Objective

To learn InDesign layout and production techniques by recreating a DVD package design.

Procedure

prepping for the exercise

1. download starter files
2. download DVD case templates from Oasis: DVD wraparound cover, disc label (on-disc imprint)
3. inspect downloaded files
4. using Font Agent Pro, turn on Kaufmann and Birch
5. open "DVDB101_out.indd" in InDesign; save as "cover.indd"
6. practice Adobe navigation keyboard shortcuts: space=hand; space+cmd=zoom in; space+cmd+opt=zoom out; cmd+zero=fit in window
7. practice InDesign preview shortcuts: cmd+opt+I (show/hide hidden characters); W (normal/preview mode)

laying out the cover (process colors)

1. file > place all pictures (cmd+D); scale and crop
2. window swatches: change Pantone colors to process, add new swatches as needed
3. draw boxes, modify with direct select tool, apply process colors
4. new layer "type"
5. file > place "souleyes.ai" and text (cmd+D)
6. spec font 8/10 ITC Franklin Gothic Book Condensed, centered
7. replace ^p^p with ^p (cmd+F)
8. cut and paste text into logical frames; make rough layout
9. cover/back heads: 12pt Birch, tracking=25, horiz scale=200%
10. make "LATIN JAZZ" 19pt, baseline shift=-2pt

laying out the DVD imprint (spot colors)

1. open "UD100.indd" in InDesign; save as "disc.indd"
2. copy appropriate elements from "cover.indd" into document
3. new layer "boxes": draw boxes, modify, apply spot colors
4. adjust type and layout as needed
5. save

making a "comp" of the DVD imprint

1. save as "disc-comp.indd"
2. new layer "mask"; draw white box
3. duplicate "templates guides" layer, restack to top
4. edit "template guides" layer: non-printing = no (double-click)
5. delete objects with dashed lines
6. select outer circle + white box
7. window > object & layout > pathfinder: subtract
8. select inner circle: fill=white, stroke=none
9. window > output > attributes: nonprinting=no
10. save

making an inkjet proof of the DVD imprint

1. save as "disc-inkjet.indd"
2. file > document setup: width/height=4.7in
3. hide all non-printing layers
4. file > export as JPEG: quality=maximum, resolution=150PPI, CMYK (this file can be printed directly onto a CD using Parkland's special inkjet printer)
5. submit JPEG to instructor using this naming format: "jsmith.jpg"

pre-press checklist

1. window > output > separations preview: view=separations
2. file > package
3. file > adobe PDF presets > press quality
4. optional: print as separations to a b&w printer

grading

1. adjust all layouts until they match the reference file
2. add your name and exercise number to the bottom of all files
3. print a proof for grading
4. file graded proof in your Process Book for individual review