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GmR
Inspiring
August 12, 2024
Answered

How to Import a Word docx file into InDesign with Dynamic TOC and Footnotes?

  • August 12, 2024
  • 1 reply
  • 1791 views

I have been asked to investigate using InDesign to prepare a Book for print. The Source is a 500 page Word Doc.  When importing the file (using "Place"), is it possible to keep the TOC and Footnotes, end notes, etc, dynamiclaly linked to page numbers? This is so that when formatting font sizes, the page numbers will change and the TOC, End notes references will need ot be updated. Of course this needs to be done automatically.

 

Is it possible? If so how?

 

Thanks,

Geoff

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Barb Binder

Hi @GmR:

 

You can use File > Place to import  a Word document in InDesign. If you enable show import options, you can decide if you want to include Table of Contents text, Index text, Footnotes and/or Endnotes. 

 

]]

 

However, an imported TOC or index will NOT dynamically update, so don't import either of those. Instead, just generate a new TOC or index that will. It's quick, once you understand the process. 

 

I am unclear about your reference to page numbers in the endnotes. The footnotes and endnotes will update if you add or remove notes, but if you have cross references in the notes to content elsewhere in the Word file, you'll need to recreate those in InDesign for them to update automatically

 

~Barb

1 reply

Barb Binder
Community Expert
Barb BinderCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
August 12, 2024

Hi @GmR:

 

You can use File > Place to import  a Word document in InDesign. If you enable show import options, you can decide if you want to include Table of Contents text, Index text, Footnotes and/or Endnotes. 

 

]]

 

However, an imported TOC or index will NOT dynamically update, so don't import either of those. Instead, just generate a new TOC or index that will. It's quick, once you understand the process. 

 

I am unclear about your reference to page numbers in the endnotes. The footnotes and endnotes will update if you add or remove notes, but if you have cross references in the notes to content elsewhere in the Word file, you'll need to recreate those in InDesign for them to update automatically

 

~Barb

~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training
    G
    GmRAuthor
    Inspiring
    August 12, 2024

    Thanks Barb. I'll explore that option of recreating the TOC. Regarding the Subject Index at the back of the book (where hundreds of entries have been marked in the Word doc with the corresponding page number), is there a way to keep those page number links active?

     

    P
    Community Expert
    Peter KahrelCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    August 12, 2024

    This was answered here: https://community.adobe.com/t5/indesign-discussions/importing-word-doc-500pg-book-with-subject-index/td-p/14794287

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