How to embed graphics by default?

[Kalavinka@adobeforums.com]

IDCS on XP Pro

My book text files are mostly just text with vector line drawing illustrations that aren't really very big. I don't mind a slightly fatter file size. I keep getting these broken link flags when I'm moving files around and it's a drag to relink. Anyway to just default to automatic embedding so as to kill this problem?

Any tips much appreciated.

Mitra
Kalavinka Press

[Steve_Werner@adobeforums.com]

There is no such preference. However, in the Links palette, you can
Shift-select multiple links and choose Embed Image.

Do you imageset or plateset your own files? That is, are you the only one who handles your files? In that case, your workflow might make sense. But if you pass off your files to others for printing, you might ask what they prefer. Every service provider I know prefers linked images because that way it's easier to fix a link if necessary.

[Kalavinka@adobeforums.com]

That's an easy fix. Solves the problem.

Yeah, I'm the only one handling the files. They go directly to digital printing where, if there are any problems with the file at all, it's thrown right back into my lap... so no complications in the workflow.

Thanks, Steve.

Mitra

[Auto-Embedders]

Going back to the problem, frankly we don't know the reason why Adobe didn't put an auto-embed option in the first place. Software applications that give more options to the user increases its own and its user's efficiency. Also, it's just a minor code.

We can think of it this way...

InDesign W/O AUTO-EMBED: carrying a backpack with various stuff in it and holding a note on one hand reminding you what stuff inside that bag you have to remember. It's easier to carry this way but takes time to get things out of the bag.

InDesign WITH AUTO-EMBED: carrying all the important stuff with both arms so you don't have to remember which stuff are important. Very bulky but fast because you can easily deploy with a simple arm movement.

If you think about it, both of them have their advantages-disadvantages. Both of them have equal weight. Neither of them are automatic, but one of them will definitely do the job efficiently.

Adobe made it easy for InDesign to link automatically. Why not give the option to embed automatically? At least give the user that choice.

Obviously, Adobe doesn't think auto-embedding is cool.