Optimize Videos for InDesign: A Fast & Efficient Workflow using Handbrake

Updated at: 18/06/2025

Integrating videos into InDesign projects shouldn't be a headache. This guide streamlines the process, showing you how to optimize video files for seamless InDesign integration using Handbrake. We'll walk you through a fast and efficient workflow, ensuring your videos play smoothly without compromising project size or quality. Learn to export optimized videos ready for your InDesign layouts, saving you valuable time and effort.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Video in Photoshop

    • Open your video file in Adobe Photoshop.
    • Use the Crop Tool to resize your video to the desired dimensions (e.g., 800x800 pixels).
    • Export the cropped video as an MP4 file using Photoshop's "Render Video" function with the Adobe Media Encoder and high quality preset.
    Export the cropped video as an MP4 file using Photoshop's "Render Video" function with the Adobe Media Encoder and high quality preset. Export the cropped video as an MP4 file using Photoshop's "Render Video" function with the Adobe Media Encoder and high quality preset. Export the cropped video as an MP4 file using Photoshop's "Render Video" function with the Adobe Media Encoder and high quality preset.
    Prepare Video in Photoshop

  2. Optimize Video with Handbrake

    • Open the exported MP4 file in Handbrake.
    • Select a preset (e.g., "Fast 1080p 30"). If necessary, go to the Dimensions tab and set the cropping to zero and anamorphic to off to prevent unwanted cropping of your video.
    • Start the compression process in Handbrake.
    Start the compression process in Handbrake. Start the compression process in Handbrake. Start the compression process in Handbrake.
    Optimize Video with Handbrake
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Tips

  • Pay attention to file size; video files can be very large.
  • Handbrake provides smaller file sizes compared to Adobe Media Encoder.
  • Cropping video in Photoshop is similar to cropping a still image.
  • Ensure your final video is saved as an MP4 file with h.264 encoding for compatibility with InDesign and N5.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using overly large video files

Reason: Large video files significantly increase InDesign file size and slow down performance, especially when dealing with multiple videos.
Solution: Compress videos to a smaller file size using Handbrake with appropriate settings for web or print resolution before importing them into InDesign.

2. Ignoring video codec compatibility

Reason: InDesign may not support all video codecs, resulting in playback issues or inability to import the video.
Solution: Convert videos to a compatible codec like H.264 or ProRes using Handbrake before importing into InDesign.

FAQs

What video codecs are best for InDesign?
Generally, H.264 (MP4) is the most compatible codec for InDesign. It offers a good balance between quality and file size. Avoid codecs like ProRes or DNxHD, which are large and not always supported.