Copy/Paste from AI to INDD

[linads80136721]

Hi all. I have a simple vector path in AI CS5.1 and I'm trying to copy and paste-in-place to INDD CS5.5 (Windows). I need it to remain an editable vector. I've read that I need to go to Edit>Preferences> FIle Handling and Clipboard Handling but I do not see that. I see File Handling and Clipboard handling as two separate windows, neither of which have a selection for AICB preferences to preserve path or anything...where can I find this setting to adjust (if that's the issue). Am I missing something?

Thanks much!

[jane-e]

When it's a simple path, I just copy from Illustrator and paste to InDesign with the default Preferences.

Make sure your path has an Appearance, such as a fill and / or stroke.

Look at the Transform panel for the X and Y in case you need to type the co-ordinates in again. It probably won't go in the same place.

If it is complex, don't copy and paste it. Use File > Place to place a linked file. Make the changes in Illustrator and update the graphic in InDesign.

[Steve Werner]

The File Handling and Clipboard Preferences is in Illustrator, not in InDesign.

Jane is correct. Only simple paths up to about 500 anchor points can remain as vectors.

[linads80136721]

Thanks! I went in AI and made that adjustment. Still not able to copy/paste it as a vector though. Any other suggestions?

[Mike Witherell]

File > Place is about the only thing you SHOULD be doing. AICB is a very simple mechanism, and your graphic is not simple. AICB is fine for copy n pasting an arrowhead shape, but more sophisticated things quickly outstrip its ability.

Remember that after placing an .AI file, you can Opt/Alt double-click it on the InDesign page, and you are popped instantly over to Illustrator for editing.

[linads80136721]

When i use "place" it also comes in as a single object, not editable...is it supposed to do that? So I should be editing in AI and not in INDD?

[Steve Werner · Accepted solution]

The limit for vector shapes to be retained is very low, as I pointed out above. Here's a post I wrote about it a long time ago, and the limit still holds:

http://indesignsecrets.com/the-magic-number.php

[Chad Chelius]

Yes, if you choose File > Place, the graphic will not be editable directly in InDesign. You'd have to edit the Illustrator file to make any changes and then update the link in InDesign.

[Chad Chelius]

That's a strange looking shape. Are you sure it's vector in Illustrator? A screen shot of the shape in Illustrator along with displaying the Appearance panel would help. Also, Paste in Place probably won't work because you're dealing with two different programs. I don't think InDesign will honor the positioning of an object from Illustrator.

[linads80136721]

When I do a simple copy/paste it does not come into indesign as an editable vector path. It also does not paste-in-place. Below is an image of the path - i don't think it would be too complex (?) it's a simple shape with a hatch pattern.

How do I paste-in-place from AI to INDD and keep the path as an editable vector?

I just went in AI and adjusted the settings to AICB- preserve paths. "Copy as PDF" is not checked.

Thanks much.