Best practices for using the InDesign Plug-in

  • Updated

1. Keep it simple

Use our InDesign plug-in to create and upload a print-ready file.

  • The plug-in creates blank templates in the correct size and specifications which we require. All you need to do is add your content. 
  • Don't modify your document size/document setup. (Yes, the size specs in the document setup are indeed correct. Please don't modify them).
  • Do not add printer marks of any kind. We'll add any necessary marks on the back end. If you add marks of your own, they'll appear in your printed book.
  • If you've got an existing InDesign file that wasn't originally designed using Blurb's templates, don't try to re-size it. Instead, we recommend manually copying and pasting your content into a blank template made with our plug-in. 

2. Set your InDesign color settings

i. Open InDesign.

ii. Go to Edit > Color Settings.

iii. Select the options shown below. You can either download and install the Blurb ICC profile or choose CMYK US Web Coated (SWOP) v2.

indesign_color_settings.png

iv. Also go to Edit > Transparency Blend Space and select Document CMYK. This will make any over-lapping elements consistent.

3. Don’t use spot or registration color

  • We do not support spot colors. Convert all spot/Pantone colors to CMYK prior to uploading your PDF.
  • Some spot colors can be converted at the press to a mix of CMYK, but depending on the complexity of your design (drop shadows, etc.) they may not translate correctly. This is why Blurb recommends not using spot colors at all. 
  • Registration color (100% of all four inks) is just that–to check the registration of the color–and should be avoided when designing your book.
  • Black backgrounds should generally not exceed 260% total ink coverage.
  • Black text should almost always be K only (0,0,0,100). Don't use registration black for text!

4. Avoid overly complex vector art

Convert complex vector art using this method to help reduce the likelihood of problems when your PDF reaches the press.

Overly complex vector art embedded in PDF files (such as architectural drawings) can cause great strain at the print device and result in print failure. A page with this type of content can contain thousands of paths that are not easily seen when visually reviewing a PDF, nor is there a way to catch this prior to sending the file to press.

How can you identify overly complex vector art? When you open and review an exported PDF and artwork begins to display slowly (giving it an animated look), that indicates complex vector art. That artwork should be converted to a raster image prior to export. 

5. Design your cover only after you complete your pages

Do not create your cover template from the plug-in until you have the exact page count of your book. This will create a correctly sized cover for your book. Otherwise you will need to create a new cover for your existing plug-in page file.

6. Design to the bleed

If you want your content to print all the way to the edge of the page or cover, be sure you design to the red bleed line--not just the black trim line.

If you see unwanted white edges when reviewing the exported PDF that usually means you haven't placed your content all the way to the bleed line. Those edges may appear in the printed book.

 

7. Ready to upload? Use the 'Upload Book' button

When you're ready to review and upload your PDF, look over your work carefully in InDesign. Then open the Blurb Book Creator plug-in and click 'Upload Book'. This will automatically generate a PDF for you to review.

Do not manually export a PDF. Let the plug-in do this for you via the 'Upload Book' button. That way your PDF will be exported with the correct settings and sizes.

8. Review your exported PDF using our recommended settings

After you click 'Upload Book' this will automatically export and open a PDF for you to review. In Acrobat/Adobe Reader make sure to use the following settings in Preferences. This ensures your PDF displays correctly, including any page spread designs.

  • View -> Page Display menu of the PDF, select Two-Up and Show Cover Page During Two-Up
  • Preferences > Page Display > de-select Use Local Fonts
  • Preferences > Page Display > set Use Overprint Preview to Always

If everything in the exported PDF looks good, continue with the upload. If not, click 'Continue Working' to make changes in InDesign.

9. Order a single copy

If you're going to order more than one copy, or if the book's for an important project or event, we highly recommend that you order and review a single copy of your book first. This functions as your 'proof' copy and lets you spot any necessary changes before you order the rest. 

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