Replacing images in Indesign by drag and drop

[BrandScholar]

I am shocked and terrified that the latest version of InDesign CC is not allowing me to drag an image from a folder onto an image in my layout and have it automatically swap. Please tell me I am doing something wrong. This is a critical feature. Help!!!!

[Barb Binder]

No, that doesn't work in InDesign. To replace images in InDesign;

1. Select the frame containing the old image and File > Place will replace the old one with the new one, or
2. Select the frame containing the old image and use the Relink icon in the links panel to link to a new image
   

[BrandScholar · Accepted solution]

Actually I figured it out and it is possible. I've done it for years. I had a layer of artwork above the photo layer. If there is any artwork / boxes in front of the photo frame it will come in like it is dropping a new image instead of replacing. I simply turned off the top layer and it worked like it always has. Whew! This is a great feature for repurposing the same layout with different images. Alternatively, one can lock the layer rather than turning it off. 
***** Response modified by Moderator "VS" *****

[Barb Binder]

Sure enough! I tried it before answering... and I swear it didn't work, but it does now.

Be sure to mark your answer as correct to close the thread. And thanks for showing me a new technique.

[Sandee Cohen]

What's really weird about all this is I have NEVER used this technique. I was strictly a File > Place kind of gal. But I recently started doing it. I knew I could drag onto the page. I never realized it would replace an image below.

Amazing what you can learn after so many years.

[Willi Adelberger]

It did ever, but it depends if it replaces how the setting of the last place command war. If you select images replaces selected item (or similar) it would also replace any selected image where you drag it upon it.

[Steve Werner]

Actually, Willi, on my system (Mac OS X 10.11.6, InDesign CC 2015.4), it makes no difference what the setting was (Replace turned on Replace turned off) when the image was placed. Dragging another image from the Finder, I can always replace that image.

[Ripcordian]

Old thread, but if anyone else comes here: you don't have to turn off layers above the layer where you want to drag and drop an image to replace an existing one. You just have to lock it.

[adisababbba]

UPDATE: reading on a bit, I realized the OP was facing a different issue. Anyways....  🙂

Replying to this old thread in case it helps someone—

You can do what the OP is asking for using Adobe Bridge, instead of your operating system folder.

In other words, instead of opening a folder in your operating system and trying to drag and drop the image file into an image frame, open the folder via Adobe Bridge. From Bridge you can drag the image directly onto a frame in InDesign and it'll place the image there.

[Susan H]

Your answer should be the way to do it but no longer works on mine either. Using file + place to replace an image no longer works on my indesign either. It's annoying as heck.