Why do I sometimes get "extra" text frames?

[turner111]

More frequently than I want to admit, I am working on something and discover "stacked" text frames.

Honestly, I'm not sure where they're coming from.

Example 1: I have a doc set up with a Primary Text Frame.

I go to the end of my content, CMD-D to import a document, and rather than importing inline, it give me the loaded text cursor. I then check my doc & somehow I have the text in the document running in a set of frames above those on the master page.

Example 2: I apply a parent page containing a primary text frame to my document, work a bit, then notice stacked text frames.

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Now, I'm not saying that's what's causing it... those are just a few examples of when I've noticed. It might get rid of the "problem", but it feels sloppy to move a bunch of stuff, copy contents, and paste back into the Primary Text thread & delete the newly empty extra text frames.

I really would like to understand this, though 🙂
Should have asked like 7 years ago.
Any suggestions/guidance?

thanks, as always.

[Robert Tkaczyk]

When you use auto-reflow option - you need to be carefull where and how do you click - if you don't click in the right place - "miss the target" - InDesign will create a new TextFrame.

[rob day]

Hi @turner111 , I think Primary Frames work a bit differently than autoflowing to the document margins or into a regular parent/master page text frame, and it’s not exactly intuitive.

With a primary text flow I think using the Smart Text Reflow feature is the easiest way to add multiple pages of text, and keep it in the Primary Text Frame chain. Before you place the text, make sure Allow Document Pages to Shuffle is checked, and Smart Text Flow is on and limited to Primary Text Frames:

Before Placing insert your cursor in the Primary Text Frame

On Place the text is flowed into new pages using the Primary Frame thread starting at the insertion point:

Now if I have other Parrent/Masters that included a Primary Text Frame, I can drag them onto a page and the primary text flow will be maintained—no additional frames: