IDML Templates

IDML (InDesign Markup Language) is the standard interchange format for Adobe InDesign documents. PrintNow uses IDML files as the primary way to import professionally designed templates into the Print Editor. When you upload an IDML file, PrintNow parses the document structure and extracts text frames, image placeholders, dimensions, and bleeds into editable canvas elements.

This workflow lets designers work in their preferred tool (Adobe InDesign) while giving customers a browser-based editing experience in the Print Editor.

Requirements

• Adobe InDesign CS4 or later (any version that supports IDML export)
• Template dimensions must match the intended product size including bleeds
• Fonts used in the template must be separately uploaded to PrintNow via Font Files
• Images should be embedded or linked — linked images are not transferred during IDML import

Creating Templates in InDesign

Document Setup

1. Create a new InDesign document with the exact product dimensions (width x height) plus bleed values.
2. Set the Intent to Print and the Color Mode to CMYK for print production.
3. Configure bleeds on all four sides. These map directly to the PrintNow product's bleed settings.
4. For multi-page products (e.g., folded brochures), create the appropriate number of pages.

Text Frames

Each text frame in InDesign becomes an editable text item in the Print Editor:

• The frame position and dimensions map to the canvas item's bounding box.
• Text content, font, size, color, and alignment are preserved.
• Frame names (set via the Layers panel or Object > Object Export Options) map to the item's tag name in the Print Editor.
• Use descriptive frame names — these become the identifiers used by the Rules Engine and Autofill Profiles.

Image Frames

Each image frame becomes an editable image placeholder:

• The frame dimensions define the image area on the canvas.
• Placed images are imported as the default image for that placeholder.
• Frame names map to the item's tag name.
• Image fit settings (fill, fit proportionally) map to the Auto Fit Method property.

Layer Organization

• Use InDesign layers to organize template elements logically.
• Layer order determines the z-order (stacking) of items on the canvas.
• Layer names can help identify elements when working in the Item Manager.

Design Guidelines

• Keep critical text and images within the safe zone (inside the trim area with margin).
• Extend background elements to the bleed edge.
• Avoid using InDesign effects that don't have canvas equivalents (drop shadows and basic transparency are supported).
• Use paragraph styles and character styles consistently — they influence how text items are configured in the editor.

Exporting IDML from InDesign

1. In InDesign, go to File > Save As (or File > Export in newer versions).
2. Choose InDesign Markup (IDML) as the file format.
3. Save the .idml file to your local machine.

Pre-Export Checklist

• Verify all fonts are available and not showing as missing
• Check that images are embedded or properly linked
• Confirm document dimensions and bleed values are correct
• Review the Layers panel — layer and frame names will carry through to PrintNow
• Run Edit > Preflight to catch any issues before export

Importing into PrintNow

New Product from IDML

1. From your Unified Admin, go to Products > Product List.
2. Click Add Product.
3. Enter a Name and select a Category.
4. Select Attach IDML template file.
5. Configure the product dimensions:
   • Units: Inches, Centimeters, Millimeters, or Points
   • Pages: Number of pages (must match the IDML document)
   • Width and Height: Product dimensions
   • Bleed: Bleed value for all sides
6. Click Select File and choose your .idml file.
7. Click Save.

PrintNow parses the IDML file and creates:

• A drawing space (page) for each InDesign page
• Text items for each text frame
• Image items for each image frame
• Tag names from frame/layer names

Replacing an Existing Template

To update an existing product's template with a new IDML file:

1. Open the product edit page.
2. In the right sidebar, click Actions > Template Data.
3. Select Attach IDML template file.
4. Click Select File, choose the new .idml file, and click Upload.

This replaces the existing template structure. Item properties configured in Admin Mode will need to be re-applied if the template structure changes.

Post-Import Setup

After importing an IDML template, configure the product for the Print Editor:

1. Verify elements: Open the Item Manager to review the extracted text and image items. Check that tag names, dimensions, and positions are correct.

2. Configure permissions: Open Admin Mode (Actions > Print Editor > Admin tab) to set which items customers can edit:

   • Set Allow Changes on items that should be editable
   • Configure text constraints (max characters, font size limits)
   • Set image fit methods and effect permissions
   • Mark items that should be included in the final print output

3. Assign fonts: On the Print Editor tab, assign the fonts used in the template to the product's font list. Upload any missing fonts via Font Files.

4. Set editor mode: Choose the appropriate editor mode — Simple mode for controlled templates with predefined editable zones, or Advanced mode for full creative freedom.

5. Assign assets: Add layouts, themes, clipart collections, and color palettes as needed.

6. Test: Click Actions > Print Editor to open the product in the editor and verify the customer experience.

Troubleshooting

Font Mismatches

If text appears in a fallback font after import, the template's fonts are not available in PrintNow. Upload the required fonts via Font Files and assign them to the product.

Missing or Misaligned Elements

If elements appear in unexpected positions, check the InDesign document's coordinate system and page dimensions. Ensure the IDML export matches the product dimensions configured in PrintNow.

Empty Image Placeholders

Image frames without placed images import as empty placeholders. This is expected behavior — customers will fill these when editing in the Print Editor. Set default images via Admin Mode if needed.

Associations

Print Store

Print Editor

Related Pages

• Products — create products using the IDML import option
• Item Manager — review extracted text and image items after IDML import
• Admin Mode — configure item permissions and constraints post-import
• Template Data — replace an existing product template with a new IDML file
• Product Setup — set editor mode, fonts, and assets after importing
• Font Files — upload fonts used in the InDesign template
• Layouts — layout files can also be uploaded as IDML