How to link/sync files to one editable one - InDesign?

[wellfedstarvingartist93]

I hope I can make this make sense. I create stickers and labels. To print them right now I set up a standard document with about 20 labels or so (depending on the size - 4 across, 5 down). To change the text on them I have to do this for each one individually. I'm wondering if there is a way for me to have one file that I can edit and in return it will automatically update all of my labels. Is this possible in InDesign, or should I be looking at Photoshop or Illustrator?

[JonathanArias]

you could do a data table that is linked:

InDesign: Updating a linked table without losing formatting | lynda.com, InDesign Secrets series - Y...

you could import a word document and update the word document only, and update the link in indesign:

InDesign tutorial: How to import Microsoft Word files | lynda.com - YouTube

[hammer0909]

Yes, create one label in InDesign and save it. We'll call that one "master". Now create a new InDesign document and call it imposed or whatever. Now choose File > Place. Grab the master file and place into the imposed file. Create as many copies as you'd like and position them as desired. Now if you want to make an edit, make the change to the master file and then update the links in the imposed file.

[wellfedstarvingartist93]

Thank you so much! That works great but unfortunately I ran into another issue. When I tried to create a label in InDesign (the master file) and place it into the imposed file (my label sheet), the image quality was compromised  Why is that?

I also failed to mention that I create my labels in Photoshop. I saw that I could place a Photoshop file into InDesign and have it update as needed so I want my sheet of labels set up and ready to print from InDesign but I want the working label file in photoshop. I did this and again the image quality got wonky when placing the file in InDesign.

Despite the files’ quality being terrible, when I save it As a pdf to print, the pdf looks clear. Do you have any idea what I may be doing wrong?

[hammer0909]

if your output was of good quality then you’re just experiencing the default preview resolution in InDesign. Choose View > Display Performance > High Quality to view your artwork at a higher resolution.

[Alma Strutt]

If you check your links panel it will let you see the resolution of the images placed. So even if your Display Performance is set to Typical you can check to see if the resolution is adequate for what you want to achieve. I still aim for 300 ppi for print. (Effective PPI not actual ppi).

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

Chad's method will work perfectly (naturally). However, I prefer using Illustrator for this type of work since it supports use of Symbols. Same basic concept, but I only have to keep track of one file instead of two.

[vinny38]

You could also check out for the linked content tools such as Content collector.

Use linked content features in InDesign

I prsonnally prefer chad's method but it's up to you