Help! Illustrator question re: ISBN numbers

[krissoleil]

Hi!

I designed some book covers for a client using Photoshop. I told him I'd add his ISBN codes to them when he is ready, only it states not to use Photoshop, that I'd have to use Illustrator.

The directions said to add the ISBN codes (which are EPS files) by placing them in Illustrator. I brought the design into Illustrator and when I tried to place the ISBN code, I got a warning: Cannot place the Illustration. Cannot read the TIFF preview.

My question is - I can open the ISBN code and drag it into the document. Will this be okay? I'm not understanding what the difference is between placing and dragging the image in.

I know I have to keep the postscript info in tact on the ISBN codes - so will dragging it in be okay?

ANY help would be immensely appreciated!

Edited to add: I am using Illustrator CS3 if that helps any.

[TommyGun96]

Look pal, the ISBN code you were told to use might be in an vectorial format, not in a bitmap file, thats why you have to use Illustrator, and because this codes must be unaltered and 100% standard to us all.

The error you get is because there was an error in the preview section of the file, that is a little image placed in the file which is show in the layout, which is not important if you manage to open it.

If you were told not to use Photoshop and use Illustrator instead this must be because of the vectorial EPS file you have been given, and as you will be using a vectorial application, you do not need to PLACE the file but to OPEN it. Illustrator direcly works on the artwork for previewing of vector art not as it does with placed images in which the included preview of the image is read and shown on screen.

Just try OPENING the EPS file and using the ISBN art. Tell us if that went well.

[krissoleil]

Thanks for your input! I was wondering why they were saying I had to place the file. I was so worried dragging it into my document wouldn't work right because they specifically said to place it, but I guess it should be fine.

Thank you again for your help!

[Chung Dha]

Thanks for your input! I was wondering why they were saying I had to place the file. I was so worried dragging it into my document wouldn't work right because they specifically said to place it, but I guess it should be fine.

Thank you again for your help!

Placing actually makes a link to the file. This make you need to send both the eps and the Illustrator file. Dragging or copy paste would make it one file instead of multiple. But not sure why you need to make it in Illustrator because Indesign is more appropriate to use to make a book layout or cover. Placing files often used in Indesign, this happens so the designer can replaced or edit this part only without effecting the other files or layout by replacing that picture file or editing that picture file. Instead of opening Illustrator or Indesign to edit it.

Illustrator is more for putting a picture there to trace or make an illustration with ,instead of making a layout with. I think you should actually be working in Indesign though instead of illustrator.

[krissoleil]

InDesign wasn't even listed as an option, so to play it safe, I chose to use Illustrator. Actually they listed Microsoft WORD as an option! I thought that was kind of strange.

I ended up calling the company that gave my client the files and he said I can place the files but I have to uncheck the LINK button. And that worked perfectly.

I ended up saving them as PDF files because my client uses Office Max to print them. But I also sent the Illustrator files to him as well just in case the pdfs cause a problem.

At least I now understand that Place feature. Not sure I understand why anyone would want to place a file rather than embed it. That sounds like a dangerous thing to do if you don't remember to move all your files should you have to move an image to somewhere else or something. I tend to use my desktop when I work on projects and then move everything into a project file when I'm done.

I know... I still have a lot to learn.

[TommyGun96]

... Actually they listed Microsoft WORD as an option!

[krissoleil]

HA HA HA!!

Yeah, I know huh? :P