Option
Last updated on
Jun 2, 2026
Learn about format-specific settings available when placing EPS, PSD, TIFF, GIF, JPEG, BMP, and PNG graphics in Adobe InDesign.
Import settings for different graphic formats differ from import options for Adobe files. Verify them to troubleshoot placement issues. These options appear when you select Show Import Options in the Place dialog box (File > Place).
The available settings vary by file type and control clipping paths, alpha channels, color management, transparency, and previews.
EPS import options
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Description |
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Read Embedded OPI Image Links |
Reads image links from OPI comments within the graphic. |
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Apply Photoshop Clipping Path |
Uses the clipping path. Disabling may change the bounding box. |
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Proxy Generation |
Creates a low-resolution preview for on-screen display. |
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Use TIFF and PICT Preview |
Uses the existing preview to generate the proxy image. If no preview exists, InDesign rasterizes the EPS to an offscreen bitmap. |
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Rasterize the PostScript |
Ignores embedded previews for higher-quality output (at the cost of speed). |
PSD, TIFF, GIF, JPEG, and BMP import options
Tab | Option | Description |
Show Preview | Displays a preview of the image before placement. | |
Image | Apply Photoshop Clipping Path | Uses the embedded clipping path saved with the file. Available only if the PSD or TIFF contains a clipping path. |
Alpha Channel | Imports transparency from a selected alpha channel. Available only if the file includes alpha channels. | |
Layers | Show Layers | Controls layer visibility. Use the eye icon to show or hide layers, and Alt-click (Windows) or Option-click (macOS) to hide all others. |
Layer Comp | (Photoshop only) Displays a selected layer comp from the PSD file. Available if layer comps are present. | |
Update Link Options | Controls layer visibility:
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Color | Profile | Specifies the color source profile. Select Use Document Default or a profile matching the source graphic. |
Rendering Intent | Defines how colors are mapped to the output device:
Not available for bitmap, grayscale, or indexed-color images. |
PNG import options
PNG files offer standard color management options (identical to those for PSD, TIFF, GIF, JPEG, or BMP files) alongside the PNG Settings section.
Option | Description |
Use Transparency Information | Applies transparency if present in the PNG. |
White Background | Uses a white background when transparency is applied. Available only if Use Transparency Information is active. |
File-defined Background Color | Displays the saved background color if present, and Use Transparency Information is active. |
Apply Gamma Correction | Adjusts mid-tones to match display or print. Activated by default if a gamma value exists. |
Gamma Value | Sets the gamma value (0.01–3.0). Available only when Apply Gamma Correction is selected. |
Format considerations
When planning your import workflow, keep these points in mind:
- Clipping paths: If a bitmap image lacks a clipping path, you can create one directly in InDesign after placement.
- Alpha channels: PSD and TIFF formats best support multiple alpha channels for complex transparency needs.
- Multiple instances: When you import multiple instances of the same file into a document, all instances share the proxy setting of the first placed instance.
- Removable media: Placing or dragging graphics from removable media breaks the link when you remove that media from your system.
- Display quality: If placed images appear low-resolution, check your display settings at View > Display Performance.
Note
Placing many graphics with thumbnails may affect performance. Go to Edit > Preferences > Interface and deselect Show Thumbnails on Place to improve responsiveness.
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