How to Export InDesign File to PNG with All Blue and Pink Areas Visible

[Noldo Artifex]

Hi there,

First of all, apologies if this has already been asked (checked but couldn't find anything similar).

I am trying to export an Ingram cover template in INDD to png, pdf or jpg with all the blue and pink areas marked as Indesign displays them on Normal view. I can only get it to export the Preview version, that is, the white with the crop marks and little else. I have checked the export options to see if I could change the view I want exported, but I cannot find it. I have previously worked with Ingram templates in PNG because they are more PS-friendly to do heavy work on images, so I guess that means there must be a way to get Indesign to export the Normal view.

Any idea?

Thanks!

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[Abhishek Rao]

Hi @Noldo Artifex,

No worries at all! I understand the need to get a complete export of your Ingram cover template with all the details visible.

To export your InDesign file with all the blue and pink areas as shown in Normal view, follow these steps:

1. Ensure All Layers Are Visible:
   - Make sure that all necessary layers, including those with the blue and pink areas, are visible in the Layers panel.

2. Export as PNG:
   - Go to File > Export.
   - Choose PNG as the format and click Save.
   - In the Export PNG dialog, select the Range as needed and ensure Resolution is set appropriately.
   - Make sure to select Visible Layers if you have any specific layers you need to include.

3. Export as PDF (if you need higher quality):
   - Go to File > Export.
   - Choose Adobe PDF (Print) or Adobe PDF (Interactive).
   - In the Export Adobe PDF dialog, select the appropriate settings under General and Marks and Bleeds. Ensure that Crop Marks are enabled if you need them.

If you are still having trouble, could you please provide the version of InDesign you are using and details about your operating system? 

Let me know if this helps or if you need any further assistance!

Thank you,

Abhishek Rao

[Noldo Artifex]

Hi!
Thanks a million for your reply and for your help. I got the pdf version exported as I wanted (following your instructions), but it just doesnt work with png, I still get the Preview version. I can work with the pdf no problem, but out of curiosity, I would like to know why I dont have any "visible layers" option in my PNG dialog. Im attaching 2 screenshots  to show you which options I have.

Thanks again for your help!

[Abhishek Rao · Accepted solution]

Hi @Noldo Artifex,

I’m glad to hear that the PDF export worked for you! Regarding the issue with PNG export, I understand how it can be frustrating not to see the "Visible Layers" option. Here’s what you can try:

1. Check Layer Visibility:

   • Ensure that all the layers you want to include in the PNG export are visible in your Layers panel before exporting.

2. Flatten Transparency:

   • Sometimes, transparency issues can cause problems during export. Flatten the transparency by going to Object > Flatten Transparency. Make sure to select options that fit your needs.

3. Export as PNG:

   • Go to File > Export.
   • Choose PNG as the format and click Save.
   • In the Export PNG dialog, make sure you select All Pages or the Range you need.
   • For the Resolution, choose High (300 dpi) for best quality.

4. Preview Options:

   • If your PNG export still isn’t showing as expected, it might be a limitation in the export options. In such cases, exporting as PDF might be your best option, as you’ve already done successfully.

If you continue to encounter issues. Please let us know. Our esteemed Community experts might provide additional insights.

Thank you for your patience, and feel free to keep the discussion open for any further questions!

Thank you,
Abhishek Rao

[Noldo Artifex]

Thanks for your reply 😄

I tried your suggestions but it still didnt work, so I cheked the Guides layer options and adjusted it accordingly and it worked 😄

Thankas again. 😄

Now it exports it correctly.

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS · Accepted solution]

Notice the layer name is in italic--that indicates that it is a non-printing layer. It won't export in any format.

[Noldo Artifex · Accepted solution]

Thanks for your reply.

Got it to work changing the Guides layer options and clicking on Print Layer.

Now it exports it correctly.