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Rocky33584099s4gw
Participant
November 13, 2023
Question

New to InDesign

  • November 13, 2023
  • 3 replies
  • 410 views

Hello,

 

I m considering to use InDesign to format and then publish (ePub or print) a book. Can I use the Single App for that purpose? 

 

Thank you

 

 

    This topic has been closed for replies.

    3 replies

    Derek Cross
    Community Expert
    Derek CrossCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    November 14, 2023

    Bear in mind that InDesign has a steep learning curve for producing artwork suitable for printing and that producing Reflowable ePubs is not at all intuitive. You might consider an alternative route for self-publishing your book such as employing a freelancer or publishing from MSWord.

    rayek.elfin
    rayek.elfin
    Legend
    November 14, 2023

    I suppose it depends on the type of ebook the OP @Rocky33584099s4gw has in mind.

     

    InDesign is indeed not the simplest tool to prepare and publish epub files with. It would be much less expensive and easier to download and test-run open source and free tools such as LibreOffice (which does both reflowable and FXL epubs), Sigil (epub editor), and Calibre (epub viewer and editor).

     

    But once more: it all depends on the requirements, existing files, etc.

     

    @Rocky33584099s4gwWhat kind of epub book are you planning to publish? We may be able to provide you with better advice when you share that info.

    rayek.elfin
    rayek.elfin
    Legend
    November 14, 2023

    Just to amend @Bill Silbert 's answer:

     

    No, you do not NEED either Photoshop or Illustrator to work with images or vector art. You can save yourself a lot of money by using the single app subscription for InDesign and then install open source apps such as Krita, Gimp, and InkScape to create and edit bitmap and vector images.

     

    InDesign accepts many different types of image and vector art file types, which those free apps also export.

     

    So really no need to invest in Photoshop and Illustrator alongside InDesign. Save a bit of money that way.

    Bill Silbert
    Community Expert
    Bill SilbertCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    November 14, 2023

    I think that it all depends on the needs of the project as to whether the free apps would be adequate for the task. Photoshop and Illustrator offer more features as well as seamless integration with InDesign. If you just need simple raster or vector images then look into the free apps. The real issue here is the level of experience that the OP has in creating layouts. Based on the fact that the OP had to ask the question in the first place it would seem that Derek Cross' suggestion to hire someone with experience makes the most sense.

    Bill Silbert
    Community Expert
    Bill SilbertCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    November 13, 2023

    If you will just be doing page layout with text then you can certainly do that with just InDesign. However, if you will be working with raster images (photos) then you will also need Photoshop. If you will also be working with vector art (line art) then you will also need Illustrator. A monthly subscription to Creative Cloud will get you access to all of those programs as well as Acrobat for working with PDFs and a slew of other programs that are included. There are also plans available for just individual programs. See https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/campaign/pricing.html?sdid=KKQWX&mv=search&ef_id=EAIaIQobChMItd6KycrBggMV397jBx2xEgvmEAAYASAAEgKA2fD_BwE:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!3085!3!642177229908!e!!g!!adobe%20creative%20cloud%20subscription!151099240!109927013972&gclid=EAIaIQobChMItd6KycrBggMV397jBx2xEgvmEAAYASAAEgKA2fD_BwE.

    R
    Rocky33584099s4gwAuthor
    Participant
    November 13, 2023

    Thanks Bill.

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