1 2 3 Previous Next 91 Replies Latest reply: Jan 14, 2009 7:08 AM by AnneMarie Concepcion RSS

    Switching to InDesign? (info/links)

    Ron Lanham Community Member
      Since Adobe is such a large site the following Adobe pages may be difficult to find so...
        • 1. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
          Community Member
          This would be a good thread to keep at the top.
          • 2. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
            Thomas Phinney Community Member
            I agree. Done.
            • 3. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
              clicking on the last link (Res Guide)

              gives me, "

              The file /asn/service/indesign/main.html could not be found.

              "

              [The link in question is now fixed; thanks for bringing it to our attention; sorry for the inconvenience -- host]
              • 4. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                Community Member
                Here's the correct link:
                http://www.adobe.com/products/indesign/pdfs/id2guide.pdf

                [While that is a valid link, it's not the link Ronald was referring to, which is now fixed in the topic -- host]
                • 5. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                  Ron Lanham Community Member
                  jasondh

                  THIS is the resource page I was referring to in my original post where the Resource Guide can be downloaded. It also has many more resources such as a Transparency Printing Guide, etc.

                  Unfortunately in Adobe's reworking of its site in the last couple of weeks the link has changed.

                  The old link (that used to work) was:
                  http://partners.adobe.com/asn/service/indesign/main.html

                  The new link is now:
                  http://partners.adobe.com/asn/service/indesign/index.jsp

                  [I decided to leave this message, slightly edited. - Dave]
                  • 6. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                    Community Member
                    Ronald,

                    1. I've fixed the link in the topic (I hope -- if you could let me know that I did it right, I'll delete my caveat, and perhaps I'll also root through this topic and delete the messages that only relate to the link).

                    2. The ":80" that appears in certain links to Adobe.com can simply be deleted; they work just as well without it.

                    Dave
                    • 7. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                      Ron Lanham Community Member
                      Thanks Dave. The original link appears to work fine now.

                      Please delete this post also when you delete the other ones you mentioned.
                      • 8. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                        Community Member
                        Was wondering what resources are availble with regard to converting PageMaker files to ID.

                        thanks, xandra
                        • 9. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                          Community Member
                          Are you looking for information on:

                          A. How to do it?
                          -- just open the files as long as they're 6.5 or later. Best to Save As to a new file or at least Save Smaller out of Pagemaker before attempting to convert.

                          B. What might go wrong?
                          -- there are some features that are different between the two applications that the converter makes some effort to deal with, but you might have to do some clean-up after the fact.

                          I created a section of my web site with some (far from comprehensive) information on this kinds of issues. It's here: Converting from PageMaker.

                          Dave
                          • 10. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                            Cacidi.com makes a plug-in to batch convert Quark and Pagemaker files to Indesign format.
                            • 11. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                              I have over 100, 26 page files that are filled with Picts, it appears that ID2 will not bring those graphics into the new ID2 file. Does ID2 not like Pict graphics. I wish Adobe would make PageMaker OS X usable.
                              • 12. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                                Ron Lanham Community Member
                                Turner

                                The following is from the Adobe InDesign 2 online Help:

                                "The Macintosh PICT (or Picture) format is widely used for Mac OS graphics and page-layout applications, and for transferring files between applications. The PICT format is especially effective in compressing images that contain large areas of solid color. InDesign for both Windows and Mac OS imports PICT files created from Mac OS screenshots and a variety of other applications, including clipart collections."

                                "InDesign supports RGB PICT images with variable resolutions and embedded QuickTime images. PICT graphics do not support color separations, are device-dependent, and are not recommended for high-resolution commercial printing. The PICT format can provide acceptable quality only when printed on low-resolution or non-PostScript printers."

                                HTH
                                • 13. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                                  Community Member
                                  I appreciate your input. Up til now these pict files have been great for use in a calendar. We have scanned logos and use them in an advertising calendar. I haved swtiched and use Tiff files now, but I have numerous old logos that are pict files and they print fine on my 600 dpi laser that collates and duplexes to make books. (Calendars)

                                  Do you have any ideas as to why ID2 does not show the pict logos that were in PageMaker when opening the PM file in ID2? I will add that, I do not link graphics, I just have them imbedded in the PM file. For my purposes linking is a pain and just more files to keep track of. (I suppose this is the reason, any work arounds?)

                                  thanks for you help and knowledge.

                                  Dale
                                  • 14. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                                    Ron Lanham Community Member
                                    Sorry Turner... I'm going to have to defer to others for resolving issues with embedded PICT file conversion from PM.

                                    Create a new post about this issue with a title that is very specific.
                                    • 15. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                                      Community Member
                                      Why not open/save them from pict to tiff in a Batch in Photoshop? Seems not so much work and you'll also get fine PS previews in the finder...
                                      • 16. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                                        Ronald,

                                        I wish to switch to InDesign, but I can't figure this new CS thing out. I already own the latest versions of Illustrator, Photoshop, GoLive and Acrobat, so I will upgrade those programs. But I do not own Indesign yet, so my guess is that a CS Upgrade package will not be a wise choice.

                                        Should I have to buy both the CS upgrades (including an upgrade of InDesign) AND the full version of InDesign?

                                        Sorry, I'm confused.

                                        Jeroen, The Netherlands
                                        • 17. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                                          BobLevine CommunityMVP
                                          If you're going to upgrade the rest you should get the package. The
                                          package upgrade pricing is for anyone with a copy of Photoshop. No other
                                          Adobe licenses are required.

                                          This is aimed solidly at Quark users who for the most part already own
                                          Photoshop.

                                          Bob
                                          • 18. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                                            Ron Lanham Community Member
                                            Robert

                                            As always you can buy the upgrades individually or as bundles.

                                            http://www.adobe.com/products/indesign/main.html

                                            http://www.adobe.com/store/products/creativesuite/master.jhtml?id=creativesuite

                                            http://www.adobe.com/products/creativesuite/main.html

                                            http://www.adobe.com/products/indesign/newfeatures.html
                                            • 19. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                                              Community Member
                                              Jeroen, check out the numbers.

                                              Upgrades:

                                              PhotoShop: $169
                                              Illustrator: $169
                                              GoLive: $169
                                              Acrobat: $149
                                              _________
                                              Total: $656 (is what you'd be paying if you upgraded all your applications individually).

                                              If you upgrade to the whole suite for $749 (including Acrobat and GoLive), you get InDesign for $93.
                                              • 20. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                                                Community Member
                                                The more I read the site, the more I think some clarification is in order.

                                                I assume that you will get full functioning versions of all the apps in the package you choose. But that may not be correct. Meaning, if I don't have GoLive, for instance, will the upgrade to it be installable? At first glance, it seems that all the apps are usable, if only you have Photoshop, even though they are called upgrades. I don't think the website gives a clear picture.
                                                • 21. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                                                  Community Member
                                                  Yes! Party! I've been planning the switch for over 18 months or so. With the first InDesign version, there appeared to be some RIP problems at the service providers' side, but as I understand, those troubles are over now. Then XPress 6 was announced, and I downloaded the demo.

                                                  What a let down! Apart from the functionality, it's like playing an early version of Pacman all over again. OK, I'll have to pay them because I need this upgrade. Butif ti's true that I don't have to buy the full package first and THEN upgrade, I'll switch tomorrow. And perhaps I will do the same if I have to buy the FP. I am convinced that Adobe has won the battle.
                                                  • 22. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                                                    Our IT guy is pushing us to move to OSX and InDesign. InDesign is a good program and works great with the hardware to handle it. I also love OSX great features, but I don't think we have the horsepower needed to run both adequately. Do you know what the minimum system requirements would be to run OSX and InDesign at an acceptable productivity level? That level beginning the same or greater speed running OS9 and InDesign or Quark.

                                                    (using: Dual 500MHz PowerPC, OS 10.2.6)

                                                    Thanks,
                                                    • 23. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                                                      Ron Lanham Community Member
                                                      Flint

                                                      You should be okay with a dual 500 G4 as long as you have quite a bit of RAM (if you're planning on running Photoshop at the same time).

                                                      ID has all of the specs on the box, in the manual, and on the ID web page for purchasing it.
                                                      • 24. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                                                        Community Member
                                                        I was running InDesign when it was slower than it is now (earlier versions) on a G3 400 at one point. You should be okay.
                                                        • 25. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                                                          Community Member
                                                          Has anyone seen a plug-in for ID similar to PictAttributes XT for Quark? It allows you to replace a picture by selecting an existing image in a picture box and then select get picture and the new picture would take the old ones place but retaining the attributes of the old picture. (i.e. if the old pic was placed at 75% and centered the new one would be at 75% and centered)
                                                          Thanks
                                                          • 26. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                                                            Community Member
                                                            No need for such a plugin - InDesign has that ability by default. Use the<br />links palette and relink to the new file<br /><br /><br />On 03-10-02 22.00, in article 1de9cf9e.24@webx.la2eafNXanI,<br />"Flint_Wager@adobeforums.com" <Flint_Wager@adobeforums.com> wrote:<br /><br />> Has anyone seen a plug-in for ID similar to PictAttributes XT for Quark? It<br />> allows you to replace a picture by selecting an existing image in a picture<br />> box and then select get picture and the new picture would take the old ones<br />> place but retaining the attributes of the old picture. (i.e. if the old pic<br />> was placed at 75% and centered the new one would be at 75% and centered)<br />> Thanks
                                                            • 27. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                                                              BobLevine CommunityMVP
                                                              If you select the graphic with the direct select tool you can simply use
                                                              file place and pick the new picture you want. Just make sure you have
                                                              replace selection checked.

                                                              Bob
                                                              • 28. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                                                                Community Member
                                                                Thanks Bob,
                                                                Score another one for ID. By selecting the pict not the pict box, it works great.

                                                                Thanks
                                                                • 29. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                                                                  I am trying to get my graphic department to "switch" over from Quark. They have been moaning and not making the change. Yesterday we had all our Quark computer for some reason couldn't save files anymore. Today I got a new G5 and NEW version of Quark 6 and loaded it up. Same problem. I called Quark and get this. They know about it! There is some problem in the application that it will not alow you to SAVE! You can create but no saving. They say they are working on it and will release a fix in Version 6.1 that they don't know when it will be ready. I can either figure out a way to get Quark 6 documents to open in InDesign CS or I will have to give them the day off. Does anyone know of a way to open Quark 6 files?
                                                                  • 30. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                                                                    BobLevine CommunityMVP
                                                                    Well, you could create PDFs, open them in Illustrator and copy and paste
                                                                    from Illustrator to ID. Results are not garanteed.

                                                                    Bob
                                                                    • 31. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                                                                      Ron Lanham Community Member
                                                                      Tim

                                                                      You may also want to post this with a very specific title as a separate post to receive more answers. It won't be seen by most visitors here.

                                                                      I believe your question warrants a double posting.

                                                                      Very glad you're trying to get the graphic department to make the switch.

                                                                      Out of all of the numerous reviews of ID 2 and ID CS... I have not read one where InDesign has not come out on top when compared and contrasted to Brand X.
                                                                      • 32. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                                                                        Community Member
                                                                        >Does anyone know of a way to open Quark 6 files?

                                                                        Only indirectly. Save as a Quark 5 file. Open in Quark 5 and save as a Quark 4 file. Convert that with InDesign.

                                                                        Given that there can be existing corruption in QuarkXPress files carried over through the conversion process, I'd recommend, from personal experience, recreating the files from scratch in InDesign. a PITA to be sure, but once done you should have a bullet-proof template that will serve for years without corruption.

                                                                        Don
                                                                        • 33. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                                                                          I am looking for information on how ID handles
                                                                          importing spread sheet data... if anyone could
                                                                          direct me to a place that details how ID/PageMaker
                                                                          handles MSExcell data that would be helpful...

                                                                          (We're assembling a price list in Quark and up to now
                                                                          all the prices have been manually inserted :P)

                                                                          ...doing my part to keep this topic at the top... if you think
                                                                          I would achieve a better response through a separate
                                                                          topic, I can do that too...

                                                                          Thanks in advance for your help...
                                                                          • 34. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                                                                            Steve Werner CommunityMVP
                                                                            See my reply in your other topic.
                                                                            • 35. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                                                                              PM 6.1 to IDCS

                                                                              6.1 has served me well since it arrived, but the upgrade to OSX eliminated even my work-arounds for printing. I took the plunge to IDCS only to find that it converted ONLY PM 6.5-7.

                                                                              I've just completed 3yrs of reformating 156+ documents. I'd rather not do it again story by story.

                                                                              I checked the Cacidy.com site. Does not say if it includes older versions.

                                                                              Any help?

                                                                              The Rev. Jeremiah Day
                                                                              • 36. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                                                                                Ron Lanham Community Member
                                                                                Jeremiah

                                                                                You would probably get many more responses if you post this question with a very specific title of its own HERE (i.e. "Add Topic") rather than in this thread.
                                                                                • 37. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                                                                                  I'd like to welcome anyone who is switching from QuarkXPress to InDesign to come to the new forum at the Xpresso Bar. We are an independent site for users of page layout and design software. A new part of the forum is dedicated to people who already know QuarkXPress and are hoping to use that knowledge to help learn InDesign. It's free, of course, and not controlled by Quark or Adobe.

                                                                                  http://www.xpressobar.com

                                                                                  Hope to see you there!
                                                                                  - Amy Rothstein, xpressobartender.
                                                                                  • 38. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                                                                                    Well I just learned the hard way what a mistake CS really is.

                                                                                    We love the features and intergration- but if your vendor/contracted printer down the street whether outdoor, litho or screen, doesn't have CS and a workflow rip that can handle the powerhungry indesign, you're in for a world of trouble.

                                                                                    I just had my job almost pulled because IDCS does not have a legacy export to ID2 or 1.5 and most printers do not have CS or even if they do have ID, their rips still haven't been upgraded to rip ID easily or quickly.

                                                                                    As far as ease of use for a designer- ID is a godsend, but I now see the reluctance to switch, and my boss is infuriated at my urging to get this product over the new quark because of these newfound "problems" (primarily the lack of export to ID 2) and now all our docs created in ID are almost worthless unless I include the cost for my printers to get CS in my estimates ;-P

                                                                                    I really thought Adobe thought of everything to ensure eventual conversion for all. Apparently, not.
                                                                                    • 39. Re: Switching to InDesign? (info/links)
                                                                                      BobLevine CommunityMVP
                                                                                      The cost for CS to your printer is $169.00. If that's too much for them,
                                                                                      I'd be asking myself just how much they want your business.

                                                                                      Second point. I have couple of printer that haven't upgraded yet, but
                                                                                      gladly accept PDFs. Have you talked to your vendors about that?

                                                                                      As for the "new" Quark, how many printers do you think have sprung for that?

                                                                                      Bob
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