What are the InDesign package do's and don'ts for the Template Studio?
Design and formatting do's and don'ts
Image boxes
Do:
-
Use InDesign Frame Fitting Options to control how images scale, for example Fill Frame Proportionally.
Do not:
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Use Crop Amounts to adjust the image.
Text boxes
Do:
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Use large text examples to size your text boxes correctly. This reduces the chance of text being cut off in the HTML preview.
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Use Content Fitting and set Inset Spacing to ensure the entire font sits comfortably inside the box.
Do not:
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Keep text boxes too small. This can cause the Template Studio preview to cut off text.
Shapes
Do:
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Use simple shapes such as circles or rectangles.
-
Create a PDF for complex shapes before packaging.
Do not:
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Use free shapes created directly in InDesign. These may not convert correctly.
Master design elements
Do:
-
Create design elements directly on the pages.
Do not:
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Use Master Pages. The InDesign Server does not recognize Master Page content.
Color, gradient and file do's and don'ts
Colors
Do:
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Use CMYK or RGB color models.
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Add all used colors to Swatches.
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Use transparent colors such as opacity 20 percent directly in InDesign.
Do not:
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Use Pantone colors.
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Apply colors from the colorpicker without adding them to Swatches.
Gradients and opacities
Do:
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Create gradients in Photoshop or Illustrator.
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Create a PDF of any shape that uses opacity lower than 100 percent.
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Use shade effects from InDesign.
Do not:
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Create gradients for shapes or text directly in InDesign.
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Use shapes with opacity lower than 100 percent created in InDesign.
Fonts
Do:
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Embed all fonts in the package.
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Add Adobe or Google fonts manually to the package.
Do not:
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Leave fonts out of the package.
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Use different styles or sizes inside the same textbox without tagging the text separately.
Linked files
Do:
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Avoid special characters in all filenames.
Do not:
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Use special characters in linked file names. These can cause conversion errors.
Tips for successful template conversion
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Test a simple version of your design first to confirm the conversion works as expected.
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Keep shapes and effects as basic as possible to reduce processing issues.
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Use consistent fonts and swatches across your document.
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Review the final packaged folder to confirm all assets are included.