Excel File Wierd Placement Issue in ID

[robinblock]

When placing two simple, non-layered sheets in ID from the same excel file, why is the font on one DARKER than the other? They're formatted in Excel exactly the same. (I tried a work-around by copying as picture but it wasn't as crisp when I saved as a pdf.) I don't need to link, just need to place as-is. Pulling my hair out a little here. Any solution or work-around appreciated. I've searched the community and tried several things. THANK YOU

[John T Smith]

You need to ask program questions in the forum for the program you are using
To ask in the forum for your program please start at https://community.adobe.com/
Moving from Using the Community (which is about the forums) to the InDesign forum

[Abhishek Rao]

Hi @robinblock,

I totally get how frustrating it can be when two sheets that look identical in Excel end up displaying differently in InDesign.

Could you let me know which version of InDesign and operating system you're using? Also, are you placing both sheets the same way, like directly placing them from Excel, or copying and pasting? And is the difference in appearance only visible inside InDesign, or does it show up in the exported PDF as well?

As a workaround, you might want to try exporting each Excel sheet as a PDF and then placing those PDFs into InDesign(let us know the outcome). 

If you can, please share screenshots showing the difference, and if you're comfortable, the Excel file itself so I can test it on my end. If the file is confidential, feel free to share it via DM.

Looking forward to your update.

Abhishek

[robinblock]

Thanks for your response! 

I am using the current online subscription version of ID. I place the file directly from Excel (see below). (When I save to PDF/Print, it prints like this, too.)

TIA for any help!

Robin

Screenshot 1 (BAD!)

Screenshot 2 (GOOD!)

[BobLevine]

Have you checked the fonts that are being applied in each sheet? Any styles? Any missing?

Is there any transparency in affect that might be causing any rasterization? It would help if you could post the files somewhere.

[robinblock]

Of course... here's the file.

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

Of course... here's the file.

By @robinblock

Unfortunately, without linked PDF's - they all look bad for me.

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

@robinblock 

The bad one - 99.99% has been copied as image - or at least part of it - the part under the title / header.

[robinblock]

You are right. I tried to save as an image but it didn't work.

[rob day]

Maybe share one of the Excel PDFs rather than the InDesign layout?

[rob day]

why is the font on one DARKER than the other?

Hi @robinblock , Is this something you will have offset printed? If you are placing PDFs from Excel, the text my not be CMYK Black (CMYK 0|0|0|100)—the Excel table text could be an RGB black (0|0|0). RGB black will output as a 4-color CMYK mix which would be darker becuase of the extra ink density, and likely cause registration problems on an offset press.

[robinblock]

That's a thought. Thank you. 

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

@robinblock

Can you post some screenshots? 

Or share your INDD / Excel file? Please click my nickname if you prefer to share it privately. 

[robinblock]

Hi Rob, please see my previous response for screenshots. Thanks in advance for any advice!

Robin