illustrator files are blank in ID

[dan2229]

I have created a couple of files in Illustrator using the Trace feature. I have saved them in the AI file format. When I open them in InDesign, the files are blank.

Any ideas?

Daniel

 

[jmgalvin]

You cannot "open" the AI file in INDD. Use Place and see if it shows up.

Using OSX 10.3.9 on a G4

 

[apepp]

...worth checking the layer has 'print' turned on in illustrator (double click it), also have pdf compatible enabled when saving...

...check also that 'display performance' is set to 'typical' under the view menu...

Andrew

 

[dan2229]

apepp,

I'll try looking at the settings of both of those. I'm really new to InDesign. I have been a long-time devotee of PageMaker. I used it since it was an Aldus product for Mac.

There are just enough differences in InDesign and Pagemaker to keep me off-balance most of the time.

BTW, I only use File> Place when bringing in photos or graphics.

jmgalvin,

I thought the whole reason for the CS2 package was that you could open Illustrator files in ID, now that they are compatible.

The CD tutorial that came with my software shows InDesign documents filled with Photoshop and Illustrator objects, and when you go to make changes to the objects, Illustrator opens, you make the changes, and the InDesign document reflects the changes made in AI. Neat, if it works!
Daniel

 

[jmgalvin]

What I meant was that you can not use ID to open (as in Filed menu/Open) native AI docs - they must first be placed in the ID doc. Your original post said you could not see them after Opening.

Using OSX 10.3.9 on a G4

 

[Eggles]

Daniel

Quite by accident, I discovered if you copy and paste from Illustrator to ID, the AI file is then editble (e.g. change colour of fill and/or stroke) in ID. Doesn't work if you do it the 'correct' way i.e. file>Place.

 

[dan2229]

Lynn,

I am going to try both ways to see what happens. This sounds really bizarre.

Thanks,

Daniel

 

[apepp]

...worth making sure the graphics content in illustrator is within the artboard then save to .ai format, I've heard that if the graphics content is created or moved off the artboard when the .ai is placed in Indesign it will not be visible, this is at least apparently true to Indesign CS2...

Andrew