Packaging Indesign Files - Network to Desktop to Network

Hi - I wanted to hear from people who work with InDesign files on a regular basis. I am not a guru with InDesign - so any advice/comments would be appreciated.
Our end-users currently work with InDesign CS5 and CS6. Windows 7 Enterprise x64. I understand how packaging an INDD file works. It packages all of the links, photos, fonts, colors into the document – making it one large file.
When the file is packaged (from Network to their computer), sometimes they want to take their laptop home with the saved packaged INDD file and work on it. After they edit their document – they return to the office and put the packaged file back on the network.
When someone else goes to open the packaged file on the network – all of the links are then broken. There can be hundreds of links broken – which could accumulate hours of work just fixing the links.
Is there any way to unpackage the INDD file and restore all of the links from the network?
Again – any advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Relinking shouldn't be a problem
Just select the Window>Links Panel
And in the sub menu (top right)
Choose update all links to a folder (think you might have to select them all first)
And then point to the folder
If the people are at home working on the files and they add files to the document,
They need to use File>Package and create a new package.
Zip that folder and then bring it back in.
Although if your internet connection has no up or download limit - I would store the files on drop box.
It has many advantages
http://boblevine.us/why-i-always-save-files-in-dropbox-and-why-you-should-too/

Similar Messages

Packaging InDesign files

I have an InDesign file that has a bleed. When I packaged the file, the Report text file listed Bleed as being zero. ln Document Setup the bleed is 1/4 inch on all 4 sides. The only way I was able to get the correct bleed setting to show in the report file was to go to File > Print, take the check off of Use Document Bleed Settings, and type in the bleed.
Why would the correct bleed not be listed in the Report file if the document set up has a bleed setting?

I think what happens when Use Document Bleed Settings is selected at print time, InDesign looks at the Document Setup "on the fly." It doesn't actually enter any values in the bleed boxes, so there's nothing there that gets saved with the document. When you enter the values yourself, the settings become a fixed part of the print output dialog and are saved with the document.
If it helps: in all the years I've received packaged InDesign files from clients, I have never once paid attention to the "Print Settings" section of the report; there's nothing there that's relevant to the printer (that's me!).
Maybe a good feature request would be to eliminate the Print Settings in the report and list the Document Setup values instead.
One last thing: there may be a good reason for you to send the packaged native files to your printer, but the best workflow (if possible) would be to export a PDF for the printer and not bother with the packaged InDesign files at all.
-Bill
Edit: Mr. Spier beat me to it!
Message was edited by: Bill Byers

Trying to package InDesign file, gets missing plugin error

I've been trying to package this magazine and it keeps telling me i'm missing this external plugging called 'asset management.InDesignPlugin'. when i try googling it i can't find anything.

If Peter's solution does not help, here's another way, because the missing plugin might just be incorrectly registered or not at all:
1. Find the location of your Indesign preferences file, copy it to a safe place, delete the original.
2. Start Indesign - it will re-register all plugins. Close Indesign again.
3. Write back the saved prefs file to the original location.

Is there a way to save over previous files without renaming when packaging InDesign files?

I am finding the file management a nightmare with having to package my work from Creative Cloud at home in order to work in Creative Suite at school. I usually have to do this back and forth multiple times for the same project creating multiple files and folders - it is too confusing!
I would like less clutter by having the option to save over my packages without having to rename resulting in yet another packaged folder for the same project to my storage devices. Is there a way to do this? I searched and am not finding answers to this particular issue.
Normally I would not package before the project is complete but I need the IDML files in order to continue my work when at school. Any answers or tips around how to manage this would be appreciated.
Thank you!

Thank you Bob! I understood all of that. My frustration was that I have to give it a new name every single time I package thus creating yet another version of the same file on my system. I don't like cluttering my system with multiple versions of the same project. I work with duplicating layers inside the same document so I can always revert back to something done earlier without having to dig around and open an old file. I think this lack of saving over a file option is a flaw in the way the software is designed. One should always have the option to re-save over an old file with the same name. Just my opinion!

Indesign files won't open over a network

I have just copied my entire work folder from a 17" iMac Core Duo to a 20" iMac Core Duo. When I attempt to open any InDesign files over the network from one machine to the other I get the following message.
"Cannot open the document "xxxxxxx". You may not have permission or the document may be open already. For mutli-user access, close the file and then lock it using thee File > Get Info command in the Finder."
All my other files open correctly - Quark, Photoshop, Illustrator etc. I have read and write permissions for the entire work folder, but only the InDesign files wont open over the network. The files will open perfectly on the local machine, but not over the network.
I have managed to find a similar post on Adobe's InDesign User Forum, but not a satisfactory solution.
I have never had this problem before, I've been using fileservers for years with no problems
Please can anyone help.
Thanks

Well, I don't have InDesign or I'd try Sharepoints to see if it could help the situation, dunno...
http://www.hornware.com/sharepoints/
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=1358566&#1358566
"Adobe states that PhotoShop CS2 does not work in a network environment. Many have seen this issue with CS2 and 10.4 working in a client/server environment. This does not seem to be an issue on the Windows/PC side. The only work around at the moment is to save the file on the local drive and then copy it over to client home folder."
I think part of it is that Apple has changed the method of locking files in OSX more than once.

Unable package OSX indesign file on Win Server

I package on to a AD based server,,, it creates a folder.. but it is empty
I package locally on my MP desk top it's ok..
Using CS5 .. but problem was there since CS4

Package the file to your Desktop and see if you can copy it up. My money is on file name length being the issue. If you can then it is time to call the helpdesk or Active Directory administrator to ensure that you have enough permissions for InDesign.
Though many run InDesign over the network it isn't officially supported and I think generally the permissions level is like most applications in the print industry where they ask for a broadbrush huge amount of permissions. I don't believe there is a system administrator guide for permissions anywhere, as that is considered supporting network indesign work.
I don't think Active Directory is wildly popular in the Mac world, but they have made progress every release since Panther to make it better. If the file name isn't your issue you may want to see if your AD administrator can set you up with a stunt share with full permissions to see if ID will play nice with it. My bet, again, is on file name length.

I am working on a file I created in Indesign CC 2014 and when I try to rearrange pages in the Pages menu or try to package the file, I get the spinning wheel for 20 mins. then it crashes. What should I do?

Can anyone help? I started a 24 page document in Indesign CC 2014 and have been using the file off of a dropbox acct on my two machines (desktop and macbook pro). I need to rearrange some of the pages but when I try to drag and drop the pages in the Pages menu, I get the ominous spinning wheel...for about 20 mins at times. then It will just crash. The document doesn't have a tone of images. I've also tried to collect and package the file but get the same thing.
What should I do?? Help!

try the script at Adobe Community: InDesign 6 is crashing when attempting to open a particular document. All others are opening OK.
I'd also try moving the pages to a new file, though I suspect that will crash too. Divide and conquer might work -- tray one of your operations on half the document at a time, then repeat by dividing any piece that fails, and so on, until you isolate a page, then use the same method to isolate an object (though it's possible you have a corrupt page).

InDesign CC won't package my files

InDesign CC won't pacakge my graphic files with the following error; "Cannot copy necessary linked file(s).
I have recenly upgraded to CC version of InDesign, using InCopy text files, have never expreienced any issues with packaging before.
I also tried saving back to InDesign CS6 and opening in that version, also with the same error.
Any thoughts or assistance would be greatly appriiciated.
regards
Peter

Still working on figuring this out. But here is a summary of all the issues I am having:
1. When I try to open an Indesign file I SOMETIMES get the following message and cannot open it. (I have correct permissions and the file is not open or locked)
Cannot open the document “filename”. You may not have permission or the document may be open already. For multi-use access, close the file and then lock it using the File . Get Info command in the Finder.
2. When I try to package in InDesign I get the following message: (despite all images definitely being linked)
ERROR: InDesign could not package the document ‘filename’. Cannot copy necessary file(s)
3. When I try to make a PDF in Indesign I get a box with this message:
1 problem (1 failure) was found with a background task
IN READ below says: “Export: ‘filename’ (1)
However, SOMETIMES it will make the PDF, but some or all images in the PDF are blank boxes. (without warning me)
5. IF I try to export a JPG, the file is blank, but I get no warning that images are not linked.
6. SOMETIMES when I try to drag an image onto an InDesign file I get this error message:
Cannot place this file. No filter found for requested operation
So far, we have used one file to make a bunch of tests, let's call it "filename." If I simply dragged the .indd file to the desktop, it does not help at all. If I drag the .indd and all it's links to the desktop, it will PDF and package just fine. If I take the Indesign file and all it's links and put it on the server in ONE folder (so basically the links aren't all over the place on the server, but in one spot), it will package and PDF just fine...
So, I'm still slightly clueless. My guess is it may be the server, but IT does not think that is the case. Could it be a combination of issues?

I exported an indesign file as a pdf saved to my desktop, now all indesign files on desktop are turned to pdf. HELP PLEASE

I exported an indesign file as a pdf saved to my desktop, now all indesign files on desktop are turned to pdf. HELP PLEASE

If you are using Mac, press Apple + I to get the information. It show a table. There is a section call Open with. Change the file with pdf icon to open with indesign. If using PC, just click on the second button on the mouse and open with Indesign.

When fonts are packaged, do these fonts only link up to the one InDesign file that was packaged?

I often work with InDesign client files that are different "versions" of the same file (the only change between these InDesign files maybe be a location name, but the rest of the file is the same (fonts, links, etc). So I'll have an InDesign file named as A version, one as B version, etc. When I open the A version of the file and package it for the printer, are those fonts (Document fonts) available to that specific InDesign file only? If I copy the other versions of InDesign files into that folder for the printer (rather than package each individual InDesign file, will those other InDesign files link to the collected Document folder? Or will I have to package each file separately?

Thanks for replying Steve. A man who worked at a press, told me that InDesign files always pulled fonts from the same folder first. My coworker thinks it's only the InDesign file that fonts were packaged for. Now I don't know for sure what he meant and I don't have a way to contact him again.
More experimentation on my part will be required and more packaging of files. Our Creative dept has 3 designers and when we work on each others files, there's always font issues unless the fonts have been packaged for each file. And don't get me started on Helveticas! Between system fonts, fonts used over the years, clients providing fonts... it's been a problem we've yet to solve... everyone using the same Helvetica font family.
Again, thanks Steve.

When packaging a file in indesign - Error message - Cannot copy necessary linked file(s)

When packaging a file in indesign - Error message - Cannot copy necessary linked file(s)

Can you select all Links in the Links Panel
Use the Flyout Menu on the top right of panel.
Choose "Utilities>Copy Links to"
And see if that works.

Using an InCopy package with different versions of the same InDesign file

Hi,
I head up the studio for a London based design agency. We are looking into using InCopy with one of our clients (who will be off-site). In particular this will be working on Annual Reports.
As an example the issue I am coming up against is the following:
So far I imagine that we would have our InDesign file and create an InCopy package of all the stories to send to our client. With the content size of these type of documents it may be several days before we receive anything back. In the time between it is inevitable that we will need to carry out design changes. With our current workflow this would involve saving a new version of the InDesign file. When we receive the original InCopy package back from our client we may be working on a version 1..2..3,etc of the InDdesign layout. BUT the InCopy package wants to link to the original file we made the InCopy package from. Is there a way to link the InCopy package into our new InDesign file.
Many Thanks

You could try renaming the new file with the old name but I don't think
that's that's going to be a recipe for success.
Other than that, you're using a very dangerous workflow. Everything here
is designed to revolve around a single InDesign file with however many
assignments or packages there are.
Bob

"Incomplete font" warning when packaging a file in InDesign CS5.5?

When I package a file, any fonts that appear with an "incomplete font" warning, are not collected. But these fonts aren't incomplete at all—I have installed them from the file that I purchased from Linotype (Helvetica Neue). Can someone please tell me how to make this warning go away and have InDesign recognise that the font is in fact complete?

"Helvetica Neue" ... are you working on a Mac?
I'm asking this because Mac OS X comes with a Helvetica Neue installed -- in fact it's part of the required System set. But Apple decided the font was not good enough as it was, and made a couple of changes to it to make it work "better", and in doing so they broke a couple of things that fonts need to get printed correctly. So everyone's advice is to steer well away from using the System version of Helvetica Neue on a Mac.
Which brings me back to your assertion
jowillis79 wrote:
I have installed them from the file that I purchased from Linotype (Helvetica Neue).
as I suggest you very carefully and thouroughly double- then triple-check that you are, in fact, using your own Helvetica Neue instead of the system one.

InDesign CC 2014 won´t package my files

When I try to package my files with CC 2014 version, the procedure freezes after I click on "continue" at the Print Instructions. Then nothing appears but my file. Then I try to close the file and an error window appears showing a message that InDesign has to be launch again. It only happens with the 2014 version. I converted my files to "idml" to open and package them on the CC version. That's the only way I can package them. Thanks

Thanks for responding, much appreciated.
The fonts themselves are definitely ok. I have tested them without the '/' in the title and they package fine.
Example font is "SymbolITC Bk/Bd BT"
To test the font, I removed the "/" form the name, uploaded it as a new font, changed the font in the document and packaged it fine, so it has to be the name that is a problem - although it has never been an issue before.
We usually supply full packaged artwork with a high resolution pdf as standard. Printers can then adjust the artwork at production stage if they need to (colours etc) to get the best result. Also, I need to share files with other designers within our agency.
Ican work around this by removing the "/" but it would be very time consuming, and older jobs we may need to access and update in the future which use the "/" named fonts would not work and would have to be changed every time which is not ideal

Publish an InDesign file as a SCORM package

What is the fastest/easiest way to take an InDesign file and publish it as a SCORM package that can be loaded to our LMS as a reference book? I don't have/need interactions - I just want the LMS to track which users opened/viewed the file. I need a VERY simple SCORM package. This seems like it ought to be easy.
Laura

I am sorry if you took offense at my response. I tend to assume that people who post questions have already researched the forum and failed to find the answer they needed - I know I do.
The point of my response was simply that the post you referenced did not actually answer the question, which makes it less than useful.
Basics of how SCORM "works":
You do create the content. The content can be created in a number of programs and formats. You then "wrap" that content into a SCORM package (which is really just a sort of special .ZIP file w/ some components that are read and and processed by an LMS) and upload it.
Publishing to SCORM from Captivate or Presenter is easy because you just tell it to do so and you can choose the various relevant options (what SCORM "things" to measure / check, which version of SCORM to use etc....) I would have expected the same to be true of InDesign, but apparently it's not. Since there is no one-click solution, I need to know the best path to take the content from InDesign toSCORM. I can imagine that meaning publishing to PDF or HTML and then moving to SCORM. I cannot imagine (especially in light of the other thread you referenced) that I am the first, much less the only, person looking for this solution. Someone out there must know the best way to do this.
As a note, the files I need to make SCORM compliant are rather lengthy and graphic-intensive, so just publishing to PDF and then loading those the the web (even using something like the SCORM packaging utility in the eLearning suite) is not really an option. I need a small enough file / package that it will be a good end-user experience (high enough resolution for the images to be legible but small enough file size to prevent long wait times while items load).
Thanks,
Laura

Packaging Indesign Files - Network to Desktop to Network

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