5 Replies Latest reply: Jul 22, 2010 3:52 PM by P Spier RSS

    Help with linked files

    auctioneer Community Member

      I've recently created a 60+ page catalogue and now as I'm adding more content and the project is growing larger and larger I think I should have paid more attention to the file structure.  Should I have one folder with all the images that link to the catalogue.  Right now the images are all contained in different folders inside a master folder and while all seems to work okay, I'm concerned if I need to send the catalogue file to a printer or another designer I would need to send all my folders, where if all the images were in a 'Links' folder, it would be much easier to manage. Now I'm worried if I go and move all the images around I may run into problems with my catalogue.

       

      What would you suggest?

       

      Thanks..

        • 1. Re: Help with linked files
          BobLevine CommunityMVP

          First off, that's what the package command is for.

           

          That said, if you'd like to get more organized you can use the utilies>copy links to command from the links panel menu and if you're on CS5, this may come in handy:

           

          http://indesignsecrets.com/indesign-cs5-document-assets-are-just-a-click-away-in-mini-brid ge.php

           

          Bob

          • 2. Re: Help with linked files
            Seattle User Community Member

            Have you used the 'Package' function yet? By running that, it will create a brand new master folder. Inside of that new master folder will be the following:

             

            • A copy of your InDesign file
            • A folder of Fonts used in your file
            • A folder of images used in your file - these are COPIES of the original
            • A text file that includes any special printing instructions you may have

             

            You can then zip this new master folder and send to your printer - just be sure you keep track of what you've sent to the printer by versioning things and not retouching those packages. I'd suggest only making changes to your original InDesign file and recreating a new package if the need arises. That way, all of your originals remain untouched but your printer receives everything they need.

            • 3. Re: Help with linked files
              Seattle User Community Member

              Oops - Bob's quicker on the draw! Yeah, like he said...

               

              • 4. Re: Help with linked files
                Daniel Flavin Community Member

                At some point, Package the file. File > Package.

                Links scattered is not unusual, actually common, if you are placing common images (Visa & MC logo's, Corporate Brandings, etc.) images pre and post corrections, alternative images (let's go with that spunky blond; the brunette looks tired).

                 

                Tidy up that source folder a few times during creation, package the file and links near or at the final. There will be the original ID file in the original folder...avoid using it; give it a .bak extension or move it.

                • 5. Re: Help with linked files
                  P Spier CommunityMVP

                  More to the point, in my opinion, is that you really should try to find a printer who can take a PDF instead of your native files. There's muchless chance of problems with a PROPERLY MADE PDF, which will have all of the font and image information embedded directly in the file and needs no external assets.