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SimonEdwards_ublox
SimonEdwards_ublox
Participating Frequently
June 21, 2023
Answered

Linking an image from SharePoint online (OneDrive sync)

  • June 21, 2023
  • 2 replies
  • 15625 views

*** UPDATE *** This does work, but it's very important to ensure both devices sync the SharePoint Online document library in EXACTLY the same way. The relative paths need to match and then InDesign will be able to work with files in SharePoint Online. For example on one device if you sync the doc library from top Documents level so the InDesign file is in Documents\Folder 1\Folder 2, then on the other devices, they must sync from the Documents level so that their paths match. I would advise not using "Shortcut to OneDrive" as that causes issues, just use the "Sync" function and this should all work. If it doesn't, check the paths to the file and see if they match, it's likely that someone has clicked the Sync button from a different folder level. Ignore the fact that InDesign shows the link as C:\Users\USERNAME as this will update on the other device to their user profile location. (presuming they're both using the same default location)

 

Original question:

 

Hi all!

We have an issue with linking images from SharePoint Online document libraries. All the info I can find online points towards using OneDrive sync, but that doesn't work. As per the below screenshot, you can see that the path for the image is still local. Anyone else who wants to edit this file, won't be able to see this image. Is there a way to link via URL or directly from a SharePoint Online library?

 

 

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer rob day

    On Windows for Dropbox, OneDrive, SharePoint etc the path to the synchronised folder starts C:\users\USERNAME as you can see in the below screenshot. You're right in terms of the path after this is the same, but with InDesign it keeps the first part of the UNC path which is why it breaks for other users. I.e. on another device C:\user\sedw doesn't exists, so InDesign can't find the image file.


    I believe what you're doing in your screenshot is storing the image file next to the InDesign one. That may be an option, but I believe we have our images stored in a different location to the InDesign document. Though even if they were stored in the same location, I think we would still run into the same issue. Perhaps it works differently on MacOS than Windows10.


    With syncing the paths are relative to the sync folder. Here’s a Dropbox example that I’ve shared and sync’d to another account in my studio. Both the InDesign file and its linked PSD file are in the shared folder:

     

    The Status is Normal on my machine and the path is relative to my Dropbox folder:

     

    On the shared computer, the link Status is still Normal. The absolute paths are different, but the path relative to the Dropbox sync folder is the same:

     

    2 replies

    L
    Linda31071536e74c
    New Participant
    October 19, 2023

    Hi all, as SImon says above, we have been using InDesign and Sharepoint for a while now. As long as all the files are on SharePoint, everyone has the SharePoint synced the same way, and no one copies files anywhere else on the hard drive, it will work properly.

    The issue we have with InDesign files is that if one person has fonts installed on their computer that others don't have, InDesign wants to replace them with another font. Even when both have the same fonts and install them the same way (drag and drop into the WIndows fonts folder), it sometimes won't recognise that they are the same fonts. You can select them in InDesign'd fonts drop down, but if I replace (e.g. theri Gill Sans Std with my Gill Sans Std) then they get the message that Adobe doesn't support it anymore or can't find it. I am assuming that is because Adobe stores fonts locally rather than in SharePoint? Has anyone else had this problem and have a solution? 

     

    BobLevine
    BobLevine
    Community Expert
    October 20, 2023

    If you're all on Windows, it's best when installing fonts to do so by right-clicking and installing that way. Be sure to select for all users. Otherwise, put the fonts in a document fonts folder in the folder that has the InDesign file. The fonts don't even need to be installed that way.

    Make sure you're not using any Type 1 fonts and if you have any follow-ups, it's best to start a new discussion.

    Eric Dumas
    Eric Dumas
    Community Expert
    June 21, 2023

    I experience the same frustrations. I wish there was a better integration with online resources like SharePoint. You can add your ideas to Adobe InDesign (uservoice.com).

    In previous versions of SharePoint, I was able to link files. https://youtu.be/rBSMGRET7Ws

    In most recent versions, it has been impossible, I moved to Creative Cloud storage.

    By the way, you can create a Shortcut to your OneDrive (instead of sync) from a library. but it still downloads the opened files.

      SimonEdwards_ublox
      SimonEdwards_ubloxAuthor
      Participating Frequently
      June 21, 2023

      Hi Eric, thanks for the reply.

       

      I really want to avoid paying for Creative Cloud storage as we already have a cloud storage solution that we pay for. I also don't use the Shortcut to OneDrive option as it mixes up OneDrive and SharePoint. I find the sync option is much better for managing files in SharePoint. It's only this issue that occurs due to the way InDesign manages linking files, other apps are OK.


      This feels like a simple feature that even linking to a URL could fix. Ideally, full integration with SharePoint Online would be better, but I wouldn't expect that to be a feature to come along any time soon!

      rob day
      rob day
      Community Expert
      June 22, 2023

      Hi @rob day, we're not using Adobe Creative Cloud. We're just saying the InDesign file that's located in a SharePoint document library.


      we're not using Adobe Creative Cloud

       

      All the syncing services work the same. With Dropbox you send out sync invites via right-click>Share:

       

       

       

      In this case the linked .PSD file will be local on all of the collaborator’s machines, and the path will be relative to the Dropbox root sync folder ...user/Dropbox/JobFolder/PhiGlass.psd

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