Sharing pages across multiple Indesign documents built on the same master

[1jnf]

Hi - for a project I work on, we are constantly picking up old files in a single multi-page Indesign document built from a master page, and bringing that into a current document and updating it. The current INDD document is built on the same master page, with the same name. When I bring the page in from the old document, the objects and text boxes populate from the master in the current document, behind the current document's objects and contents, essentially duplicating it. So, I have to delete all this stuff constantly. I don't want to disassociate the new pages from the master as we want to use the master to control the whole document (i.e., move the position of the title box 1/2" higher on the page and have that change reflect in all the child pages). Is there a better way to handle this workflow? Thank you!

[Erica Gamet]

Is it possible to rename the master on the old file before moving the pages to the new document? Then you'd apply the master in the new document. Not sure that would work for your workflow, though. I'm also not sure I'm visualizing the process you have in place.

[1jnf]

Thanks so much for your reply! If I do what you suggest, the objects just show up when I apply the master.

I'm not sure how to clarify my workflow/process. Do you have any suggestions or questions?

Thanks again!

[Erica Gamet]

Ah...I see the issue. On the incoming pages, do the items on the master page match exactly the pages on the current (new) doc's master items? If so, you could apply a blank master page before bringing the pages over...and it would bring in any master items...and those items would then be applied by the new master.

I guess for clarifying, maybe show me a page (maybe a simplified version if they're complicated) of what the old doc's page looks like and what is on the master vs. what is on the document page. Then show me the current file with what is on the master.

My thought is if the master pages match exactly and named exactly, you could essentially strip the master elements from the page, then slip them right back in when the page comes into the new document.

[1jnf]

Thanks for your reply and suggestion - unfortunately I got the same result using the method you outlined.

Here's a screenshot of my original document 1H19 master page (identical and named identically to the master in the new document)

Here's a screenshot of a document page, from that original document 1H19. The container elements from the master are all still there, unmoved and unchanged, but they've been filled with actual copy and images.

Here's a screenshot of what happens when I move the document page from 1H19 into document 2H19. The masters of 2H19 are unchanged from the 1H19 document, but we will need to update copy images and styling/design changes eventually once all the pages from previous documents are moved into 2H19 document. You'll notice that the master populates those same objects behind the objects on the document page I moved in.

I stripped the master from the document page in 1H19 and then moved it into the 2H19 as you suggested. That was fine, but when I applied the master in the 2H19 doc, the master page objects came in underneath at that point. Also, when I try making changes on the master in 2H19, it no longer recognizes the document page's objects, even though it's still connected to the master - if I move the image on the right side on the master in 2H19, the document page moved in from 1H19 doesn't change. This behavior is the same whether I move the page without stripping the master or strip the master move it in and then apply the master. This is not the case in my original document, 1H19. If I move the image on the right side on the master in 1H19, the document pages that were all based on that master reflect that change.

I hope this makes sense! Thanks so much for your help!