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R
Red&Purple
Participant
April 11, 2019
Question

InDesign for web design (email)

  • April 11, 2019
  • 3 replies
  • 4793 views

Hello!

I have a question about creating web emails using InDesign instead of Photoshop.

I understand that Photoshop is the industry standard, but is that truly the case? I am asking because I am working on some email designs and initially the output requirement is PNG to allow for coding etc, but can't I output PNGs from InDesign just the same, while controlling resolution and size?

I am so much more efficient working InDesign.

Any seasoned web designers have experience with this??

Thanks again!

    This topic has been closed for replies.

    3 replies

    rob day
    Community Expert
    rob dayCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    April 11, 2019

    Also you have to consider that all email clients have different capabilities for reading html. InDesign exports html as DIVs  with CSS styling. If you want html that can be read by all email clients, you have to use tables with inline styles—another reason to use an email service. Mailchimp is free for small lists (2000) and low volume.

    BobLevine
    Community Expert
    BobLevineCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    April 11, 2019

    I have a couple of clients that use MailChimp and one with Constant Contact. For the life of me, I don’t understand why anyone would try to do this any other way.

    They’re emails, not coffee table books.

      Derek Cross
      Community Expert
      Derek CrossCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      April 11, 2019

      Unless they wanted to put a lot of time into learning how to create HTML Newsletters!

      Michael Bullo
      Community Expert
      Michael BulloCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      April 11, 2019

      I agree with Bob that the programs he mentioned are the preferential way to create HTML based emails. Having said that, it sounds like you are just looking to use InDesign as an alternative to Photoshop as a way to create a design and then output a PNG. If this is the case you can absolutely use InDesign.

      From the menu choose File > Export and change the format to PNG.

      It's worth noting that InDesign defaults to a resolution of 72ppi. Lets say for example that you create an InDesign file that is 600x200px. When you export this out as a PNG keeping the resolution at 72ppi will give you an exported image at the same size. However, if you were to change the resolution to 300ppi you would get an exported image that is 2500x833px. I'm only mentioning this as I've seen people adjust this setting and get themselves thoroughly confused.

      Hope this helps.

        BobLevine
        Community Expert
        BobLevineCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        April 11, 2019

        You want to send HTML emails? My advice is to use a service like Constant Contact or Mail Chimp.

          R
          Red&PurpleAuthor
          Participant
          April 11, 2019

          Thank you for your response BobLevine.

          Unfortunately I don't think that's an option. The process is to use PNGs that are coded. I was just hoping InDesign was a viable option with good results.

          BobLevine
          Community Expert
          BobLevineCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          April 11, 2019

          It’s not. If you really need to prototype anything I suggest looking at Adobe XD

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