Finishing Layers - x_layers

Die-cuts, Spot UV, Opuleaf and Embossini are supported for use in Templates. If your Template features any of these elements, follow these steps.

• Put the Spot UV, Die-cut, Opuleaf or Embossini object on a new layer (observing the usual Designing for Production rules e.g. set to overprint, specify as a spot colour, DO NOT change the name of the swatch).
• Name the layer with ‘x_’ prefix e.g. x_die-cut, x_spotUV, x_opuleaf or x_embossini
• Make sure the layers are top-most, just as if you're supplying to production.
• Don't group elements on x_layers.

When you upload your .indt file, the editor will hide any layers which begin x_ from the user. So the user won't see the green die-cut lines, yellow Spot-UV or Opuleaf/Embossini swatches.

When the PDF is made, these finishing layers will be present as the topmost layer.

Information Layers - i_ layers

An Info Layer appears in the template editor, but is stripped out from the final PDF file. It can be used to communicate information to the person editing the template, e.g to remind them to follow some business rules or to use their 'branch email' instead of their personal email. To add an Info Layer to your template, follow these steps:

• Create a new layer in InDesign and name it with  ‘i_’ prefix e.g i_instructions.
• Put ‘Information Only’ items on this layer. We only support solid objects on the Info Layer - solid lines (not lines styles) and text converted to paths. You can use solid colours too.
• Don't group elements on x_layers.
• When you upload your .indt file, the i_info layer will be visible in the editor.

As well as instructions, you could use the Info layer to show where perforations, cut-out shapes, creases, folds, drill holes, round corners or Spot-UV objects will be.

When the final PDF is generated, anything on an Info layer will be removed.

Using vectors as masks

Vector layers can act as a mask to give the illusion of a shaped editable image. To achieve this, create a mask of the shape you want.

Here is a maroon rectangle that has been drawn in InDesign®, with a circle punched out of it using the Objects > Pathfinder > Subtract tool.

The rectangular image behind the mask remains editable, but appears to be circular in shape.

Using vectors to define areas

A Vector layer can also be used for picture captions, stars, shapes and corner flashes over the top of editable images. The example below has multiple v_ layers which have text frames positioned over them.