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foobared
Participating Frequently
July 31, 2019
Answered

Using PDF template in InDesign

  • July 31, 2019
  • 4 replies
  • 1719 views

Maybe I'm missing something silly but could someone kindly explain to me how I am meant to use a PDF template for a banner in InDesign ?  I've uploaded the PDF I've been given here : https://gofile.io/?c=UXqpnM

As you can see, the template comes with all sorts of warnings about not deleting layers etc., so its not like I can just go mock up a similar template from scratch in InDesign.

Your thoughts and advice most welcome !

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Jongware

    I was going to say, "just place it into InDesign" as you can switch off the various layers in there. But: no, that file is not meant to be used in InDesign. That's why you are having problems right from the start!

    See the Checklist #1? "Create artwork on the 'Artwork' Layer …" While you *can* create layers in InDesign and name them any way you want, you cannot add anything to an existing layer. A quick view to the PDF properties tells you more: the PDF is created with Illustrator (v.CC 22.1, no less; that sounds it's the latest). I did not try but I bet if you open this in Illustrator, the abbreviated checklist makes much more sense.

    You might want to address a complaint to the firm that sent you this template, as I would have expected at least some instruction. Even a basic "Oh and it's for Illustrator" would have helped greatly. Keep in mind they have other customers as well. Some may already know what to expect, some can work it out by themselves, and some have to ask online what to do. Thus, a better set of instructions by them goes a long way.

    4 replies

    maxwithdax
    Community Expert
    maxwithdaxCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    August 1, 2019

    This is actually a pretty easy answer. So, the pdf they supplied is really just a guide. You can create the banner in any program you like. What you need to pay attention to are the parameters the template is giving you. Make sure your document follows all of their checklist items. Make sure your bleed, resolution, overall height at width are the same. Then when you have designed your banner, simply output to PDF and have them review it. You should be good to go. I do this all the time for tradeshows.

    Let me know if you are still having problems and I will be happy to help you further.

    -Dax

    Derek Cross
    Community Expert
    Derek CrossCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    August 1, 2019

    As usual Dax, succinct, helpful and accurate (I hope you don't get criticised by the OP for not answering the question the way he wanted!).

    For those others interested, most banner printers supply templates. You can choose, as Dax mentions, which application you want to use. InDesign is probably best as you can Place your Photoshop optimised images and the InDesign text you add will be perfecto.

      Jongware
      Community Expert
      JongwareCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
      Community Expert
      July 31, 2019

      I was going to say, "just place it into InDesign" as you can switch off the various layers in there. But: no, that file is not meant to be used in InDesign. That's why you are having problems right from the start!

      See the Checklist #1? "Create artwork on the 'Artwork' Layer …" While you *can* create layers in InDesign and name them any way you want, you cannot add anything to an existing layer. A quick view to the PDF properties tells you more: the PDF is created with Illustrator (v.CC 22.1, no less; that sounds it's the latest). I did not try but I bet if you open this in Illustrator, the abbreviated checklist makes much more sense.

      You might want to address a complaint to the firm that sent you this template, as I would have expected at least some instruction. Even a basic "Oh and it's for Illustrator" would have helped greatly. Keep in mind they have other customers as well. Some may already know what to expect, some can work it out by themselves, and some have to ask online what to do. Thus, a better set of instructions by them goes a long way.

        F
        foobaredAuthor
        Participating Frequently
        July 31, 2019

        You're spot-on.  As you say, the layers can be seen in Illustrator. 

        So all I need to do now is:

        - Relearn all my InDesign skills in Illustrator

        - Have fun sending a complaint to the firm concerned along the very lines you suggest !

          Derek Cross
          Community Expert
          Derek CrossCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          July 31, 2019

          For moving banners and ads, use Adobe After Effects or Adobe Animate.

          Steve Werner
          Community Expert
          Steve WernerCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          July 31, 2019

          InDesign is not intended to create web banners. Those should be created in Illustrator or Photoshop.

          F
          foobaredAuthor
          Participating Frequently
          July 31, 2019

          Steve Werner​ Derek Cross​

          My bad wording (although if you both had downloaded the PDF linked to, it would be pretty obvious what I was talking about )

          "Banner" as in pop-up banner.  You know, those roll-up things you see at conferences and trade shows.

          Derek Cross
          Community Expert
          Derek CrossCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          July 31, 2019

          I've created artwork for several pull-up banners in InDesign. For example:

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