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How do I create and manage an InDesign package for the Template Studio?

Written by Justin Verhoeve

Before uploading your design into Template Studio, you must prepare your InDesign document correctly. This ensures that all editable elements become variables and that your static content is preserved. Proper tagging is essential for a smooth template setup.

Step 1: Document setup and preparation

  1. Open or create your InDesign document.

  2. Set the Page Size, Bleed and Slug in the document setup. The Template Studio uses these settings.

  3. Tag your variables:

    • Navigate to "Window" then "Utilities" then "Tags"
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      indesign tags window

    • Tag every element that should become editable such as text, textboxes, images and generated QR codes

  4. Create QR codes:

    • Select the area for the QR code

    • Go to "Object" then "Generate QR Code"

    • Set the Type to "Plain Text" and the Content to "url"

    • Assign a variable tag to the QR code area

  5. Optional: Arrange variables for easier setup later:

    • Navigate to "View" then "Structure" then "Show Structure"

    • Drag variables into the preferred order of appearance for the Template Studio

Note: Correct tagging ensures that users can edit the right elements once the template is created.

Step 2: Creating the package

  1. Unlock all layers before packaging.

  2. Remove any layers you do not use including hidden layers.

  3. Check your fonts:

    • Confirm all fonts are included in the package

    • Add Adobe Fonts or Google Fonts manually to the Document Fonts folder if needed

  4. Ensure the package contains:

    • The IDML file which the InDesign Server uses for conversion

    • A PDF file to generate the preview thumbnail in the Template Studio

  5. Review the package contents to confirm nothing is missing.

⚠️ Important: If the IDML file or required fonts are missing, the conversion may fail.

Step 3: Upload to the Template Studio

  1. Compress the package into a ZIP file.

  2. Check the file size. Keep the ZIP file under two GB. If the file is larger, try flattening linked files that are very large.

  3. Navigate to your portal admin and go to "Template Studio".

  4. Click "+ New template".

  5. Enter a name for your template.

  6. Drag and drop the ZIP file into the upload window.

  7. Wait for the conversion:

    • You can close the window during processing

    • You will receive an email once the conversion is complete

Caution: Do not remove or rename files inside the package after creating the ZIP file.

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