Template Graphics Preparation
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      3. Template Graphics Preparation

      Preparing Graphic Objects

      Overview of the software used to properly prepare graphics for CampaignDrive upload.

        Notes for Preparing Graphics for Use in Templates

        • CampaignDrive templates are comprised of two types of elements: live text and graphic objects (JPEGs, PNGs, PDFs, and AI files).
        • Any element that has transparency (any object that is not a rectangle) must be exported with a file type that supports transparency, preferably PDFs. Transparency includes the presence of gradients, drop shadows, objects with less than 100% opaque, and objects with clear corners (such as circles or rounded corners).
        • Any text or line art stored within a graphic element must be outlined (converted to art) so that the PDF output  “sees” it as art, not text.
        • The choice to output graphics using Illustrator or Photoshop depends on the presence of transparency. For any transparency type that is due to an element being less than 100% opaque  (gradient, drop shadow), Photoshop is the preferred output method. 

        Recommendations for choosing the correct output program: 

        • Photoshop JPG
          • Bitmapped (i.e. photo) objects that are rectangles 
          • Solid-colored rectangles or lines that don’t need to scale 
        • Illustrator PDF (The EPS-PDF output is recommended here.)
          • Flat, solid objects with irregular edges: logos, solid objects of any shape that need to  scale, or outlined text and lines that need to scale 
        • Photoshop PDF
          • Bitmapped objects with transparency
          • PNG files
          • Vector-bitmapped combination elements
          • Vector objects with transparency effects (drop-shadows, gradients, etc.). 

        Converting Objects 

        Rectangular Bitmap Objects with no Transparency 

        • Select the image frame in InDesign. Copy the image. Make sure you are selecting the container frame and not the interior frame. 
        • In Photoshop, create a new file (File->New). The new document should automatically be created at the size of the copied object. 
        • In the pop-up, ensure the settings are correct for your output.
          • For example, for print this would be Inches, 300 DPI, Color Mode to CMYK.
        • Paste Smart Vector Object in Photoshop (place by hitting return/enter key). 
        • Flatten image. Layer->Flatten Image.
        • Save as bitmapped and/or rasterized images as JPEGs with no embedded color profile and set settings as follows: Baseline Standard and Quality Max 12.  
        • Relink the image in InDesign into the original container. The image should re-populate exactly
        • Check each inside image box (hand icon appears) to position all images at 0, 0, and 100%  scaling with constrained proportions within the image frame. 

        Everything Else 

        • Select the object in InDesign – select “Edit Original” and, if the object is a colored, 100% solid  graphic with no transparency, edit with Illustrator, otherwise, edit with Photoshop. For objects natively created in Illustrator or that are vectors with transparency effects it might be more efficient to go completely through the entire process using Illustrator. Once the object has been saved as an EPS.PDF file, re-open that file in Photoshop and re-save it using the same pre-set. Once in the appropriate program perform the following checks:
        • Release and delete all clipping masks 
        • Remove all empty layers 
        • Delete all guidelines 
        • Outline all text (Type->Create Outlines) 
        • Outline all strokes (Path->Outline Path) 
        • Fit Artboard to Artwork Bounds. Note – the Compose environment will use the artwork boundary as the size of the artwork and will scale the artwork inside to fit this boundary.
          • If this is not done, then the artwork will be stretched out of shape to fit the boundary. In cases where making the artboard fit the artwork is not practical or desired, a blank box with no stroke and no fill may be created to set the artboard size. 
        • Change the view to “Outline” mode, Zoom Out, and select everything on the pasteboard.  Look for any stray anchor points or graphics, and any text or line art that has not been outlined. 
        • Make sure there are no fonts in the document (Type>Find Font) 
        • Group all vector shapes 
        • Convert all spot colors and RGB colors to CMYK color space 
        • Make sure the file has a CMYK color mode (File>Document Color Mode) 
        • Save as EPS-PDF in the image folder using the PDF presets (provided in Appendix B).
        • Relink the object in InDesign and fit the frame to the content. If you have made changes to the artboard size, manual adjustment of the frame or artwork may be required to reproduce the original placement. 

        Additional Considerations 

        Line Art, Embedded Art, and “Text as Art” 

        Anything created as artwork natively within the InDesign file must be prepared according to one of the two processes outlined above. Follow the same guidelines as for linked objects. If it is a  solid rectangle of color, it can be treated as either a bitmap image or a vector object, depending on how it will be treated in the final template.