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Question

I want to copy and paste multiple objects from one layer, to multiple other layers at once

Forum|Forum|2 years ago
June 8, 2023
4 replies
5270 views

Does anyone know of a way to select multiple items in one inDesign layer, and paste them into multiple other layers, at once, wihout having to copy and paste to each layer? I work with a lot of versioning, and copy and pasting the same items countless times gets very time consuming and tedious.

There is no way around this work flow, which is why I have come here for help.

This topic has been closed for replies.

Jumpenjax

Community Expert

Try pasting them on the master/parent pages. Then they will show on the page automatically.

Lee- Graphic Designer, Print Specialist, Photographer

Willi Adelberger

Community Expert

Why copy and paste? Select them (multiple) and move their proxy to the new layer.

E

Eugene Tyson

Community Expert

Yes, I already suggested this, and it doesn't suit, as it has to go to multiple layers, (how many I don't know).

So with limited information, the script can copy all to layers as long as the names of the layers are there, it will copy to those layers with one action.

I can't figure out how to target selected layers, not sure if it's even possible.

E

Eugene Tyson

Community Expert

What do you need to move and how are items to be selected?

Can you elaborate on what you're doing?

J

Janine26851450d9rgAuthor

Participating Frequently

I am taking item blocks that consit of images, headlines, etc. and taking them from one layer, and pasting it on numerous other layers. Right now I accomplish this by selecting a block, copy, turn on layer it needs to go to, paste in place. This gets tedious and time consuming when this has to be done to numerous layers.

Versioning in the inDesign document rather than seperate files becuase of how extensive the versioning is.

E

Eugene Tyson

Community Expert

when selected you can alt click on the colour square in layers panel and drag the items to a new layer, alt/option will copy.

But without specifics on what's to be copied it's difficult.

Are the layers uniquely named?

Perhaps there's a way to copy and paste to specific layers with a script.

So you could copy then run the script.

Let me see if it's possible, I'm not the best with this stuff.

John Mensinger

Community Expert

Hmm, someone may be able to come up with a partial solution via a scripted "release-to-layers" style result, but as far as I know, there are no native features aimed at accommodating the workflow you describe.

Am I correct, then, in assuming you're building multiple versions all in one file? It could also be an assumption on my part—or something I've failed to infer about your particular workflow—but I should think most "versioning" is done using multiple files, as opposed to stacking up additional layers in a single file.

J

Janine26851450d9rgAuthor

Participating Frequently

That is correct. The versioning is very complex and it is done within the file. I wasn't sure of there was a script someone had that acompished this because inDesign itself doesn't seem to support that.

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