United States of America
Reno InDesign User Group
Pleasant atmosphere with real world examples
Todd
Meeting Summary: Beyond the Classroom: Expect More from InDesign
Wed, Feb 1st, 2012 at 6:30 PM
Joe Crowley Student Union - Room 422
Event Details"Beyond the Classroom: Expect More from InDesign" was the theme of the first 2012 meeting of your Reno InDesign User group. Judging by the attendance and enthusiasm of the crowd, our group may no longer be the best-kept secret on the UNR campus. Several editorial, design and student newcomers joined our regular members for an informative evening. Aspen Kuhlman (SO&SO) led off our presentations with a comprehensive collection of InDesign shortcuts and strategies. For an example, maybe you were aware of the relatively new (CS5) InDesign Page Tool that allows you to maintain multiple page sizes within a single document (cool enough on its own). When combined with the Linked Story feature, Aspen demonstrated how we can maintain customized "business sets" from a single source. You can download a PDF of her "Everyday InDesign Shortcuts" at the bottom of this page.
Alfred Anheier (DynaGraphic Printing) gave us an overview of practical PDFs. He emphasized that good document construction, combined with the appropriate PDF "profile," will produce reliable results. He helped us sort through the many options available from the PDF export dialog box and gave us tips for building a customized version. One thing Alfred helped us clarify was the considerations and advantages of full font embedding. He also reminded us that you can save and distribute your personal versions of Adobe PDF presets, or contact your printer for assistance.
Finally, Jim Cooper (your User Group chairperson) arranged for a "play date" between InDesign and Microsoft Excel. As he explained, your data is never going to be better organized than it will be in table format. So why not place that Excel table directly into your InDesign layout? One thing we determined during this segment: Not enough folks capitalize on InDesign Import Options to manage table data.
Our Reno Raffle netted $72, which we split between the Veterans Guest House and Tech is good.
Chaye (a UNR student) was the grand prize raffle winner (Adobe InDesign CS5.5).
Thank you
Continued thanks to Adobe, our generous sponsors, along with presenters Alfred (www.dynagraphicprinting.com) and Aspen (www.soandsoco.com).
Comments from attendees
I appreciate the review of basics and follow up with the more technical features. -Curtis
Pleasant atmosphere with real-world examples. -Todd
Next Meeting
We've got plans for you Reno!
Thanks to Aspen's kind heart and keen eye, our April meeting will address a few student requests. UNR students who want to meet us at 6pm (before our regular 6:30 meeting start) can get some perspective on a current project or some beginner training from our regular members. Casey and Aspen are regular early birds, along with Alfred, Jeff and Jim. Of course, we will also devote regular meeting time to beginners as well.
Ben Milander, former Senior Design Engineer at Adobe Systems, has agreed to be one of the presenters at our next meeting. Watch for details and forward this to your friends who may be interested. We're working on getting a bigger room.
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