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Participant
Aug 28, 2026 10:53 PM UTC
Answered

Preserve tags and reading order when linking a file

I am working with an InDesign file that includes a separate, linked InDesign file. Both files have correct tags and reading order in the structure and when I export them separately to PDFs.

But if I export the main file including the linked file, only the main file’s tags and reading order are in the structure and exported. The linked file is treated as one frame/object only. None of the individual objects from the linked file appear in the structure or the exported PDF.

Is there a way to include a full-featured linked document inside an InDesign document that preserves all the original objects, tags, and reading order?

Mike Witherell
Mike WitherellCorrect answer
Community Expert
Aug 28, 2026 11:23 PM UTC

Hi Gabrielle,

Have you considered combining two pdf files inside of Acrobat Pro? The tags from each can survive (especially being careful to turn off cloud-based tag generation in Acrobat Preferences > Accessibility and turn off cloud based tagging).

Also, know that if you File > Place another separate InDesign file into your first InDesign file, its pages are treated like a flat image.

Mike Witherell

2 replies

Mike Witherell
Community Expert
Mike WitherellCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
Aug 28, 2026 11:23 PM UTC

Hi Gabrielle,

Have you considered combining two pdf files inside of Acrobat Pro? The tags from each can survive (especially being careful to turn off cloud-based tag generation in Acrobat Preferences > Accessibility and turn off cloud based tagging).

Also, know that if you File > Place another separate InDesign file into your first InDesign file, its pages are treated like a flat image.

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Mike Witherell
Participant
Sep 1, 2026 4:53 PM UTC

Oh, it’s treated like an image. Good to know. Thank you!

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