Indesign - Live Updating Pages - Smart Pages or Smart Objects in Indesign

[W A]

Hi all,

I'm relatively new to Indesign, but know my way around Photoshop.

Does Indesign have a feature similar to Photoshop's Smart Objects?

(preferably without switching software or manually updating every element)

My preferred workflow would look something like this:
1. Place elements inside a fixed layout (inside a page), which is the source.

2. Create instances of this page within the same indesign file, e.g. to create UI mockups.

3. Each instance would be placed in a frame (like an image frame), to be scaled and cropped freely.

The instances don't need to be editable (they can be images), but they must always refer to the source page and update automatically (or by button).

The source should stay completely editable, no matter the type or number of elements inside a given format.

(So far, I've found the content collector tools, but they don't provide 'live' update when adding/removing elements)

Is there an in-built solution for this in Indesign? Or does an addon/script etc. exist which provides a similar workflow without switching software/importing/exporting every time?

[Eric Dumas]

Hi,

Can you confirm the version of your software and the operating system you are using?

As long as you File > Place your material and select the options to 'Link' the resource it will work the way you describe.

There are really interresting features as well like:

- Place a photoshop file, you can access the layers and the Layer Comps within InDesign

- Place an illustrator file instead of exported images.

- right-click on an image and select > Edit Original (Same from the Links panel)

- Same with Word or Excel files (with some limitations)

When updating the originals, InDesign will offer to update how it is used in your InDesign file. Keep an eye on the Links panel

The links automatically refresh when you open the InDesign file again

[Gusgsm · Accepted solution]

"Does Indesign have a feature similar to Photoshop's Smart Objects?" Yes, InDesign "links" are way smarter than Phosothop Smart Objects. You manage all their options by means of the "Links" palette. Besides what Eric Dumas has told you, InDesign can place InDesign files too.

You can update any kind of placeable file and then change the options fot that instance of placement or for all the instances of that placement. The possibilities are way too many to explain in a single post but, yes: See help files and tutorials for native color swatches, Object Styles, text styles and placing options.

And don't forget the CC libraries.

[W A]

"[...] InDesign can place InDesign files too."

Thanks! In my current use case that was just what I needed.

[Document Geek]

You can use InDesign place and link. I wrote about that here. Skip down to step 10.

But it's honestly easier to use Illustrator or Photoshop to create the content you want updated.