Print and digital outputs from the same indesign file

Report · Jul 30, 2024

Can someone help me with a challenge, please? We produce A4 reports (120 pages) and display them as digital and print editions.

The digital versions run as A3 landscape DPS (i.e. two pages on display at once).

The print versions have to output as single A4 pages, with a 3mm bleed all round.

Is it possible to output both versions from the same InDesign file, please? If so, how?

Thank you!

Report · Jul 30, 2024

Which format for the digital edition?
If it's PDF, just untick "Use Document Bleed Settings" in the Export Adobe PDF dialogue box and tick Spreads (if you set it up as such). Though you might consider using Single Page Continous (and Fit Height) as the document would be easier to read on tablets and smart phones than facing pages.

Report · Jul 30, 2024

Thanks Derek, that's really helpful. We're offering the PDFs as straight downloads for the digital edition (a bit low-tech, but it works for our audience) so we lose control over the PDF viewer. I'd welcome suggestions for alternatives. We're considering flipbooks for desktop-based viewers as some of our readers prefer those.

The documents are too big (and too detailed) for phones, but I like the idea of single continuous for tablets. Can you suggest any examples of where that has been done well?

Thanks again.

Report · Jul 30, 2024

There are a number of third-party apps that turn PDFs into flipbooks. The one I like is Paperturn: https://www.paperturn-view.com/