Placing vector files not respecting artboard constraints

Question

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.

Screenshot 2025-12-09 at 10.26.06 AM.png

Screenshot 2025-12-09 at 10.26.24 AM.png

Juan Cano · Accepted Answer

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!

Screenshot 2025-12-09 at 11.07.24 AM.png

Gord@APL · Answer

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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