Formatter for my book is unreachable. Help!

Forum|Forum|10 months ago
June 12, 2025
2 replies
599 views

Hello, I had someone format my book using InDesign, but they are now unreachable. I do have the source file, but if I import and export it, everything changes. This is very unfortunate since I need to make edits, and the formatter did such a beautiful job with certain design and flourishes that I fear might have been owned by him. They all disappear when exporting from my computer

Is this something I can fix myself by learning how to use Indesign, or will it never be the same since it won't be from his computer?

Import and export

leo.r

Community Expert

Is this something I can fix myself by learning how to use Indesign, or will it never be the same since it won't be from his computer?

By @ryan_8071

An InDesign file can contain linked art such as images and vector graphics. If you don't have the original files linked to the document (that is, they're reported as missing in the Links panel), then you won't be able to output them in an acceptable quality. You need the original images and Illustrator files. Other than that, we need to know more info about the project. Can you post some screenshots of the design elements you're concerned about?

R

ryan_8071Author

Participating Frequently

R

ryan_8071Author

Participating Frequently

Here are some screenshots, including the chapter design pages and the scene break in the second one. It also shows several fonts missing when I upload to Indesign on my computer. All I have is the original Word file, which has none of these designs.

leo.r

Community Expert

I do have the source file, but if I import and export it, everything changes.

By @ryan_8071

First, can you please clarify what you mean by that. Where do you import and export the file from and to? Are you opening it in InDesign or are you doing something different?

R

ryan_8071Author

Participating Frequently

Sorry, should have been more specific. I downloaded Indesign and uploaded the source file given to me by the formatter. When I upload his file, I get missing font error messages, and there are large letters and symbols where there would be a flourish or even an intentional space between paragraphs. Then, just to see what happens, I export the file without making any changes and the pdf basically looks terrible with everything out of place.

jmlevy

Community Expert

When I upload his file, I get missing font error messages

To be able to edit an InDesign file, fonts used in the file must be installed on your computer (or activated from the Adobe Fonts site).

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