Is it possible to have Cloud-based Image Linking into inDesign?

[sidl26980675]

Our organization has recently moved over to a Document Library (DAM) service called Bynder™. This platform allows us to Tag all our media for Accessibility purposes WCAG/W3C. 

Is there a way to place and/or import these images that exist in our DAM? (not locally but remotely on the Bynder server) The DAM will allow us to create a public perma-link for each image asset, but I can't seem to find a way to embedd those into an inDesign file?

<Title renamed by moderator>

[Eugene Tyson · Accepted solution]

No you won't be able to link images by permalinks. 

If you had access to the server path - and you were linked to the server as a network drive you would be able to link.

I use a DAM everyday - our workflow is to replace all links in all documents from the DAM. 

We then embed all the images into the document. 

When you open the document - you can see when the image was placed by date - in the links panel - and that it was linked to the last users computer.

You then copy the links name - find them on DAM  - relink them - and then reembed them.

It's quite quick once you get a workflow going.

I'm not suggesting you work like this - I'm just explaining how we are handling it.

[Pu Koh]

you embed links into your document?!?!?!?!??!?!!!??! your indd file sizes must be crazy.

[Eugene Tyson]

File sizes never concern me. Maybe 20 years ago.

But I never got the notion embedding files is a bad idea. Always working for me. Never an issue.

[BobLevine]

This might help you: Digital Asset Management - Silicon Connector (siliconpublishing.com)

[bikiz]

What you're describing is to use an HTTP-based URL as the basis for a linked assset in InDesign. Eugene is right that InDesign doesn't do this natively, however this is exactly why Silicon Publsihing developed its Connector product. The Connector allows you to place HTTP-based assets as links that work the same way that traditional file-based linking works in InDesign.

When the linked asset is modified it displays a modification warning just like regular ID links and allows you to update. When you package a file it can download the links and include them in the package.

While connector can work with any public HTTP-based asset, there are integrations with specific systems. In the case of Bynder, there is a dedicated Silicon Connector for Bynder. Among other features, this provides you a panel right in InDesign so you can browse Bynder and place assets from Bynder directly into your InDesign document.

If you'd like to get connected with someone who can get you setup with the plug-in feel free to reach out - sales@siliconpublishing.com