I am using an external designer for my label designs. He delivers the
labels as eps-files created in InDesign CS3.

What I would like to do next, is to add various texts on top of this
design, and then send it to my print house. But which program should I use?

InDesign seems an overkill, but on the other hand I must be sure that
the design is not somehow distorted.

Thanks for any advise.

Mogens

Mogens wrote:
First, what programs do you have available on which OS/version?

It doesn't sound as though you actually need to edit his work, you just
want to add text above it, correct? If this is the case you should be
able to import his EPS file as a picture into a layout program or even
Word. Then, just type your text above, save a native version, then
export as PDF or EPS (or whatever your software can do that your print
house will accept).

But, if you don't know what you're doing it might be worth it to pay the
printer a little extra for adding your text, just be sure to proof
before the job runs. Alternatively, you might find a pro do this work
quickly, cheaply and correct for print output.

Through a printplanet list I heard this open source DTP mentioned:
"Scribus is a nice page layout package, and it can export direct to
PDF/X1a,..." http://www.scribus.net/
In their FAQs I found this:

"So, how can I work with others who might have other DTP applications ?

Use EPS, SVG or PDF as an exchange format. Scribus created PDF's can be
easily imported into a number of commerical applications. SVG import is
excellent for vector artwork. Scribus can import EPS files as long as
they are conformant to the specs - this includes spot colors in DCS 2.0
files. The documentation has detailed notes covering these subjects. You
can also improve EPS import by ensuring you have the newest Ghostscript
installed"

So, if you're setup right you should be able to import your designer's
EPS file, type, then Save AS/Export as PDF.

inez wrote:

Thanks a lot Inez! I have tried to install Scribus, and it seems as if
this might be a possibility. At least the eps easily opens, so it is
just a matter of whether I can save back in eps in a sufficient quality
for the job. Just wonder why there is no options when you choose save as
eps to save as cmyk and with fonts embedded/outlined?

I am running XP SP2.

Btw I told the designer that I wanted the original source data for the
job, and he claims I can find everything in the eps-files. Is this true,
or is he just trying to protect himself by forcing me to use him for any
future changes? Very difficult when he works with InDesign/Illustrator
on Mac and I'm on a Windows box without these programs Would be nice
though if I could get the basic design elements into some kind of free
graphics design program.

Mogens wrote:
If getting the original working files wasn't part of the deal, then
you're not entitled to them. If he/she is willing to give them to you
though and this is a one off type of job, you could download the 30 day
demo of InDesign and you'd be good to go.

There are any number of possibilities, but it would be easier to
recommend something if I could see the graphic.

FWIW, EPS is not a file format that's intended to be edited and InDesign
generated EPS files can be especially troublesome if you try to open
them for editing in Illustrator or CorelDRAW.

One last point...Windows or Mac is completely irrelevant.

HTH,

Bob
www.theindesignguy.com

Bob Levine wrote:
Bob,

Quick note for now cause I gotta jet. If this is really a matter of just
adding text above/below/beside the original design; could he just type
the text in Word, save as EPS or PDF (will Word do that right?), then
instruct the printer to place it appropriately with the other file? (Or
just pay the printer to add the text, fer chrissake.)

inez wrote:

Word doesn't do a very good job with EPS, IME and it certainly doesn't
know what to do with CMYK. If this is destined for press that four color
black will be a problem.

Bob
www.theindesignguy.com

inez wrote:
everythings o.k. now. Have downloaded the 30-day Illustrator Trial, and
in this time I can do the current job with no probs. Then I also
evaluate the possibility to invest in Illustrator. At least this gives
me a lot more flexibility, and I can take over the tedious job of
texting. This saves money and gives me a lot more freedom to make changes.

Thanks to both of you for your kind help!

Mogens

Mogens wrote:
I was going to also suggest that you check at your local Kinko's or
libraries to see if they have InDesign/Illustrator loaded on their
computers. You might be able to take a flash drive, do your text and
save to your drive. At Kinko's, ofcourse, you'd have to pay pocket
change for computer time. Also maybe a college library or such.

Just a thought.