How do I synchronize styles across multiple documents in a book file?

[buttler_0833]

I’m working on a book project in InDesign with multiple documents, and I want to ensure consistent formatting across all files. How can I synchronize paragraph styles, character styles, and other settings like master pages and swatches within the book file? Is there an option to update all documents at once without manually adjusting each one? Also, if a change is made to the styles later, will it automatically reflect across the book? Any tips or best practices for managing styles in a book project would be greatly appreciated!

[Robert at ID-Tasker · Accepted solution]

You need to set one document as a source: 

https://helpx.adobe.com/uk/indesign/using/creating-book-files.html#:~:text=Choose%20Synchronize%20Op...

[Abhishek Rao]

Hi @buttler_0833,  

Did you get a chance to try the expert’s suggestion about setting one document as the source for synchronizing styles in your book file? Were you able to follow the linked guide? Let us know if you need more assistance or clarification-we're here to help!

Thanks, 

Abhishek Rao

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS · Accepted solution]

1. Select your "good" document on the left column that has the styles you want to sync.
2. Select just the documents you want to sync. NO selected documents will sync the entire book.
3. I like to use Synchronize Options to make sure I'm sync'ing just what I want. I sugest using "pesimistic settings"--in other words, just sync what you know you've changed, not everything each time. 
4. Click Synchronize. (I did not complete it here due to time.)

Couple of tips with book files:

If you select all the files in the book and double-click one of them, it will open all the files.

If  you use Cntl-Alt-Shift-S (Win) or Cmd-Opt-Shift-S (Mac) it will save all open files at once.

If  you use Cntl-Alt-Shift-W (Win) or Cmd-Opt-Shift-W (Mac) it will close all open files at once.