Can I automate repetitive tasks in Adobe InDesign using scripts?

[harryjames121]

I'm looking for efficient ways to streamline workflows, such as batch processing, formatting, or data merging. Are there specific scripting languages, tools, or plugins that can help achieve this? Any examples or guides would be appreciated!"

[Robert at ID-Tasker · Accepted solution]

Depends on your platform - and familiarity with coding.

Scripting:

JavaScript - platform independent.

VisualBasic - Windows only.

AppleScript - Mac only.

Real plug-ins - C++ and years of practice.

But If you work on Windows and don't have time or will to learn how to automate InDesign - and would consider paid solution - you could use my ID-Tasker tool.

Simply put - it's like Actions in Photoshop on steroids - whatever you can click in InDesign - or many other applications - it can click for you. And you don't have to be a coder to use it.

[Kasyan Servetsky]

I wrote a script for batch processing.

[harryjames121]

Thanks mate! it is really informative.

[Mike Witherell]

Batch processing makes me think of Adobe Bridge. But what example of batch processing are you thinking of?

Formatting makes me think of paragraph and character styles, but there are many javascripts out there that augment formatting. What situation are you thinking of formatting?

Data merging makes me think of the Data Merge panel in InDesign, but even there, you can google javascripts that augment the Data Merge panel. Do you have a specific situation in mind? I publish a guide to sources for ready-made javascripts on my website, too.

[asker_9244]

Whether the latest indesign version has any inbuilt scripts for automating repititive tasks based on user comments? such as pick and place images or symbols from library to defined template.

Can this tool collect the symbols from different folder and place it in the template as shown in the attached screenshot?

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

@asker_9244

You need to re-upload your screenshot.