Master pages best practices question

Question

The file has over 200 individual Master Pages with specific information and graphics on each Master Page. The file is 1.65 GB and growing larger daily. The file includes all the marketing for individual job write ups with pictures, resumes, etc, each on an Master Page.

What is the proper way to structure the file with that many Master Pages? Is there a better way than Master Pages?

I am new to the program and the individual that created the file is no longer here. I am having some corruption issues and need to copy all pages (Masters and spreads) to a new file, but am hesitant to do so until I find the best structure solution for the file.

Thank you.

Randy Hagan · Accepted Answer

Graphics, layout, etc. elements are the same, pictures and text change on each subsequent master. I figured if they were all based on one Master Setup for projects, it would be easier to edit graphics, logo's colors etc as they get rolled out from corporate. (instead of changing each one by one as I had to do before).

I think saving related templates to discrete files for each function, rather than one Mother of All Master Pages might serve you better.

You wouldn't have to Cmd/Ctrl+Click on every master page element to release it and replace the canned copy with relevant information.
You would have specialized, smaller files targeted to specific needs — e.g. Bio Pages, Tem Profile Pages, Project Pages, etc.).
Smaller files will be much fgaster and easier to navigate than the one big file you're using now.
It'll save you from total ruin if that single, huge Mother of All Master Pages file gets corrupted and takes down everything you've done with it.

You can find out more about setting up InDesign templates and strategies for using them through the link below:

Working with InDesign Templates

Hope this helps,

Randy

rob day · Answer

Are all of of the placed graphics linked and not embedded? How many total links are there?

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