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robinblock
Participating Frequently
May 22, 2025
Question

Excel File Wierd Placement Issue in ID

  • May 22, 2025
  • 3 replies
  • 775 views

When placing two simple, non-layered sheets in ID from the same excel file, why is the font on one DARKER than the other? They're formatted in Excel exactly the same. (I tried a work-around by copying as picture but it wasn't as crisp when I saved as a pdf.) I don't need to link, just need to place as-is. Pulling my hair out a little here. Any solution or work-around appreciated. I've searched the community and tried several things. THANK YOU

    3 replies

    Robert at ID-Tasker
    Legend
    May 22, 2025

    @robinblock

     

    Can you post some screenshots? 

     

    Or share your INDD / Excel file? Please click my nickname if you prefer to share it privately. 

     

    robinblock
    Participating Frequently
    May 22, 2025

    Hi Rob, please see my previous response for screenshots. Thanks in advance for any advice!

    Robin

    Abhishek Rao
    Community Manager
    Community Manager
    May 22, 2025

    Hi @robinblock,

     

    I totally get how frustrating it can be when two sheets that look identical in Excel end up displaying differently in InDesign.

    Could you let me know which version of InDesign and operating system you're using? Also, are you placing both sheets the same way, like directly placing them from Excel, or copying and pasting? And is the difference in appearance only visible inside InDesign, or does it show up in the exported PDF as well?

    As a workaround, you might want to try exporting each Excel sheet as a PDF and then placing those PDFs into InDesign(let us know the outcome). 

    If you can, please share screenshots showing the difference, and if you're comfortable, the Excel file itself so I can test it on my end. If the file is confidential, feel free to share it via DM.

     

    Looking forward to your update.

    Abhishek

    robinblock
    Participating Frequently
    May 22, 2025

    Thanks for your response! 

    I am using the current online subscription version of ID. I place the file directly from Excel (see below). (When I save to PDF/Print, it prints like this, too.)

    TIA for any help!

    Robin

    Screenshot 1 (BAD!)

    Screenshot 2 (GOOD!)

     

     

     

    BobLevine
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    May 22, 2025

    Have you checked the fonts that are being applied in each sheet? Any styles? Any missing?

     

    Is there any transparency in affect that might be causing any rasterization? It would help if you could post the files somewhere.

    John T Smith
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    May 22, 2025

    You need to ask program questions in the forum for the program you are using
    To ask in the forum for your program please start at https://community.adobe.com/
    Moving from Using the Community (which is about the forums) to the InDesign forum