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danielr47855468
Participating Frequently
August 8, 2022
Answered

Indesign - Drop Down Menu choice changes/hides pages

  • August 8, 2022
  • 1 reply
  • 5100 views

Hi,

 

I'm not sure if it's even possible but I was hoping to make a Interactive PDF on Indesign where there will be a drop down list at the beginning and whatever answer you pick will determine what the rest of the PDF looks like.

 

So for example, this list would have two options, and whichever one you choose will subsequently give you a different form to fill out that asks questions particular to the original drop down choice.

It's important that I keep it on the same PDF rather than having two different PDF's.

Also, I have no idea where to start so there isn't anything I can upload to show you what I mean, i'm just hoping the above is enough information to go off.

Like I said, i'm not even sure if it's possible or not, I have the most up to date verison of InDesign if that changes anything.

TIA,

Dan

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Nesa Nurani

1. Create pages that you wish to turn into a template.

2. Create a template from those pages, to do that you need to select 'Organize Pages' tool then click on page you wish to turn into a template and from toolbar select 'More' then 'Page templates', now give that template a name and click 'add' now uncheck checkbox next to template name to make template hidden. Now repeat for other pages and remember those template names you will use those in script.

3. Now to make a script. Let's say you named templates 'template1' and 'template2' and dropdown choices are 'Item1' and 'Item2' (you will adapt those to your actual choices and template names),

as 'Validation' script of dropdown field you would use something like this:

 

if(event.value == "Item1")
this.getTemplate("template1").spawn(this.numPages, false, false);
else if(event.value == "Item2")
this.getTemplate("template2").spawn(this.numPages, false, false);

 

Make sure you also check 'Commit selected value immediately' in dropdown field properties under 'Option' tab.

Let us know if you need further help.

1 reply

Nesa Nurani
Community Expert
Nesa NuraniCommunity Expert
Community Expert
August 8, 2022

It's possible with acrobat pro. You can create template pages and then use script in dropdown field to spawn template depending on dropdown choice.

D
danielr47855468Author
Participating Frequently
August 8, 2022

I believe I have that with my Creative Cloud subscription.

In your opinion would it be easier to make all the pages needed and then make it interactive after the fact?
Also, I've never scripted anything in my life, is that easy enough to do?

Thanks

Nesa Nurani
Community Expert
Nesa NuraniCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
August 8, 2022

1. Create pages that you wish to turn into a template.

2. Create a template from those pages, to do that you need to select 'Organize Pages' tool then click on page you wish to turn into a template and from toolbar select 'More' then 'Page templates', now give that template a name and click 'add' now uncheck checkbox next to template name to make template hidden. Now repeat for other pages and remember those template names you will use those in script.

3. Now to make a script. Let's say you named templates 'template1' and 'template2' and dropdown choices are 'Item1' and 'Item2' (you will adapt those to your actual choices and template names),

as 'Validation' script of dropdown field you would use something like this:

 

if(event.value == "Item1")
this.getTemplate("template1").spawn(this.numPages, false, false);
else if(event.value == "Item2")
this.getTemplate("template2").spawn(this.numPages, false, false);

 

Make sure you also check 'Commit selected value immediately' in dropdown field properties under 'Option' tab.

Let us know if you need further help.

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