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TICKET ARCHIVE -> InDesign failed to export EPS files

jennythejones - Oct 30, 2007 - 12:01 pm

I get this error message when trying to export some InDesign files to PDF: "Failed to export an EPS item on page x. View additional errors?" If I don't cancel the export, then the resulting PDF has gray boxes where the images should be. These files export just fine on other Mac machines.

I've checked that the EPS files to make sure they're in CMYK and that fonts are embedded. I tried saving the EPS file as a PDF and then relinking the image in InDesign to the PDF and that exported with no problems.

I tried reinstalling Illustrator, but to no avail. Now InDesign just quits on me half the times I try to export these files to PDF. (I've restarted the machine several times throughout the troubleshooting process.) I don't know where else to look or what else to try. Any ideas?

Natobasso - Oct 30, 2007 - 3:01 pm

If you're placing illustrator files into indesign, and those illustrator files have placed images, more often than not you are going to have issues.

I'd recommend removing the placed images from the illustrator file and placing them directly in InDesign.

Try to avoid eps raster files if you can -- use tifs. In my experience (the past 12 years) flattened tifs hardly ever throw these types of file rip errors.

Lastly, if you can, convert all fonts to outlines in your placed illustrator file to avoid any font errors. Certain fonts are set to automatically fail your rip because the owner wants that font protected.

Let me know if this helps.

jennythejones - Oct 31, 2007 - 4:14 pm

Thanks for your quick response!
I've looked at some of the files that are creating the issues. Unfortunately I'm not the "owner" of the documents, but am simply working on them, and I do not have the freedom to change the file types of the links. Some of the EPS files do have graphics in them, like arrows, but I believe they are Illustrator elements rather than placed images. I tried converting the fonts to outlines in one of the images and that did solve the export problem; however, converting all fonts in the images to outlines would create other issues for making updates on these files when necessary.
The thing that confuses me is that the export problem with these files doesn't occur on the other Mac machines I've tried, only the new iMac. Even on the new iMac, these same files will very occasionally (and randomly) export without problems. Is there something about brand-new Mac machines that might cause such an issue? Is there some kind of setting in Adobe that might affect exporting to PDF?
Thanks again!

Natobasso - Nov 1, 2007 - 11:34 am

I'd recommend always exporting pdf/x-1a files because of its error reporting feature. It won't rip a pdf if an error exists and it will tell you what it is.

Do you use FontBook or something else for your font management? I'd recommend the free http://www.linotype.com/fontexplorer. It manages your system and user fonts really well. I've used it for 3+ years now without any issues.