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Participating Frequently
October 6, 2017
Answered

Import images from Illustrator to InDesign for printing

  • October 6, 2017
  • 5 replies
  • 1736 views

Hello,

In your opinion, what is the best format for images to print when exporting them from Illustrator in Indesign?

I am making a business card and using .svg for a logo the printing company says the image is not of high quality,

but in the pdf and pc image I see It very well ...

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Derek Cross

Place the image as a native Illustrator file in InDesign, where you can add the text. Work in RGB color mode. Export the card as PDF choosing from the InDesign presets PDF/X-4 (unless you have another spec fro your printer) tick use document bleed settings and check as trim marks.

5 replies

Participating Frequently
October 6, 2017

Okay I'll do as you say,
I read that .svg or .eps are vector formats and can therefore be resized in any way without loss of quality, is it just for the web?

Willi Adelberger
Community Expert
Community Expert
October 6, 2017

SVG is only for the weg.

EPS is an old and outdated file type and does not support transparency. It is lossy when you use transparency and might rasterize elelments.

Use AI or PDF/X-4 with Illustrator and nothing else.

Geоrge
Legend
October 6, 2017

>> when exporting them from Illustrator in Indesign?

Do you mean "place"?

>> You should be able to place a native Illustrator .ai file with no problems.

Yep. Or PDF with Illustrator compatibility

Remember, never say you can't do something in InDesign, it's always just a question of finding the right workaround to get the job done. © David Blatner
BobLevine
Community Expert
Community Expert
October 6, 2017

Whenever placing an AI file, you’re actually placing the PDF portion of the file. If you save in Illy without that compatibility you’ll wind up with nothing but a text block telling you to resave it with that compatibility.

BobLevine
Community Expert
Community Expert
October 6, 2017

SVG is a web format. I would never use it for printing.

I would save the AI file as PDF/X-4 and place that in InDesign.

If you save as AI, be sure to save with PDF compatibility and choose PDF/X-4.

Derek Cross
Community Expert
Derek CrossCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
October 6, 2017

Place the image as a native Illustrator file in InDesign, where you can add the text. Work in RGB color mode. Export the card as PDF choosing from the InDesign presets PDF/X-4 (unless you have another spec fro your printer) tick use document bleed settings and check as trim marks.

Randy Hagan
Community Expert
Community Expert
October 6, 2017

You should be able to place a native Illustrator .ai file with no problems. So the native format will work for you just fine.