Request for Color Variables in Master Pages and Style Sheets

Forum|Forum|11 months ago
April 11, 2025
2 replies
656 views

Hi everyone,

I came across an insightful post by David Blatner from 2013 regarding color variable management in Adobe InDesign, and it got me wondering if there have been any updates since then. Specifically, I’m interested in whether Adobe has implemented a feature that allows for variable colors in sections without the need for duplicating master pages and style sheets.

Currently, I'm updating a catalog I designed a few years ago that features color-coded sections. My goal is to streamline master pages and style sheets that require duplicating whenever a section's color is used. Additionally, since other artists will be making updates as well, I have some reservations about using David’s solution because it would require them to be aware of the necessary triggers for GREP styles.

Any insights or suggestions on this topic would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

Robert at ID-Tasker

Legend

@gplumblee

How about splitting your Catalog into separate INDD files and using Book feature?

gplumbleeAuthor

Known Participant

Thanks Robert. I have to admit I didn't think about using the book feature. Now I have two ideas to check out. I really appreciate these responses, and I will get back with the verdict. 🙂

Dave Creamer of IDEAS

Community Expert

Be careful when syncing the book--if you don't have uniquely named styles and parent pages, you could overwrite them unless you turn off that sync option.

For parent [master] pages, don't duplicate them. Create NEW parent pages and based it on the main one. Then shift-click the colored items and change the section color (you will need swatches for each section). That way, if you update the main parent, the other parent pages will update (except for the color change).

David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)

m1b

Community Expert

Hi @gplumblee here is a similar discussion which might give you some ideas.

If you're okay with scripting have a look at the script I post there. It shows just two examples but could be adapted for many scenarios.

- Mark

gplumbleeAuthor

Known Participant

Thank you for sharing this script! I'll try it out and post an update.

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