I do a lot of copying and pasting of text into InDesign.
The two most frequent methods I use are:
• to copy text directly from a text document (e.g. Word) and paste into InDesign, or
• to place the text document into an InDesign text box, then copy/cut and paste without formatting to the desired location within my file.
Both methods can be frustrating, especially if there is a large amount of text. Either I have to keep switching back and forth from Word to InDesign, or keep moving the text box that I imported the text document into (from page to page or spread to spread)—again, copying and pasting that text box from one location to another.
I suppose if I had two monitors, or resized my windows to show both InDesign and Word on my screen at the same time, this wouldn't be that big of an issue. And I know that I can easily switch between programs by using the Command-Tab key command or Hot Corners, but still. I'm looking for an easier process all around.
My proposal is to have a window/pallet, similar to Story Editor, into which text documents could be imported. From that window, one could then cut/copy and paste as needed—all without having to leave InDesign or worrying about shuffling a text box around the document.
The result: simply scroll to where you need place your new text, highlight the imported text located in the savvy Text Import Window, copy, paste, voilà.
