Traveling with my InDesign files

[Attroll]

I am going to be traveling for a week or two.
I have a laptop that I am bringing with me.
All my InDesign files are on my main computer.
I want to be able to work on my book while I am traveling on my laptop.

I know I can use the packaging feature in InDesign and then I can work on my book while traveling using the package that I created.

However, I want to leave all my files where they are on my original computer because I have a method to where they are each located.

I know I could create the exact same directories and files on the laptop that are on my main computer and that would work, but that seems like a lot of work to do that.

If I work on my book with the packaging that I create, all the edits will be done in the package directory that I created.

I can’t really do a one-on-one compare when I get back because the packing will change everything once I put into a package.

Does anyone have any advice of how I could work on my laptop while I am traveling and still maintain what is on my main computer and do a compare when I get home to see what has changed.

This is a long stretch asking this question, but you know the old phrase; there is no such thing as a stupid question, the stupid question is the one not asked.

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

Are you just doing editing? Just bring the InDesign files. You'll get a complaint about missing graphics when you open the files, but when you eventually copy them back, they will locate the original graphics. 

If you are going to work on graphics too, I would copy your entire project. If you don't have enough room on the laptop, get an external. You may want to have an external anyway as a back up system while on the road. If you are staying at places with good wi-fi, you can also use cloud backup for just the changed files. 

[Attroll]

Yes, bringing he InDesign file only will work. That never crossed my mind.

Thank you.

[Scott Falkner]

Use a file sharing service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Creative Cloud Files. If you sign into the same account on two different devices the files will be synced.

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

@Scott Falkner The only problem I see with ONLY that solution is it depends on where the OP is staying. If staying at hotels, their internet is very slow (on purpose). If at companies, some services may be blocked by IT. 

[Scott Falkner]

Slow internet shouldn’t be a problem. The files will sync only when they change. Sync before travelling and the only files you will need to sync are the ones you cahnge. If you’re only working remotely the speed of the connection won’t matter.

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

Thank you, I know how the cloud services work. I have found them problematic [with slow connections] in the past. Just something to be aware of.