Table design problem

[AriRnen]

Hi All,

I'm trying to design a table which is used on many pages (100+). The table contains both - information common for all tables and information specified for each one. Purpose is to be able to change the table layout afterwards without need to rewrite all the tables again.

When using the master page and editing each table as needed (inserting the individual information to each table), the connection between that table and master page disappears. When uploading the table first into the CC library and using the linked one on each page, the table layout changes can be made but then the table contents in the linked tables disappear.

The table I'm designing contains different row heights, merged cells etc. so the table styles don't seem to help in this case??

Br.  Ari

[Mike Witherell · Accepted solution]

I would suggest do not put a table on the master. Tables are unique. But, you can use table and cell styles to help automate the placing of individual word or excel tables. Word tables can have the repeating headers and footers designed in advance, whereas excel tables can not have headers and footers that repeat set until after placing in InDesign. Bear in mind that heights and widths of cells are not captured in a cell or table style. They, too, must be done largely manually.

[AriRnen]

Thank you Mike!

[TᴀW · Accepted solution]

I haven't used it myself, but I've heard good things about Woodwing's Smart Styles plugin and table formatting!

https://www.woodwing.com/en/smart-styles-adobe-indesign-plugin

May be worth checking out. (I'm not affiliated in any way!)

[AriRnen]

Thank you! I'll check it out.