No need to feel alone if you’re unsure of how to package your Illustrator and/or InDesign print files. This is a common struggle that many of our clients deal with daily, but the Avalon team is here to help you understand file packaging!

When packaging files, you essentially create a folder that contains the document (Illustrator and/or InDesign), any necessary fonts, and any linked graphics (like photos or logos).

Why? Because print vendors may not have access to all the fonts and links used in your design, and it’s important that they have them. Without access to the actual font files used, layout programs will substitute missing fonts with a default font, which may not be similar enough to the intended font. If the links are missing, a crucial photo, logo, or other graphical elements will be replaced with a low-resolution version. If print vendors don’t have access to these missing fonts and links, you can be assured that your print project will look nothing like what you envisioned.

Additionally, if print vendors don’t receive these fonts and links at the beginning of the print process – or if files have been packaged incorrectly – your project can be slowed down drastically. This is why we strongly encourage you to learn how to send your files print ready. Read on to find out how.

A step-by-step guide on how to package your Illustrator or InDesign project:

Step 1: Open the file that you need to package.

Step 2: Go to File, then Package.

Step 3: Choose the location for the packaged folder to be saved in.

Step 4: Name your folder.

Step 5: Specify your options:

• Copy linked graphics and files to the package folder location.
  • Linked graphics can be placed in the same folder as the file or in a separate sub folder.
  • Copy all necessary font files.

Step 6: Click Package.

• The folder structure is created, with assets placed in their respective folders.

Step 7: Send your packaged folder to your print vendor.

Happy packaging!