Help me simplify packaging process InD

[kareng6591]

I have no idea what goes on with files if I package a book multiple times. It has just occurred to me that creating a PDF for the book without repackaging is a better way to review changes. However, my practice has been to package again and I'm having trouble keeping track of which most current chapters are in the package. I always make my changes within the book, but found that I needed to put a prefix on chapter titles to ensure the most current were in my package. Please help me to understand and simplify this process.

[J E L]

@kareng6591 "It has just occurred to me that creating a PDF for the book without repackaging is a better way to review changes."

I think you are intuitively correct here if I am fully understanding your question. The primary reason to package an InDesign file is to transport it to another person (such as a printer or another designer) so they can have all the elements (i.e., fonts, graphics, images, and the PDF preset) included in one folder or "package." When you are still in the review and editing phases, there may not be a reason to send the entire package and a PDF will represent what the final file will look like (taking into account local screens or printers, of course). You can also look at and sort your files by date and exact time to see what is the most recent version, something I do often as a double check, though that doesn't work with version control, which has to be done with a file number standard set by you and anyone else making changes to the same file.

[kareng6591]

Thanks Jain,

I'm so new at this I originally thought that I needed to create the package to get the PDF. So, I would make changes and created another package and be surprised when the new PDF did not have the changes I thought I'd done. I will sort by date and time to be sure. This has been very helpful.

Karen 

[J E L]

I'm so glad we could help! Yes, the packages are typically not needed until the end of a project and sometimes they are never requested, just depends on the project. Use your File > Adobe PDF Presets. You can make and save as many presets as you like by starting with one of the defaults (such as "High Quality Print"), make your changes as needed, and save the preset with a unique name. From here, simply generate your PDF and you're good to go!

[Jumpenjax]

I alway trash the old and repackage the new. It does not do anything to the original file. But if you are printing your job. Packaging rules out potential problems. If it is only for web, then I guess just export as a pdf. You can always make a change and reuoad if something goes awry. Printing is costly to have something go wrong.😊

[kareng6591]

Hi Jumpenjax,

I will do this in future. I have been afraid to trash something and have to recreate.

Thanks for taking the time,

Karen

[Jumpenjax]

Well you also still have it in the trash, just do not empty it until you are happy with your result.😊