InDesign: Linking text boxes so if copy is edited in one, it is also changed in the linked boxes

[Barb36631678joo0]

I am looking to build a template that has variations upon the layout for different displays/uses.

The copy would be the same. 

Think Digital ad packages, that may be the most relevant example. You have a half dozen variants of the same content/design. In use, you would edit the CTA and it would change across all variants. You drop in a new image, it is swapped out for all linked image boxes. In each case, the individual frames would keep their style settings.

I want to link boxes so if one is edited, they are ALL edited. 

Is this currently possible in InDesign?

[Peter Spier]

It's been a feature since at least CS6, and it's called the Content Conveyor.

Learn how it works at https://helpx.adobe.com/indesign/using/linked-content.html

[Barb36631678joo0]

This is not what I want to do. 

[Peter Spier]

I see a moderator has marked my answer about the Content Conveyor as correct, which I supposed is tecnically true, but it's probably important to note that the linked text doesn't automatically update when the source is edited. You have to do that through the links panel, just as you do for images.

[Barb36631678joo0]

Yeah I'm trying to set this up to be as simple as possible so content creators can be empowered to make routine projects. It needs to be very, VERY simple. 

The relink route isn't really a modern solution. It is pretty clunky and outdated ui-wise.

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

After you placed the content from the conveyor, you can select the "group" in the Links panel and have it autoupdate when saving. 

[James Gifford—NitroPress]

Short of perhaps a scripted solution, the only route I can think of is to place the text on Parent pages so that it's changed on all associated document pages. You could do it by swapping the Parent page assignment — one for Version A, one for Version B, etc.

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

@Barb36631678joo0

Linked WORD or InCopy file - for text contents. 

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

InCopy--yes. Linking to Word only really works with the Em Software WordsFlow plugin.

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

InCopy--yes. Linking to Word only really works with the Em Software WordsFlow plugin.

By Dave Creamer of IDEAS

Text can be edited in WORD - then updated. 

Or edited in InDesign / InCopy and exported as RTF - and then linked in other InDesign docs 😉 

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

Exported InCopy files can be placed multiple times. They would also need to be updated with the Links panel too. 

Linked Word files, without the plugin, will have all formatting and editing done in InDesign removed when updating. Maintaining Word formats when importing is just asking for trouble.

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

@Dave Creamer of IDEAS

OK, I get what you mean - but having THE SAME text in multiple places - but with different "shapes" - will most likely require updates in those places anyway - after even minor change in text's contents...

Thanks to Styles - it can be greatly minimised. 

And I'm pretty sure - OP wants to have text edited in only ONE "place" - then just used - not that anyone anywhere at any time can edit it?

That would be a disaster...

[James Gifford—NitroPress]

I've used IC very little, but what features does it have to replicate text from one instance? Or would one instance be loaded into multiple text frames... somehow? (My impression is that it's neither better nor worse than editing etc. in InDesign, just a simpler tool that can be used outside of a full CC license by relatively novice users.)

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

@James Gifford—NitroPress

Sorry, haven't checked, but I was under the impression - that InCopy files could be linked in multiple places?

[BobLevine]

InCopy files can indeed be placed in multiple documents. Editing in one (which would require the user to check the file out) would update the content in all other files it's placed.

This is, IMO, the simplest solution.