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A
Andy Williams
Inspiring
June 29, 2018
Answered

Multi-language layer output

  • June 29, 2018
  • 1 reply
  • 1512 views

I will be producing a 28 page multi-language (currently 2) document to publish electronically. I'd like readers to be able to switch back and forth between languages as they choose. I have seen so much information about how this MIGHT be done that I have completely confused myself.

Here are a few things I have seen so far

  1. put each language on a layer then show/hide it with a button (but can't find instructions for this)
  2. don't do it! make two documents
  3. turn everything into buttons, then use show/hide
  4. do something with conditional content
  5. do something with tab order
  6. use interactive PDF
  7. don't do that, use fixed e-pub (not even sure if this is possible)
  8. publish online

Any help here for me to narrow my research?

Is there an accepted way to show/hide differing language content?

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Diane Burns

    Diane Burns​

    Thank you for the response and offer.

    T​he two languages will be English and Chinese

    My issue is that I can find no way to show/hide layers with inDesign

    I have seen a way to do it starting with InDesign and finishing with Acrobat Pro, as Willi mentioned. Yet, while I would produce a pdf if needed, I'd rather publish online, or even in ePub I think.


    It doesn't have to do with layers; you can keep your text that way. However, each layer must be one object so it can be a single button. Simply "Select All" then Object > Group. Be sure and name it in the layers panel. Make each group (you have 2) on each page a button. Now you can use Show/Hide. Here is a very simple example of what I think you want to do. The red button flips the page to Chinese.

    https://indd.adobe.com/view/4742ef93-d894-47ba-a1fa-fc040e0e320d

    Let me know if this helps.

    1 reply

    Willi Adelberger
    Community Expert
    Willi AdelbergerCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    June 29, 2018

    I did it once with switching layers. The switch has to be done outside from InDesign in Acrobat Pro.

    A
    Andy WilliamsAuthor
    Inspiring
    June 29, 2018

    So Interactive PDF is the only Choice? Publish Online is not an option?

    Diane Burns
    Diane Burns
    Inspiring
    June 29, 2018

    I don't see why Publish Online wouldn't work great for this. And your idea to use Show/Hide buttons is a good one. Feel free to DM me if you have specific questions on how to set this up. What are the languages?

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