Coverting Publisher files to InDesign

Shawn Collins · #1 (**permalink**) 01-18-2010, 02:59 PM

Has anyone tried the PUB21D software that converts Publisher files to InDesign? Just wondering if it actually works.

mattbeals · #2 (**permalink**) 01-18-2010, 04:09 PM

It works, but with limitations because of the way Publisher works. Publisher relies on Windows GDI to draw everything on screen. Adobe uses their own engine from creating objects. The differences can't really be reconciled. If you have some "word art" in Publisher that can't be converted because InDesign doesn't have a way to render it. Simple objects like text, rectangles, elpises, strokes, etc. can be. Placed raster images should come across okay. EMF, WMF files I'm not sure of.

To me, the best way of using Pub2ID is to "rescue" as much of the copy as possible so that you don't have to re-key it all. In that respect it works superbly. But if you think that it will convert it to a usable InDesign file with art and text in their respective positions you are in for a big disappointment. Should you avoid buying a copy because of that? No, getting the content extracted will allow you to re-set the document and charge for changes, re-composition, etc. It's a good tool to have available.

frailer · #3 (**permalink**) 01-19-2010, 05:07 AM

Our recent (limited), experience confirms Matt's big picture. We bought Q2ID in desperation about 2 years ago, and only dusted it off recently for something.
Basically, your approach should be along the lines of...get your document/formatting/fonts in place and working. Q2ID does a passing fair job at this.
Then, chase'n'place any missing images. A much easier tidy-up job, especially in Indy.

Shawn Collins · #4 (**permalink**) 01-19-2010, 07:41 AM

Thanks for your help. It sounds like it would be worth purchasing. I have a 220 page catalog in Publisher that needs to be converted to InDesign, so even getting the text converted would be worth it.

rich apollo · #5 (**permalink**) 01-19-2010, 05:11 PM

Somebody hates you.

mattbeals · #6 (**permalink**) 01-19-2010, 05:49 PM

Are you looking to modify the document, just print it or something else? If you just need to print it then you may want to download a copy of Callas pdfToolbox to help fix the color issues Publisher is notorious for.