Help: How can I add a sound file to InDesign to play in one click

Report · Mar 27, 2018

Hi, created a triangle (play) button and a square (stop) button and placed sound (a song) and linked the two shapes to play and to stop the song.

However, when i open the file in Acrobat if i click once on the play button the sound file comes to the top (i placed it in a different part of the page), then i have to click the play button again to start the track.

I know there's a workaround in Acrobat to have the file appear as floating so it's not as visible, but i still have to click the play button twice to get the track started.

is there an easier/better way to accomplish this? It's 2018....i figured there must be??

Thanks a million!!

Adam

Report · Mar 28, 2018

If anything interactive PDF is getting harder and harder, not easier. I gave up on it (with the exception of forms) years ago for this very reason. You can try shrinking up the audio file to until it's not even visible and adding that play button, but if you're looking for something fancy, that's not going to be easy.

I wrote about this more than two years ago: It's okay to say no to interactive PDF

Here's something a bit more recent: Ajar Productions » Interactive PDF is dead—here’s what you can create from InDesign that’s even bett...

Report · Mar 28, 2018

Thanks Bob for the info. I'll research the other options. Unfortunately, Indd to html translates into a colossal visual mess so I'll look into the 3rd party option....or start again from scratch and build a hidden web page. Drama.

Report · Mar 28, 2018

Hey there

Why not explore the Publish Online service? It supports everything that is valid in FXL (Fixed layout) EPUB and is a really effective way to distribute content that can be consumed on a huge range of devices and of course, in browsers. It's part of your CC subscription.

Hope that helps.

Report · Mar 28, 2018

Hey Tony,

Thanks for the reply. I tried that, and it works, but the audio that's on the first page stops as soon as you go to the next page. I'm looking to have audio play throughout the presentation. I know, tricky business.