Magazine layout in IDCS

[bubbatub]

We are getting ready to do our first multi-page magazine layout in INCS. What advice do people have on what to do and what not to do to make this process easier?

[JoePixel]

1. Make the document size the size that you want the file to be when trimmed. Add .125" bleed all around where applicable.

2. If the magazine is going to be saddle stitched, then you can use facing pages in the document setup.

3. If the magazine is going to be perfect bound, don't use facing pages.

4. Make sure all your graphics are 4 color CMYK and 300 DPI and don't scale them too much when placing them. More than 150% will make them a bad resolution.

5. Use a good font library.

6. Ask your printer if they have any specific requests. They will probably want the book in reader spreads (in order from page 1 to whatever) and not in printer spreads.

7. Once you get started, give a test file to your printer and ask them to take a look at it. If they see anything that they want differently, then they should tell you before you get too involved in it.

8. Enjoy InDesign CS, the application is the best page app out there IMHO.

Master Pages, Auto-Page numbering {if ya need it}, Character and Paragraph Styles are all great time savers. At our shop I request everything in single, non-facing pages regardless of the binding to be done. {draws a preview faster for complex, graphic heavy pages and my imposition software takes care of the binding concerns.} Also, if you don't use an external preflight app the built-in preflight and package features could save alot of headaches.

Originally Posted by JoePixel

8. Enjoy InDesign CS, the application is the best page app out there IMHO.

I agree man!

vee

[mattbeals]

Keep all transparent objects on a separate layer from everything else. I always work this way:

top layer - text and line art
middle layer - objects with transparency
bottom layer - all CT's

This way you transparency is segregated from other objects on the page and causing them to be rasterized with the transparency.

Be sure to check with your printer if they can take PDF/X-1a:2001 files exported directly from InDesign CS.