InDesign | Math Graphics | A Better Way?

[Joe-New-to-ID]

I created a math-related book (now published) in InDesign where the cover and back cover are peppered with some relatively-sophisticated, intentionally-faint math graphics (see the attachment). The math graphics were generated via MS-Word (for "Equation") and/or MS-PowerPoint (for lines, circles, etc.) and subsequently JPEG'd for placement into InDesign (MS-Word/PowerPoint > Equation > JPEG > InDesign > File > Place...). The only problem I'm having is that the print quality (from the vendor) of the math graphics is inconsistent; one set of math graphics is clearer than another.

Is there a better way to do this? Where else can I generate professional-looking math graphics, as one would see in a calculus textbook, for example, for InDesign incorporation so as to achieve more consistent print quality and clarity?

[Derek Cross]

Try this: experiment with the size of the equations in Word, if the ones you placed originally were in say 12pt, reset them in 36pt,  save them as a PDF and Place that in your InDesign document reducing the size to suit.

[Joe-New-to-ID]

Derek:

I'll give it a try. Thank you.

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

How are you extracting the graphics? JPEG is the worst format for this type of art--you should use PNG. 

You can either make the equation larger and save as HTML, or you can zoom in and do a screen capture--either should default to PNG.

If you want the best results, google "InDesign math plugins". I've used Math+Magic in the past. 

[Joe-New-to-ID · Accepted solution]

Dave:

I've watched a number of YouTube videos based on your suggestion. Additionally, I never thought of PNG files. I'll give these a try. Thank you.

[Barb Binder]

Or save as Adobe PDF and place that file. 

~Barb

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

Except the PDF is of the entire page and not just the graphic. The HTML would make a two PNGs: one cropped to the graphic and one with a transparent background.. Granted, one could crop the PDF or gang them all up on a few pages and place/crop in ID, but that's a lot more work.

[Joe-New-to-ID]

Barb:

Thank you. This is something to consider and gives me some ideas.