Building layouts and preparing for export in InDesign

RGB and CMYK files

InDesign can work with many different combinations of files and profiles but many workflows simply do not produce printable results. So here are some important guidelines for how best to work with image files and produce printable PDFs in the easiest, safest and most flexible manner.

We need to receive files that are separated/CMYK converted with the ICC profile that corresponds to the paper type to be used (more on ICC profiles). If you work exclusively with CMYK images, this means that all files should be converted to the correct profile before being placed in InDesign, as no conversion of CMYK content will take place upon export to PDF. This conversion can be done in Adobe Photoshop, for example. Placing RGB images is fine as long as the files have an embedded profile.

If you wish to work with both RGB and CMYK, please make sure that the CMYK files are separated/converted to the profile corresponding to the paper to be used for printing (eg. ISO Coated v2 (ECI) if it is to be printed on matt coated paper) before they are placed in the page layout.

What ICC profile to use for different paper types at Livonia Print

Bitmap and line drawings

If you work with bitmap such as architectural drawings (line drawings), make sure they are in monochrome mode to maintain a high resolution when building the PDF file.

Languages

If you work on a document that is to be printed in multiple languages, we recommend placing each language in a separate layer and defining the text as a spot colour, rather than Black. This makes it much easier to change plates for languages during the print run.

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