Automatically placing Images(18) from a file into frames (18).

[Frank1241]

Hi I want to automate placing images manually into selected frames.

There is 18 different frames (6) large, (6) medium, (6) small. 

Currently I have to manually place the images in these frames from a selected file. 

Is there a script or feature that allows me to automate this workflow? 

Attached below are images of the template before and after images are placed. 

[Barb Binder]

I can't help with scripting, though likely someone else can, but do you know you can load all 18 files at one, and then just drop them into the frames, as a regular InDesign feature?

~Barb

[Frank1241]

Hi Barb Thanks for the reply. 

Yes I know about this feature however I want to automate the process of placing in the images one by one. 

[pixxxelschubser]

Hmmh?

The placement of the 18 images is done with the Place Gun in frames with the automatic adjustment option with 18 clicks in a few seconds. The development of a customised script, on the other hand, could take several hours.

[Frank1241]

Correct, however I'm processing upwards to 10 of these files a day and expecting more. 

[Frank1241]

@pixxxelschubser You are referring to the action barb posted above correct?

[pixxxelschubser]

That is correct.

But maybe I'm wrong and misjudge the time required for script creation (I actually script mainly for Illustrator and therefore I'm not the right person for you 😉 ). So let's just wait and see what the InDesign scripters have to say.

If you need to do it quickly, you can always hire a scripter.

[brianp311 · Accepted solution]

Assuming they are always the same aspect ratio and you have autofitting configured in your template, and placement location doesn't matter, then this should work: 

var afs = File.openDialog("Choose all the photos", "*", true);
try { var doc = app.activeDocument; } catch(e) { exit(); } 
var apis = doc.allPageItems;
var n = apis.length;
var i = 0;
if (n !== afs.length) { alert("Number of files selected doesn't match rectangles on page. Placing as much as we can."); }
for (i; i < n; i++) {
    try { 
        apis[i].place(afs[i]);
    } catch(e) {}
}

[Frank1241]

Hello Brian thanks for the reply and script.

I'm getting an error running the script. I'm sure its something super simple but I have no Javascript experience. 

[Frank1241]

Error was a mistake on my end.

[brianp311]

I had inserted an extra bracket that I removed on edit after I spotted it. Glad you got it working. 

[Frank1241]

Brian's Code works! Thanks appreciate the reply.