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Juan Cano
Inspiring
Dec 9, 2025 3:29 PM UTC
Answered

Placing vector files not respecting artboard constraints

Hi; this is probably a user error. When placing vector files into InDesign, the placed image now ignores the bounds of the artboard, and the artwork expands to the edges. 

 

In the video you see how I had an icon inside a box. The extra room around the icon is the Illustrator artboard. I changed the color of the icon in Illustrator and when I place it, now the icon expands to fit the whole box. I also tried placing just the icon on the document and it also fills out to the edges ignoring the Illustrator artboard boundaries.

 

Is this a setting in my preferences that was reset when updating? I don't recall this ever happening. 

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Juan Cano
Juan CanoCorrect answer
Inspiring
Dec 9, 2025 4:10 PM UTC

This is happening on an old file that already had icons placed in it and saw the issue when replacing them after changing colors. It also happens on new documents.


OK; figured it out. It seems the "Import options" setting was reset to fit to the image vs the artboard like I've always had it.

 

I was able to change it once and now it seems to be working as usual. So a mix of me not remmebring this potion exists and the software update changing settings. Thanks!

 

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16 replies

Gord@APL
Inspiring
Dec 9, 2025 3:39 PM UTC

Importing .ai (or .eps, for that matter) pays no attention to the artboard (edit: by default). I'm not sure of the same is true of .PDF, but the best way to be sure is to add a box to the Illustrator file, to the same size as the artboard. Doesn't have to have a fill or stroke, just has to be there. At that point, InDesign should recognise it as the perimeter of the image you're placing.

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BobLevine
Community Expert
Community Expert
Dec 9, 2025 3:42 PM UTC

AI is PDF. No difference at all and InDesign most certainly honors the choice if the file is set up properly in Illustrator.

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BobLevine
Community Expert
Community Expert
Dec 9, 2025 3:37 PM UTC

Assuming this is an AI or PDF file, be sure you show options and crop it to the artwork.

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Juan Cano
Juan CanoAuthor
Inspiring
Dec 9, 2025 3:40 PM UTC

The icon is created in Illustrator and the issue happens when placing in InDesign. Traditionally when the vector file is placed, Indesign includes the AI artboard inside the box. Now it does not, it explands the icon to the edges to the box ignoring the AI artboard. 

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BobLevine
Community Expert
Community Expert
Dec 9, 2025 3:43 PM UTC

You need to show the options when placing. That setting is sticky.

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