Inspiring

Question

How to import paths or outlines created in Keynote or Powerpoint.

Forum|Forum|7 years ago
May 5, 2018
2 replies
2502 views

Hello, everyone.

I have files with closed paths created that I need to import into InDesign. I need these to be translated to working paths in InDesign with anchor points that can be edited and/or moved. The files are available as Apple Keynote or Microsoft Powerpoint files.

Is there a way to import these paths into InDesign from Keynote or Powerpoint files ?

Thank you in advance.

This topic has been closed for replies.

Mike Witherell

Community Expert

I have created paths in InDesign using the pen tool. These paths have been traced over a background image and I used the pen tool to place numerous anchor points in order to keep this path as close as possible to the underlying image. The paths look good but I think they could be much smoother than they are. I remember using a tool in Adobe Illustrator a while back that did just this: this tool was applied over the path following it and the path became smoother with less anchor points.
Is there a way to achieve this same result in InDesign ? Is there a way to smooth a closed path in InDesign after it has been created ?

InDesign has a Pencil tool, and a Smooth tool, similar to Illustrator. If you double-click on the Pencil tool, you can slide the Fidelity and Smoothness sliders to the right, and when using the Pencil tool, it will generate smoother bezier curves. Repainting over an existing wobbly path with the Smooth tool will also simplify and smooth a path.

Mike Witherell

Eric Dumas

Community Expert

Hi,

Please confirm the version of the software and OS you are using.

I would start by trying Copy-Paste, I had positive results in the past.

If you are on a Windows platform, you might to export as WMF format or PDF, that usually offer some editing support. You will have a better chance of success if you edit your paths in illustrator as it offers better compatibility and editing options.

BobLevine

Community Expert

WMF would be horrific. There's no support that I know of for bezier curves.

I think the OP may be in for a rough ride here. There is simply no direct route from those two applications to InDesign.

PDF to Illustrator and the use of the tools would certainly be the route I would suggest.

J

Joe_CaldwellAuthor

Inspiring

Bob Levine,

Thank you for your reply and for your suggestions.

In case I choose to use Illustrator for this task, is there a way to:

1. Trace the image and then convert it to a path.

2. Export this path and then import it into InDesign as a path that can be edited.

Just as an additional note I believe you made a mistake when you blocked another post of mine. That post was not a duplicate and was totally unrelated to this one. That post was about paths I created in InDesign using the pen tool and how to smooth those paths, This post is about curves or paths created in Keynote and Powerpoint, and how to import them into InDesign.

Thank you in advance.

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