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MartinRTR10100347
Participating Frequently
March 13, 2017
Answered

Using Master pages

  • March 13, 2017
  • 3 replies
  • 4601 views

Hi There

Can anyone help me with master Pages.

Master Pages are a thing of beauty and, if i could only 'master' them would save hours and hours - but one thing eludes me. Making changes on the master page seems to apply the change to the document pages only randomly. Now as I understand computers are totally binary, don't have a personality and therefore don't things randomy I have to accept that it's the user (that's me!) at fault and not the machine.

So - what am i doing on those pages wher the changes don't apply? I didn't think anythbing but there MUST be. Possibly related to this and deeply irksome – is that on some pages, when I make a MP change it simply plonks the chnage on top of the existing item in the document rather than replace it. What possible setting i ask myself what I need that for?!

To simplify the question – How can I ensure that all changes made on the MP are applied to the relevant document pages as an 'over-write' every time?

Thanks

Martin

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Alma Strutt

    Hi Martin

    it would be good to see a screen shot of the problem you're experiencing but by default changes you make to a master page are automatically applied to associate pages.

    It sounds as though you have some overrides going on in your document and they behave differently depending on what you're asking the document to do. There is also the option to detach a master page item and that also allows the object to behave in a different way.

    If you would like to post an example of the trouble you're experiencing we can get to the bottom of the problem or if you prefer to check out the Adobe help link on Master Pages see below.

    Learn how to use master pages in InDesign

    3 replies

    harpg60316040
    harpg60316040
    Participating Frequently
    July 24, 2019

    Hi - I am having this issue as well. I've created a Master page and am inserting unique content (text and images) on the actual pages. When I recently updated the Master, some of the pages reflected the change, some didn't. I used Control + Shift to add the unique text and images. Then, I needed to change the inside margin on all pages and therefore had to move the placement of some objects. Why would some pages reflect the moves and some not, even though all pages have had the unique text/images added in the same way?

    M
    Migintosh
    Legend
    July 25, 2019

    Barb has written the answer to your question above, but here's what's causing your issue:

    harpg60316040  wrote

    I used Control + Shift to add the unique text and images.

    harpg60316040
    harpg60316040
    Participating Frequently
    July 25, 2019
    • To override specific master items on a document page, press Ctrl+Shift (Windows) or Command+Shift (Mac OS) and click the item (or drag to select multiple items). Change the selected master items as desired. The item can now be selected like any other page item, but retains its association with the master page.

    This last sentence from Barb's answer is what I'm not seeing. The retaining association is what I want but am not having happen consistently. There obviously has to be a reason but have not pin pointed it.

    This "swap pages" mention from another reply may give a clue?

    jane-e
    Community Expert
    jane-eCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    March 13, 2017

    A screen shot of your Pages panel would be useful—make sure it is wide enough and that we can see all of the Master Pages.

    A
    Alma StruttCorrect answer
    Inspiring
    March 13, 2017

    Hi Martin

    it would be good to see a screen shot of the problem you're experiencing but by default changes you make to a master page are automatically applied to associate pages.

    It sounds as though you have some overrides going on in your document and they behave differently depending on what you're asking the document to do. There is also the option to detach a master page item and that also allows the object to behave in a different way.

    If you would like to post an example of the trouble you're experiencing we can get to the bottom of the problem or if you prefer to check out the Adobe help link on Master Pages see below.

    Learn how to use master pages in InDesign

    M
    MartinRTR10100347Author
    Participating Frequently
    March 13, 2017

    Hi Alma

    Thanks for that

    In the end I think posting my question was more about venting my frustration than asking for an answer!

    I will just have to work my way patiently through the link above

    Thanks for your reply

    Martin

      A
      ACWaters
      Known Participant
      March 17, 2019

      The way to solve your problem is with the use of layers. On the Layers panel create a new layer for your master page folio that is above all other layers. On your master page, select the frame the page number is in. On the Layers panel, the little square which appears on the right side of the current layer is a "proxy" for the item selected. Drag the square up to the new top layer you've created and you'll move the page number to that layer. (The selection color will change, reflecting the new layer it's on.) That item will now always appear in front of objects on other layers, whatever page they are on.


      Fantastic. Thank you!!

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