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J
JMS86
Participant
November 23, 2023
Question

Retaining interactive links on Export - InDesign Import PDF

  • November 23, 2023
  • 2 replies
  • 272 views

Good evening all.

 

I have a situation where we are adding Interactive PDFs in InDesign that are supplied files, but when we re-export to an Interactive PDF file all functionality is removed.

 

As an example - the top half of the page is content I have created, but the bottom half is to be the supplied PDF with hyperlinks, clickable email / mailto fields etc.

 

I find it odd that any existing interactivity is wiped out as soon as the PDF files are imported into InDesign.

 

Is there any way we can import/export and retain these links? Or do we have to suck it up and manually re-add all the interactivity again? The other option would be to get the original indd file and copy/paste that in, but not everyone is forthcoming in sending their working files and that then creates font and file issues unless packaged up.

 

There are multiple interactive PDFs that need to be added to our own artwork, so redoing every individual interaction really isn't a valid alternative.

 

Any help or alternative suggestions is greatly appreciated.

    This topic has been closed for replies.

    2 replies

    Robert at ID-Tasker
    Robert at ID-Tasker
    Legend
    November 23, 2023

    Not sure if it's full Acrobat's functionality - web addresses recognition - but even after placing PDF with hyperlinks, exporting, placing again just exported PDF and exporting again - hyperlinks are still working?

     

    Mike Witherell
    Community Expert
    Mike WitherellCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    November 23, 2023

    InDesign treats placed PDFs as art, which is why your interactivities stop functioning.

    If the pages are the same size, you could use Acrobat Pro to replace pages and replace layers, but that is a clumsy way to proceed.

    Mike Witherell
      BobLevine
      Community Expert
      BobLevineCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      November 24, 2023

      Not clumsy at all and it's really the only way to accomplish this.

       

      Edit: Now that I think about it, no, it won't work. When you use the replace pages command only the artwork is replaced. I think getting the original InDesign artwork is the best plan, but I will say this...the entire project seems like something from 15 years ago and may not even work in most PDF readers, browsers, or mobile devices.

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