How to send Indesign Files to Printers

When you set up your Indesign file, if possible please set as single pages. For example: you may have a 24 page book plus cover. If you don’t have any crossover photos you can uncheck the facing pages when you start your Indesign document, always include .125 inch bleed if you have photos or color that runs off the page.

If you think you might have changes please be sure to include the Packaged Indesign files. To do this go to the File tab at the top of your Indesign document and scroll down to package. It will ask you where to put the Indesign Package Folder, then make sure you check the boxes for : Copy Fonts, Copy Linked Graphics, Update Graphics Links in Package. This will create a folder with everything you need to send to the printer.

If you would prefer to send a high resolution PDF, and you know your file will not have changes, we accept those also. PDFs, if they are prepared correctly can save the customer money in the long run. It means faster turnaround time and less time in Prepress. To create a high resolution pdf go to the File tab at the top and click on export: The Adobe PDF Preset should be: PDF/X, click on GENERAL out to the left side: select ALL pages. Click on Options out to the left and leave all unchecked, if any are check please uncheck. Click on COMPRESSION to the left: Under Color Images: Check DO NOT DOWNSAMPLE, check the same for Grayscale images, and monochrome images. Click on MARKS AND BLEED to the left, uncheck all items, under bleed put in the top, bottom, left and right .125 (1/8th of inch) if you have bleed in your document. Click on OUTPUT to the left, under COLOR choose: No color conversion. Under PDF/X: output Intent profile name: choose Document CMYK - U.S. Web Coated (SWOP) v2. We prefer not to have cropmarks or bleed marks on any pdfs sent in, otherwise we have to manually remove them due to the ripping and imposition process.

The other 3 items to left are ADVANCED, SECURITY, SUMMARY - DON'T WORRY ABOUT THESE THEY SHOULD BE GRAYED OUT. THE CLICK EXPORT TAB AT BOTTOM - NOW IT WILL CREATE A HIGH RESOLUTION PDF FILE FOR THE PRINTER!