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Inspiring
April 9, 2023
Answered

PDF from Book Document with many files

  • April 9, 2023
  • 3 replies
  • 472 views

I have an InDesign book with about 90 files. I want to Export book to PDF but since a file is selected, it only wants to export that file.

With a short book, I can just click in the blank area at the bottom of the indb file list and all are unselected. But with 90 files, I can't make the pane that long.

How do I unselect all files to I can export the entire book?

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Willi Adelberger

Shift click allows to select all files and export them. 

Or scroll down to the end you will find a small empty space at the end. Click there and any export command will include all files. 

The resulting PDF will draw all meta information from the file with the source symbol.

3 replies

Willi Adelberger
Community Expert
Willi AdelbergerCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
April 9, 2023

Shift click allows to select all files and export them. 

Or scroll down to the end you will find a small empty space at the end. Click there and any export command will include all files. 

The resulting PDF will draw all meta information from the file with the source symbol.

Inspiring
April 9, 2023

If you've got 90 files or so there is never empty space at the end. Not for me, anyway. But your other suggestion is good!

Willi Adelberger
Community Expert
Community Expert
April 9, 2023

I had never experienced that it was not possible to click below the last file in the book panel, even if no space is visible. 

Community Expert
April 9, 2023

CTRL or CMD click a document should unselect it.

The book panel is clunky in this way. 

To my knowledge, it hasn't been updated since I started using the software in 2001.

James Gifford—NitroPress
Legend
April 9, 2023

Dang. I tried that and it didn't work for some reason... but of course now it does. 😛

 

James Gifford—NitroPress
Legend
April 9, 2023

I find that closing the Book file and reopening leaves no files selected.

 

You can also click Ctrl-A to select all files, which would be the same thing, I think.

 

Setting 'Small Panel Rows' in the drop-down menu might give some room at the bottom of the menu.

 

But you're right, there doesn't seem to be any way of "unselect all" except by clicking in a blank area. If there is, it elude me...