Importing a Word document does not create a link

[stel_3299]

I have "create a link to text or spreadsheet" checked, but whenever I import a Word file, the link does not show up in InDesign under "links."

Any guidance on this?

[James Gifford—NitroPress]

The other solution, which I've had to put up with for more than once client, is just to take the project back to Word alone. It's more difficult to do any real layout and document management, but the workflow from "a bunch of Word users" to "a finished Word doc" is often easier than trying to keep pulling updates into ID.

[stel_3299]

Yes! This is my plan B.

[BobLevine]

If cost isn't the issue (and at $5/month, it shouldn't be) then you need to grab the bull by the horns and shake things up. InCopy would streamline the entire process which right now (as you already are well aware of) is about as inefficient as it gets.

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

>>>you need to grab the bull by the horns and shake things up.

Not always possible in government agency.

<scarasm>Since Stel_3299 still has a job, we can assume it is a state government, not federal 😜. It might take 6 months of study, submit a report, and then wait for a year or so for IT to install the software...</scarasm>

Of course, getting third-party plugins approved can be just as difficult. 

I agree InCopy would be ideal but we don't know the if the editors are willing to learn a new program or even learn to use styles correctly in Word. 

[BobLevine]

All true, but in that case the OP is wasting time here. Nothing's going to change, unfortunately.

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

Well, the original question was about linking to Word documents and them not showing up on the Links panel. 

It IS possible and with careful style usage in Word and InDesign, it can work--but a lot depends on the Editors using styles properly. (Also, overrides must be cleared every update.)

[BobLevine]

Yeah, but it sounds like the Word users don't want to be bothered with any changes to the way they do things and the OP either doesn't want to push it or has also been resigned to this mess.

FWIW, in the past, I have found those are the people who, once they've been shown the benefits of InCopy and are properly trained (and it doesn't take all that long) are the biggest proponents.

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

The plugin also requires a special place command. I don't think you can retro fit previously placed files. 

[stel_3299]

Good to know, thanks!

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

@Robert at ID-Tasker 's suggestion of InCopy may be your best option. 

You export the text to InCopy from InDesign, placing it on a centralized service.

Import it into other InDesign documents as needed.

Editors can edit in full InDesign or with Incopy. (InCopy-only subscription costs $5 per month/$60 per year.)

Documents are "check out" the story, checked back in, and everyone else will update.

[Mike Witherell]

Related to this thread, I have a question: How do you remove a word docx link that is listed in the Links panel (even after going so far as to delete the word docx from its original folder)? There is no Remove Link command?

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

@Mike Witherell Just right-click on the Word file in the Links panel and Unlink.

[Mike Witherell]

Duh. I always forget about right-clicking!

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

It's in the panel menu too...

[Mike Witherell]

Then it must be my eyesight going! 

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

They say that's the second thing to go...