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david mcnicholas
Inspiring
October 18, 2025
Question

Word import STYLES revert to Word when updating LINKED FILE (STYLE MAPPING in use)

  • October 18, 2025
  • 2 replies
  • 257 views

Hi community,

I am working with documents in a book. I compose each chapter in Word and import .DOCX to my .INDD using STYLE MAPPING. All my styles in use are accounted for.

I would like to have a blank TEXT FRAME for my chapter heading on the first page of a document. I would like to place the "LINKED FILE" into that TEXT FRAME and LINK TEXT FRAMES for the following chapter text to roll into.

When I perform the described steps, all is well. However, when I alter and save the .DOCX file, all my Indesign STYLES are overridden and can't be fixed with CLEAR OVERRIDES because it is greyed out.

I have to RELINK the .DOCX to CLEAR OVERRIDES.

 

DOG GONIT! Now the problem isn't happening anymore. Heck with it. I'll continue the post, in case anyone can shed light. Screenshots below

2 replies

Dave Creamer of IDEAS
Community Expert
Dave Creamer of IDEASCommunity Expert
Community Expert
October 18, 2025

If I understand your post correctly, you are linking to the Word file (by selecting the "Create Links when Placing Text and Spreadsheet File" preference) and not just importing it. If that's correct, it doesn't work correctly/well with Word files, only Excel files. If you really want to link to an external Word file, you will need EmSoftware's WordsFlow plugin. 

 

Tip: If you are using the style mapping when importing Word files, select all the text you just placed and remove any paragraph style overrides. 

 

David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)
    D
    david mcnicholasAuthor
    Inspiring
    October 18, 2025

    Thanks Dave,

    I've gotten it to work so many times. It's always a matter of getting a pair of templates to a stable place and then not touching anything. I am, of course, making new templates.

    I'll look into WordsFlow

    David

    thanks
    BobLevine
    Community Expert
    BobLevineCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    October 19, 2025

    +1 for WordsFlow. If you're going to link a Word file, it's an absolute must. WordsFlow – Em Software

    D
    david mcnicholasAuthor
    Inspiring
    October 18, 2025

    I think I figured it out. There was an inconsistency across definitions between WORD and ID. My STYLE in WORD was descended from [Basic Paragraph], while my STYLE in ID was descended from [No Paragraph Style].

    thanks
    D
    david mcnicholasAuthor
    Inspiring
    October 18, 2025

    No, Dangit. That wasn't it.

    I've got the first two files that were trouble working, but every file I start from the template is broken still. Yes, I did SAVE AS at the start of my session.

    thanks
    D
    david mcnicholasAuthor
    Inspiring
    October 18, 2025

    I have no idea what I did differently. As a solution, I took the working file, saved that as a template.

    thanks
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