The Laughable News

Hi Ryan,
I have a few questions regarding working with PS and ID files that I’m hoping you can help me with.

1. How do you move files (i.e.: ads) from PS to ID and maintain transparency? When I create an ad with multiple layers I find that I need to flatten the file in order to select and drag it to ID or to copy and paste. When I do this, the file loses its transparency. Not a big problem right now, but it may be in the future, especially when I go to use certain elements (like pictures) that have a white background. Is there some setting that I’m not aware of that you can help me with?
2. I’ve been using Art Explosion clip art for some ad elements, but when I open the files they always open in Paint program. Again, when I try to copy and paste, or save as a jpeg in order to open the image in PS, a dialog box pops up telling me that I’m going to lose transparency. Any ideas?
3. What PDF settings would you recommend in order to export the finished newsletter from ID and maintain deep blacks throughout the document? I ran into a problem with the printer on my first issue because most of the document printed a very weak black, while some of the elements (some text and most of the graphics) printed a good rich black. I thought it had something to do with the quality on their end, and they did make an adjustment, but today I noticed that the blacks in the document don’t look the same when I export to a PDF. Not all of the blacks maintain a deep black look to them. Any thoughts?

How do you move files (i.e.: ads) from PS to ID and maintain transparency? When I create an ad with multiple layers I find that I need to flatten the file in order to select and drag it to ID or to copy and paste. When I do this, the file loses its transparency.

• Instead of dragging or copy/pasting the image to InDesign, try saving the file as a TIFF or PSD. In the TIFF example, a box will pop up - TIFF OPTIONS. Just make sure you check off SAVE TRANSPARENCY
• Then open InDesign and Choose FILE>PLACE, find the ad and click OPEN. The image will have transparency.
• I've attached a sample below where I placed a cow cartoon over the text - the same will work with your ads

I’ve been using Art Explosion clip art for some ad elements, but when I open the files they always open in Paint program. Again, when I try to copy and paste, or save as a jpeg in order to open the image in PS, a dialog box pops up telling me that I’m going to lose transparency. Any ideas?

• You should be able to change the settings so that Photoshop is the default application when opening those files. Off the top of my head, I would say RIGHT CLICK the file>Choose OPEN WITH>select Photoshop from the list> and also click the checkbox that say "Always Open With The Program"...or something like that. I run a MAC so it may vary. ==> Let me know how that works.

What PDF settings would you recommend in order to export the finished newsletter from ID and maintain deep blacks throughout the document?

• We cover Exporting To PDF in our video tutorial section. If you haven't seen it, you can do so here: tinyurl.com/yz2lawu
• Also, you may want to check the settings in the InDesign preferences, under APPEARANCE OF BLACK. ON SCREEN should have Display all blacks as rich black selected; PRINTING/EXPORTING should have Output all blacks as rich black selected

Hope that helps

Thanks Ryan, I'll be trying that out this weekend.