December 31, 2011

Placing a multiple page PDF, or multiple artboard Illustrator file into InDesign

You can place many types of objects into InDesign including Adobe Illustrator files and pdfs. I've always struggled with placing pdfs with multiple pages, or Illustrator files with multiple artboards. In the past if I wanted to import other than the first page of a pdf, I'd save just that page by itself, then place that file in InDesign. This is a very inefficient way to manage files. I recently discovered a way to import other pages or artboards into InDesign.

1) In InDesign go to File > Place


2) In the pop-up dialogue box you will see three options at the bottom. (In CS4 there are only two check boxes)
CS5

CS4


Check the box that says "Show Import Options"

3) In the window, find and select your PDF or Ai file you want to import. Click "Open"

4) In this second pop-up window you will see import options for the file. Select a single page/ artboard or a range. Then click "OK"



Note: InDesign will remember that you checked the "Show Import Options" the next time you go to place a file. You will see this screen each time until you uncheck the box.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you for this!! It is simple, but very helpful!

Jennifer brown said...

I'm glad it helped!

Danny said...

Thanks! Simple and to the point, saved me at the deadline!

Jennifer brown said...

You're welcome Danny!

Naotho said...

Working perfect in Illustrator CS6.
Thank you very much!

Anonymous said...

Thank you Jennifer! Simple but helpful!

Jennifer brown said...

Glad this worked for you in CS6 @Naotho. It also works in the Creative Cloud versions. I believe the programs are labeled "CC" as of this posting.

Anonymous said...

Thank you. A "life saver" at this hour.

Unknown said...
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jco said...

Hi Jennifer,

Hope you are staying safe! Is there any option to place multiple artboards in illustrator? I have "show import options" checked but it does not allow me to select the range of pages to place in adobe illustrator. I used to be able to do this on a PC but am now using Mac and do not see the feature.

Thank you!