How to create downloadable files that will print correctly and more
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- This topic has 5 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 6 years, 10 months ago by
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Hello, I have created several booklets that I will be printing and selling, and I would also like to offer them for sale as digital downloads. How would I go about making these files easily downloadable for my customers, and make sure that the pages will be set up right so that when they print them, the pages will be in order and able to print on both sides? Also, I wanted to see if anyone knows how I can show “pictures” of some of the pages without having to print them all? Kind of like a screenshot, but without the background showing my software etc. Would I need to just take a screenshot and manipulate the picture? I’m not sure how to post an example since I can’t post a screenshot here. Any help is much appreciated. If there’s a way for me to share a screenshot and that would help, please let me know how to do it and I will. Thanks again!
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Will you be storing the PDFs on your own site or using InDesign’s “Publish Online” feature?
Do some reading on this site about PDF export options. That will help you learn the best way to export the INDD file to a PDF that will work for you and your customers. There are some export settings to pay attention to, especially if you have any interactive elements (hyperlinks, bookmarks, etc). You can also specify compatibility and file size (which will affect how any images in your booklet will display & print). As far as printing, the customer will be able to print using their own print settings, unless you add document security, which it doesn’t sound like you will want to for this application. They can choose to print single- or double-sided, color, etc.
PDF articles:
https://creativepro.com/creating-pdf-indesigns-print-booklet-feature.php
https://creativepro.com/choosing-the-right-pdf-preset.php
https://creativepro.com/make-it-look-like-a-book-in-the-acrobat-pdf.php
Many more … if you do a search you will find many many articles & forum posts.As far as your thumbnails, what I would do is export just the pages you want as .jpg or .png image files and upload that to your site. No need to do a screenshot. You can specify the size and quality of the image in the export settings.
I hope this helps! Let us know if you have more questions.
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Charlotte, thank you very much for your time and advice. Thanks for taking the time to post the links and explain this in detail. When I first started working on these I tried to export to PDF and they didn’t turn out right, but I haven’t tried in a while. I will read the links and will try again. I really appreciate you being so helpful and kind. I cannot thank you enough. I will be offering the PDFs on a third party website where I will be selling my items. As far as the thumbnails, I’m not sure that’s exactly what I need. I will play with it and see if it is. I believe I can send you a private message through this website..? I’m not sure, but if I can, and you wouldn’t mind, I might message you directly if I need more guidance. I don’t want to post all of my business information here publicly, but I would have no problem sharing it directly with you if you wouldn’t mind and if I need more help. Thanks again, you have always been very kind and helpful. I hope your week is amazing! :)
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How did they “not turn out right”? What sort of issues were you running into?
By “thumbnails” I was referring to the small pictures you said you wanted of the pages.
I am not sure about sending messages via the site. I haven’t tried it. you’re welcome to email me at firecrackerktm @ gmail.com (remove spaces of course)
I’m not the most knowledgeable one on this site though so I’m sure others will chime in with better, more specific/clear advice!
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Charlotte, it’s been several months since I tried, but what I remember happening was that the pages were all out of order. I never tried printing, but it looked like they wouldn’t print correctly. I do need to read your links and try again and see what happens. I do understand what you were referring to as far as the thumbnails, I’m just not sure if that’s what I will need. I will definitely try it though. I haven’t sold on the website I’m going to be selling my products on, so I will just have to kind of play with it I guess and see if it works. I really do appreciate your help. Thank you for your email address. If I cannot figure out what I’m trying to do, I will shoot you an email and give you more details about what I am doing and maybe you can help me with more information from me. Hopefully what you have already provided will be sufficient. Thanks so much! :)
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