InDesign Export of PNGs are brutal in 19.1

[stevebrig]

Working on a large format file 96"x97"!

My typical workflow for print isn't working as expected anymore.  PNGs look really bad when I export them (yes typically I print from PNGs on my Large Format Canon using thier layout app and they look perfect) ;-).

If I export as PDF they look as expected. Again, I have not had any problems with this workflow until 19.1.

Also previews are not displaying as expected. I have opend the files in Illustartor and Photoshop and all displays as expected.

Has anyone else experienced issues wwith 19.1?

EDIT: Installed older version 19.0.1 and all is working as expected. 19.1 is plagued with issues on my Mac Pro!

[Eugene Tyson]

I can't imagine too many people are printing fron PNGs - which are web format namely Portably Network Graphics.

It's hard to know what's going  on - but if 19.0.1 is working for you then that's great - stick with that.

You can log bugs here

https://indesign.uservoice.com/forums/601180-adobe-indesign-bugs

I beg the question why you just don't print from the PDF? 
Or you can save  your PDF to any format - like a TIFF file and use that.

I presume there's a special setting or something that only works with PNGs on the software you're using?

Typically I would make a PDF - then open that in Photoshop to save it to the file format I would want.

I never really liked InDesigns export to image formats. 
But then again - I don't do it often.

[rob day]

Hi @stevebrig , You are welcome to try this javascript, which creates a PNG via a PDF export. Have not tested in v19 yet but exporting via PDF as @Eugene Tyson suggests can result in higher quality.

https://shared-assets.adobe.com/link/f0f122b9-4d2d-4dc9-76a7-2cca55143c35

Dialog:

[stevebrig]

I knew that soemone would post "Why are you printing PNGs"?

Infact PNGS are not compressed and offer a great advantage when ripping files. They are considerably smaller and are not compressed. So when you are printing files that are 96"x97" at 150dpi you require a format that is smaller in file size. Also I am using an 11 color printer so it can handle RGB color very well :-).

Long story short, you can print PNG files nowadays and in certain situations they are the best option!

With that being said it's important to note this applies to certain situations!

@rob day  thank you for the script but I am already using a great script 🙂

I will post a bug for this. It's a shame that Adobe is so focused on allowing people to share files rather than it's core functionality like file output and display. Comon Adobe!!!!!

[rob day]

thank you for the script but I am already using a great script

Note that my script does not use Javascript’s export to png, which I assume is causing your problem? The script exports a PDF, opens it into Photoshop via Bridgetalk, and saves it as a PNG. There have always been quality issues with JPEG image exports when there are placed images on the page (not sure if there have been reports of the same happening with PNG). In general PDF exports opened into Photoshop do the best job of "Ripping" an InDesign page.

[stevebrig]

No I was getting great results before 19.1. Never had any issues with exporting PNGs before, they looked great!

[Eugene Tyson]

I have no problem with PNG being used for print. Just curious why you are using it. 

Just curious as to why and maybe another workflow might be better going forward.

There's no need to go into techinalitys here you're happy with the results. I was just curious. 

[stevebrig]

Thanks Eugene, yes I have found this to be the best option in this scenario because the proprietary app that Canon provied for layouts is very finicky and I need to use PNGs for it to load them and rip properly.

[Eugene Tyson]

Good to know. 
Sorry I couldn't be of greater help - hope the PNG solutions provided get you on your way.

You should post in the bugs forum too. It won't be picked up on here - not likely anyway.

[stevebrig]

Thanks, I have posted the bug on the link you provided, I appreciate the support 🙂

[rob day]

I just checked a PNG Export with the 19.1 upgrade on MacOS Ventura and am not seeing the problem. Have you tried clearing your Caches and Preference folders?

This export was to 95"x95" at 150 PPI—zoomed in the image looks like the original:

[stevebrig]

Thanks Rob,

Where can I clear the cache?

Edit: I erased the cashe files and it made no difference. I am on Sonoma just in-case it matters

[Eugene Tyson]

I guess if you use features in obscure ways and not their intent then there will always be caveats and issues..

[stevebrig]

You know I am not sure whats going on. I think my file may be corrupt and I need to do some testing, Just in the middle of this project so I dont have time to mess around. I have cancelled the bug request for now untill I can confirm. Thanks all for your input so far!