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Participant
March 23, 2015
Question

Script - Selecting next layer comp through Object Layer Visibility

  • March 23, 2015
  • 2 replies
  • 2447 views

Hi,

I use InDesign to set up storyboards that I made in Photoshop, using Layer Comps for every drawing. Usually, I save the one psd file and for a first-time set up, I place the same psd in all frames and then open Object Layer Options and choose the layer comp that I want to show.

However, I have a 122 frame storyboard due tomorrow. Instead of spending my evening clicking layer comps, I was wondering if there's a script that can select the next frame, and turn on the next layer comp, and so on. Or, alternatively, a script that counts the amount of layer comps in the file and creates the frames by itself, choosing a different layer comp to display for each new frame. Or any other solution that works. I'd like to keep using layer comps in the same psd file, so I only have to worry about changing the psd and updating the indesign file when changing frames (so I'd rather not export pdfs through Bridge and then add text in InDesign for example.).

I've googled a bit but haven't been able to find a script that did what I wanted. I hope someone can help me out.

Thanks in advance!

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2 replies

Community Expert
March 24, 2015

Maybe you could do somthing on the PhotoShop side of scripting of LayerComps in duplicating the psd file several times and apply different LayerComps to every iteration. Then place the different psd files showing different LayerComps of the original one.

See the following thread:

GraphicLayerCompositions not scriptable? AS

DBLjan Mar 10, 2015 8:26 AM

https://forums.adobe.com/message/7270773#7270773

See what Rob Day is doing with AppleScript for PhotoShop in combination with InDesign there.
Maybe you can repurpose some of his ideas.

Uwe

RenginTAuthor
Participant
March 24, 2015

Hi Uwe,

Thanks, that seems like a workaround I'm looking for. It sucks layer comps aren't included in scripting... I've been using them much more lately. I ended up doing the manual labor last night, but next time I have a long storyboard to lay out I'll try to adapt this.

Legend
March 24, 2015

Hello,

This one has popped a few times recently.

I must admit I do not fully understand what is being asked for, I am not really an InDesign user.

I have had a quick peek a the SDK, and can see some mention of Layer Comps. If you can provide some sample documents with an explanation of what is expected, I will have a look at writing a plugin to provide the extra scripting access.

No promises though.

P.

Community Expert
March 24, 2015

Unfortunately, LayerComps are not available by scripting InDesign.

A big omission by the developers, I think.

Uwe