ID Export PDF, objects shift

Report · Jan 31, 2019

So I have been using InDesign to create workbooks for a few years and I'm just now running into this issue. As you can see in the second image, while in InDesign, everything is in place. After I export it as a PDF, things seem to shift. I have tried several things like turning off downsampling, or exporting as a .ps file first. I continue to have this issue pop-up seemingly randomly. In this example. it's showing text that I've removed, but in some other cases it will cut off the text.
For background, I create and work with this files in Word. I export them as PDFs, which I then place into InDesign. This way I can manipulate the pages and turn it into a "book." Everything looks good in InDesign and Word. The issue only occurs when I export. I've been using this exact same method for a couple of years and this is the first time the issue has happened.

Is there a setting I can change in InDesign to keep this from happening? Or do I need to go back in Word to fix the files?

Report · Jan 31, 2019

Hi Nikki:

I'd recommend a different workflow: type and edit the content in Word, place the Word file into InDesign and set up the layout and then export once to PDF. This uses the applications as they were designed to be used: Word as a word processor and InDesign for layout.

~Barb

Report · Jan 31, 2019

Your workflow has me a bit confused. Why do you need to place a PDF into InDesign just to export another PDF?

That out of the way, you're missing a lot of detail. What version of Word? How are you creating the PDF there? What version of InDesign? What PDF export settings? What operating system? How are you viewing the PDF?

Report · Jan 31, 2019

Because not everyone on my team is trained in InDesign, so the entire team works in Word. I use InDesign to combine all the files and fix the formatting.

I use Microsoft Word 16.16.6. I export as a print PDF in there. I use InDesign CC 2019 14.0.1.209. I'm operating on a Mac OS 10.14. I've tried several export settings, but I export it as an Adobe PDF for print. After exporting I view in Acrobat.

Report · Jan 31, 2019

How do you fix the formatting if you’re placing PDFs?

Report · Jan 31, 2019

Hi Nikki:

In a workgroup environment, everyone can still create and edit the Word documents prior to handing them over to you for layout in InDesign. Then you can import the word docs, format as desired and create your book before exporting.

If you would like their help editing the files after they have been placed in InDesign, they can use InCopy—free with your CC subscription or $5/month without a subscription.

~Barb

Report · Jan 31, 2019

There are actually several steps in your workflow where things could break down:

(1) Create in Word

(2) Create a Word PDF file - > There are several ways this could be done: How are you doing it? The best way would be Adobe PDF Maker (I'm assuring you're using a PC but maybe you are not). There could definitely be a flaw here; I'd look here first.

(3) Place in InDesign. When you place a PDF, InDesign generates a a preview but if you're starting with an inferior PDF file it might not show it up in the preview. It looks like it could be a scaling issue: Could the placed PDF to scaled differently when it goes wrong?

(4) PDF the InDesign file: What PDF settings are you using?

(5) What PDF previewer are you using to view the results?