Inherit from multiple master pages

[frederic_m]

Hi,

Currently I have master A (2 page spread) containing page numbers (left aligned on left page, on right aligned on right page). I have another master page B (2 page spread) with layout #1 on the right page, and layout #2 on the left page. (That's a simplification, in practice I have more than a dozen different layouts). I'd like to interchangeably use layout #1 on right or left page. Same for layout #2. However, I don't want to create every possible combination of these layouts but I also don't want to manually add page numbers. In other words, I'd like to have my page both inherit from master A and master B. Any idea how I can do that?

Thanks!

[Willi Adelberger]

Every master of a double sided document contains 2 pages, one for the left, one for the right. Double click on the thumbnail of the page and click by holding the alt key on the thumbnail of the master.

If you want to apply the master on both sides, don't double click on the thumbnail of the page, double click on the name or page numbers of the page and apply the master.

[frederic_m]

I think I didn't express myself properly. Let me try again: I have a number of layouts (single page layouts). I want to store these layouts in master pages and apply these layouts to either a right or a left page. I guess I could create a bunch one-sided master pages. However I also have left/right page numbers stored on a double sided master page. Is that a bit more clear?

[SJRiegel · Accepted solution]

OK, so your Master pages could be applied to either a left or a right-hand page, but you want the page number to always align to the outside? 

In that case, make the text box for the page number just wide enough so that its left and right sides are where you want your numbers to land on the opposite pages. Then set your text alignment as Away from Spine.

[Scott Citron]

I would make single page masters with page numbers (folios) flush left and flush right. In use, drag the master to the document page and then delete the unneeded folio (Shift-Command/Control click to release the unwanted folio). Does this help?

[SJRiegel]

Scott -- the extra page numbers are unnecessary. All that is needed is a wide-enough text box with the alignment set Away from Spine.

[Scott Citron]

If it's only a page number, then your suggestion to set Align Away from Spine works great! But what if the folio also has, for example, the name of the publication and the folio (page #)? In this case you need two different text frames.

[rob day]

In this case you need two different text frames.

Here the A master has the folios and running text in one text frame per page, and the B & C masters are Based on A (note the A in the corners of the B&C masters). So there's only one instance of the running foot and folio that is shared by the pages in the 3 masters:

[Scott Citron]

Rob's idea would also work.