File prep guide · United GMG
How to Package a File in InDesign
Packaging gathers your InDesign document, its fonts and every linked image into one folder, so nothing arrives missing. Six steps, start to finish.
What the folder contains
- .inddyour document
- Document fontsevery font used
- Linkslinked graphics and images
- .idmlopens in older InDesign
- Instructions.txtthe report
Send the package. We’ll tell you what it needs.
Attach what you have and we’ll check it before anything runs.
01 Before you package
Preflight First
Check the document for errors before you package it. Open Window › Output › Preflight.
Fix any missing links or fonts and relink the files first. Preflight also flags overset text. The error count shows in the Preflight window, and an alert icon repeats in the bottom frame of the document window.
Send the package rather than a PDF alone. A package lets us correct the document; with only a PDF, our options are very limited.
02 The walkthrough
How to Package an InDesign File
Open the Package dialogue box
With your INDD file open, click File › Package.
Clear any errors in the Summary
The Summary lists the document’s fonts and links. Resolve anything flagged with a yellow warning triangle — missing links or fonts — before continuing. A package that arrives with missing items means we have to come back to you for them.
Skip the Printing Instructions
Click Package and the Printing Instructions window opens. Every field is optional, so leave them. The Filename field cannot be blank — leave the default Instructions.txt and click Continue.
Tick the boxes and save
Choose where to save the package folder — the desktop is fine. Tick these four, leave the rest, and click Package:
- Copy Fonts
- Copy Linked Graphics
- Update Graphic Links
- Include IDML
The IDML lets an older version of InDesign open the file. A PDF is not required — UGMG will make the print-ready file.
Click OK on the font warning
A warning explains font copying restrictions. It is not an error. Click OK.
Check the folder, then zip it
Open the new package folder and confirm it holds the document, Document fonts and Links. The report file lists both, so anything missing shows there.
Then right-click the folder and choose Compress (Mac) or Send to ZIP (Windows). Zipping protects the files in transit. Under 10 MB you can email it; over that, send a link.
Packaging collects the pieces. The file still needs the right setup.
Bleed, safety, resolution, color and fonts — every number we check is on our guide to what bleed is in printing, with the pre-print checklist.
PDF · 1 page · 990 KB
Work with United GMG to Package InDesign Files and More
Send the packaged file and we’ll take it from there — printing, direct mail, signs and banners, packaging and kitting, for businesses, nonprofits and associations across Chicagoland.
Questions about packaging a file, or about anything else on the job? Ask us.
