Files in read-only mode - prevent any changes for the user

[shoebk26607323]

Hi all,

We have users opening inD. pages in read-only mode (by mistake), but whenever they try to save the documents, then they realize they can't (unless they save it in another folder where they can read/write).

The process is correct (in not saving the changes), but the issue is that users can work on documents for hours before they realize that they opened the pages on read-only.

My questions are :

- is there a way in inDesign to prevent any modification (text modification, placement, moving placeholders, etc.) to the document once it is in read-only ?

- is it possible to display a popup message, big enough to be visible, or any visual alert, stating that the current document is in read-only (instead of the merely visible read-only title next to the document name) ?

Thanks !

[leo.r]

I'm probably missing something, but how do you open InDesign files "in read-only mode"?

but whenever they try to save the documents, then they realize they can't...
the issue is that users can work on documents for hours before they realize...

In any case, does it mean that they work for hours without saving the file? Then you need to address this issue first. 

Once your users get into the habit of saving their files constantly (that is, at least every few minutes), your problem will be solved.

[shoebk26607323]

Hi leo.r,

Thanks for your answer.

Actually, we are using an editorial CMS that stores and manages the inDesign files. So basically, from the app, the user can select a document and edit it in inDesign. The thing is that if the document is already opened by someone (alhtough they can see it is locked), when they try to edit it, it opens in inDesign in read-only.

You're right, constant saving should be a habit, but generally newsroom user habits are generally hard to change 🙂

[leo.r]

Hi leo.r,

Thanks for your answer.

Actually, we are using an editorial CMS that stores and manages the inDesign files. So basically, from the app, the user can select a document and edit it in inDesign. The thing is that if the document is already opened by someone (alhtough they can see it is locked), when they try to edit it, it opens in inDesign in read-only.

By @shoebk26607323

If I understand your setup correctly, then it looks to me that the issue is with your CMS. Ask its developers to add a warning dialog that will pop up when users open locked files.  

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

If I understand your setup correctly, then it looks to me that the issue is with your CMS. Ask its developers to add a warning dialog that will pop up when users open locked files.  

By @leo.r

CMS rather shouldn't allow to open file that is already in use... 

[leo.r]

CMS rather shouldn't allow to open file that is already in use... 

By @Robert at ID-Tasker

Yeah, that too.

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

CMS rather shouldn't allow to open file that is already in use... 

By @Robert at ID-Tasker

Yeah, that too.

By @leo.r

Not "too" but rather "in the first place". 

If CMS doesn't have FULL and TOTAL control over it's assets - and someone can open files outside of the CMS - then this CMS is useless... 

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

@shoebk26607323

Lock all layers. 

[shoebk26607323]

Thanks Robert for your answer.

Alas, trying to convince all the end-users to lock all the layers before saving (and unlock all the layers before modifying a document) would be almost impossible.

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

Thanks Robert for your answer.

Alas, trying to convince all the end-users to lock all the layers before saving (and unlock all the layers before modifying a document) would be almost impossible.

By @shoebk26607323

Your CMS could / should do it... 

[Jallenwana]

https://github.com/atroia/InDesign-Read-Only