Adobe is known for its rich software suite, which includes Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator. These programs have plenty of cross-platform functionality. Do you know how to transfer assets between projects?
We’re sharing how to convert PSD to InDesign (with the .INDD extension), so you can work seamlessly with the two programs.
Incorporating PSD Files into InDesign Projects
- Begin by launching a new or existing InDesign project. If you’re initiating a new project, select “File” > “New” > “Document” from the top menu, customize your settings, and then click “Create”.
- Next, select “File” > “Place” from the top menu and find your PSD file in the directory. Double-click on the file to place it into your InDesign document. While you can use the standard “copy” and “paste” commands to incorporate a PSD file into InDesign, this action embeds the file into your document. This means it won’t link to the original file and any modifications you make to the PSD file in Photoshop won’t reflect in the InDesign version.
- Once you’re satisfied with the PSD placement, select “File” > “Save As” to store a new version of your InDesign project. Despite featuring a PSD file prominently in the new project, it will still save in the .INDD format.
- Finally, if you’re not pleased with the resolution of the PSD file on your screen, you might want to alter the display settings for better detail. Navigate to “View” > “Display Performance” > “High Quality Display” to optimize your view.
Handling Transparency and Clipping Paths
Photoshop often employs layer transparency to enhance the final image. When you import a PSD file into InDesign, the software analyzes and imports these transparency settings. You can utilize this feature to generate clipping paths in InDesign. Essentially, these invisible shapes can mask portions of your image, rendering them invisible in the final InDesign project.
Cover image via Mehaniq
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