How to maintain common photoshop layer comps when a different file is placed in indesign.

Hi @darrellpones,

Thank you for reaching out. It sounds like you're looking for a more efficient way to data merge images into InDesign using PSD files and layer comps. We can definitely understand how time-consuming it can be to export individual PNG files for each image and then data merge them into InDesign.

Fortunately, there is a solution that will allow you to use the existing PSD files and layer comps to turn off the background and date, as you described.

Here's what you can do:

• Open your PSD file and create a new layer comp with the desired settings (e.g. turn off background and date).
• Save your PSD file and close it.
• In InDesign, create a new document and set up your data merge as usual.
• When you get to the point where you need to place the image, select the placeholder graphic and choose "File" > "Place."
• "In the "Place" dialog box, navigate to the PSD file that you want to use.
• Instead of simply clicking on the PSD file to place it, hold down the "Shift" key and click on it. This will bring up the "File Import Options" dialog box.
• In the "File Import Options" dialog box, make sure that "Show Import Options" is selected.
• Check the "Convert Layers to Objects" box and choose the desired layer comp from the drop-down menu.
• Click "OK" to place the image.

By following these steps, you will be able to data merge images into InDesign using the existing PSD files and layer comps while turning off the background and date. The layer comp will be retained when you place the PSD file, so you won't need to go back and turn off the background and date for each individual image.

Please let us know if the above steps helped you or If I misunderstood your query. I am also keeping the discussion open for our experts, who might have more suggestions for you.

Thanks,

Harshika