Different parent pages for different layers or alternative

[JH-Wendy]

I am working in a file that has a print version and an oline version.  I want the online version to have an image in the background, so I put it on the parent page.

However, I do not want the image in the background on the print version.  Is there a way to assign different parent pages to each layer.  If not is there a way to suppress the image on the Print version

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

Turn appropriate layer(s) visibility to on / off and export Print PDF - then Online PDF.

[Barb Binder · Accepted solution]

Hi @JH-Wendy:

An easy approach is to set up multiple layers in the Layers panel. You can put the items that you want to be able to hide and show on their own layer and then you can just click the eyeball to show them when you want to export to an online version and hide them when you want to export to a print version.

InDesign has another feature worth noting called conditional text which allows you to create condition tags to hide and show content but that sounds like overkill for your situation. I'd start with layers.

~Barb

[JH-Wendy]

Thank you both, unfortunately, that really isn't a viable solution. I do have a print and an online version.  But if I want to put a background pic on every page of the online, I would have to add it to every page one at a time, so that when I turn off the layer it doesn't show.  I want to put in on a Master so I can change it once, not on every page.  For example, if it is only on the layer and the image changes next year....I would have to change it manually on all 76 pages one at a time.  If it is on a master, I can change it on the master only, one time.

That is what I am trying to solve for.  If I coul have a separate parent page for each Print or Online, then the Online one can have the background and the Print could be a plain background.

Even if I could manually turn off the background only on the layer that would work but the eye for master elements are not accessible on the layers asset list.

[JH-Wendy]

Maybe I spoke to soon.  I am discovering that I can add layers to the parent page which might allow what you were describing.  Still working on it but THANK YOU!

[Barb Binder · Accepted solution]

Hi Wendy:

You got this! You can absolutely add a layer while you're on the parent pages and then add the image to that layer. When you're ready to switch versions, you just head back to the parent pages and hide or show that layer.

The only thing that both Robert and I neglected to mention is that the stacking of the layers is important. Be sure that the layer on the parent pages is at the bottom of the stack. If it is at the top, it will cover the content on the body pages. This is a simple drag and drop option in the layers panel. If you need further clarification, please just reach out and ask us. We are always happy to help.

~Barb

[JH-Wendy]

Yes! Thank you so much for your help.  I did learn about the layering ordering.  It took me a while to figure it out with the Default layer was behind.  Anyway, I moved my text boxes and semi-transparent "behind the text box" to the appropriate layers, and removed everything from the master default.  It now works like a charm!  I appreciate all your help!  Happy Holidays!!!

Wendy

[Robert at ID-Tasker · Accepted solution]

Layers are global for the document - their presence and order - you can't have different set or order of layers on a different masters or regular pages - and to clarify a bit what @Barb Binder mentioned - when you have contents on the same layer - on the master and regular page - objects from the master are always at the bottom of the stack - but only for this layer.