HTML newsletter' tutorial about creating it in InDesign, or another program? (The overview doesn't specify the program it's using.)

Thanks so much for your help Derek!

Emma

Derek Cross
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 19, 2017

No not InDesign, but a text editor, there are a number Coda is a good one (but not free): Coda

(Interactive PDF is different – it's not an HTML Newsletter!)

Steve Werner
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 18, 2017

Almost everyone agrees: InDesign is NOT built for creating emails.

You're using the wrong tool for the job, and you'll never be happy with the result. It's like using a hammer to saw a board!

Participating Frequently
November 19, 2017

Hi Steve -- Noted -- Thank you!