Adding Video to InDesign for PDF

[CreativeContentAU]

I used to do this regularly with the Media pane allowing you to reference a URL as long as it wasn't https://. I store my MP4 clips on Rackspace and simply enter the URL and set the play controls, reference screen etc.

But this has now chnaged with you able to simply "place" a video like any other GFX image. There is no way I can see to simply enter a URL any more.

Now this is all well and good, but inflates the PDF file size horrifically making it an impossibility to email to my subscribers. So how do I get around this and keep using the old way (or any variation thereof)?

[Lukas Engqvist · Accepted solution]

I know I have seen that as a request at https://indesign.uservoice.com. Yes it is a problem because the embedded movies were using flash technology and in recent version indesign removed all flash based elements. Interactive PDF also have some limitations in that the interactivity is varied depending on what platform (computer or mobile, and also non adobe PDF readers) are being used. I know there is work on the PDF 2.0 standard where accessibility and complience with webb standards is priority, but not sure how far in the future that will be. You can place embedded HTML, using Object > Place HTML… and that opens a range of possibilities, only it does assume the output to be either Publish Online, or EPUB (Again the EPUB reader will be part of the equation). Hope that gives you some idea of the choices you have.

[CreativeContentAU]

Thanks 🙂 Might have to use the Publish Online option. Seems a backward step; why not just leave it there until the PDF 2 standard is ratified ? Oh well...

[Derek Cross]

You can include a hyperklink in your PDF that links to a YouTube or similar video.

[CreativeContentAU]

Of course, but I prefer the video to be inline in the doc.

[Derek Cross]

The PDF 2,0 spec is there, it's up to vendors, such as Adobe, to implement it -- email them requesting it if you want it implemented (in due course!).