> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.santacruzsoftware.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.santacruzsoftware.com/printui/guides/prepare-indesign-templates.md). # Prepare InDesign Templates PrintUI templates start as clean InDesign documents with clear editability decisions. Most template setup work begins in the PrintUI Management panel. Use it to initialize the document, manage size presets, choose package location, configure template options, preflight, package, upload, and manage templates and fonts. ## Design for the editor Avoid unsupported editable features such as facing-page spreads, text on a path, anchored objects, editable line objects, editable gradient fills, stroked text, track changes, and embedded pasted images. Use paragraph and character styles consistently. Styles make templates easier to maintain and are required when users should edit text through the styles palette instead of direct font controls. ## Set up layers 1. Keep fixed background artwork on the Background layer. 2. Use Foreground for fixed content that must appear above editable objects. 3. Keep editable content on editable layers. 4. Use non-printing layers for guides and instructions that should not output. 5. Use the Imposition layer only for placeholder frames in imposition templates. Avoid stacking many editable objects tightly. The editor shows controls for editable frames, so cluttered stacking can make selection difficult. ## Prepare links and images All linked files must be local when uploading. If links are on a network drive, Creative Cloud Library, OneDrive, or another remote location, package the document first using InDesign's Package feature and upload from the packaged folder. Resize huge images before upload. Convert complex vector artwork to JPEG or PNG for better performance. ## Prepare fonts Use licensed `.ttf` or `.otf` fonts. Confirm the license allows server use and PDF embedding. Use complete font families from the same format. Mixing TrueType and OpenType versions of the same family can confuse InDesign and lead to preflight or output problems. ## Prepare colors RGB colors usually display best in the editor. PrintUI converts colors to RGB during packaging by default. If a print workflow requires CMYK, set this in the Template Options dialog and test final PDF output. LAB colors are not supported in the editor. Redefine spot colors that use LAB values as RGB or CMYK while preserving the spot plate behavior. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.santacruzsoftware.com/printui/guides/prepare-indesign-templates.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.