Embedding in InDesign

I know this has become a discussion about best practices, but the question that was originally asked was "how do I embed an image file?" and it took over 10 responses before someone answered it. It was a simple question with a simple answer, and yet we gave a bunch of other info. Best practice here would be to answer the question that was asked and then give some helpful advice.

As for best practices on how a document should be saved out for the press -  I would have to agree with Peter Spier, in that a PDF is the preferred delivery in most cases. My earlier comments were directed specifically at the scenario that InDesignCS4student was asking. If you have to send a product specific file; i.e. InDesign, it is best to embed the file.

Concerning corrections on proofs, sometimes the printer can correct them (even in a PFD) and sometimes they will ask you to do it. They will accommodate you as they can, and they are usually pretty good about it, but ultimately it is your responsibility to make corrections.

BTW - just wanted to say - good questions and good responses. Thanks for sharing.

I take it that most of you haven't worked with a lot of print houses? The printer is simply asking the artist to embed any images (layers) in the file. I know that in his statement he actually said "Make sure all layers are embedded when creating the PDF", but if you have ever actually worked with a print house, you will hear them say stuff like that all the time. They just want to ensure that they don't have to deal with linked images. Why? Because most artists aren't well organized in their file structure, so when they upload files for processing, the linked images are often missing or broken and the poor guy at the print house has to deal with finding them. It's a major hassle for them. Embedded images fix all of that. And for all you "best practices" people out there, embedding images, or "layers" as the printer called them, is a best practice if you do it when you give it to the print house. File size has become less and less a factor in processing print jobs because memory now days is more than capable of handle the majority of it.

Best practice - link the images until you are finished creating the artwork, then embed the images before sending them to the print house. (And cut the guys some slack when they call them layers)

So my congratulations @Agrippa - the only one that answered the student's question, and answered it correctly. You, I would hire.

To embed an image or any link for that matter into InDesign, right click on the Link (Links pallet) and select "Embed Link". Done.