INDESIGN: How can I grab page numbers from pdf link file names in order to create an index?

[veronical30404281]

I’m working on a workbook and creating the index seems to be the more challenging part of the project. The way they have the catalogue set up is by pdf images they call style cards.

The question I have is how can I generate the page numbers quickly?

We have both a numerical index and a product index. Is there a way to generate the page numbers by the pdf link name? All of the pdf file names are organized with the product number and name. In the past I'm pretty sure the production artist had manually added the page numbers to the excel spreadsheet at the end of the project. Then would copy and paste the spreadsheet then format it. I just want a fast way to generate the page numbers so we have something to show in the early stages.

I’ve seen some hacks people have done by grouping invisible text with an image. That’s cool and all but we really believe there has to be a more efficient way to grab from product numbers in the link name to create page numbers. I’m thirsty to learn how to do this. If you have any extra info for how I can figure this out will be super appreciated!

Thanks for reading this!
-Veronica

Style Card Example

Product Index Example

Spreadsheet Example

[Derek Cross]

Have a look at this to see if it can be of help: LiveIndex – Id-Extras: InDesign Scripts, Tips & Solutions

[veronical30404281]

Thanks for the quick response. That's not quite what I was looking to do. I want to be able to generate page numbers quickly by the linked images. More specifically I was wondering if there was a way to maybe use indesign cohesively with excel. By adding the link names to the spreadsheet maybe I can somehow generate and add the page numbers to the spreadsheet.