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1. Re: Using "Objects" like Illustrator in InDesign. Is there a modular way to use instances?
IdamIndia Nov 30, 2014 10:41 PM (in response to IdamIndia)Additional use case: If I want to add a LOGO to the Name plate, can I not do it later? If there was an "Objects" feature I would make few such "dummy" objects and replace them with a logo, or add a logo to some other object - and LOGO will show newly everywhere. In Illustrator I could do it. Not in Indesign?
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2. Re: Using "Objects" like Illustrator in InDesign. Is there a modular way to use instances?
Willi Adelberger Nov 30, 2014 11:23 PM (in response to IdamIndia)- Most important is the use of styles—Object, Paragraph and Character Styles.
- Styles can be based on another style and so inherit their properties and changed from that base.
- You can create linked content, text or images or other content. You can use the Content Tools (4th slot in the tool bar) to create linked content in the same but also in another document. To change all instances you have to change the original object, they are visible in the link panel.
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3. Re: Using "Objects" like Illustrator in InDesign. Is there a modular way to use instances?
IdamIndia Dec 2, 2014 3:22 AM (in response to Willi Adelberger)Thanks Willi Adelberger for this reminder (point1) It helped me to correct one "stuck thinking" I had, and helped to a degree.
I could not locate "Content Tools" but exploring now from Indesign help (content collector... was something else...)
Stuck mindset!
I was stuck thinking I need an exact same feature (like "Objects" of Illustrator or "blocks" of Autocad or Instances in Max... where each is an instance of an archetype - master)
With that, I saw no need to use styles for the NamePlate I was using. Since it was defined in just the master page, while other pages simply moved it to new positions.
But then I went back and redefined those master objects with styles
It helped to a degree
I can except for the textual content can control everything of the NamePlate text.
I still cannot simply change text like "PLATE" to "Plate" if I see such a need later (perhaps using find and replace can do).
I have now done the all but I cannot add a logo graphic (if I see a need later) to these name plates!
This is where I am not able to get an answer, if there is indeed a method to do things like referenced "Objects". Change the Object. All instances change.
PS: I ever tried a hack, by putting the text box inside another box and grouping them. So when I pluck from master (lift off) I just get the Group. I believed that since I am not touching the original "text" object in the process InDesign will keep the link intact and change in text on master will reflect changes to the pages. it did not work.
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4. Re: Using "Objects" like Illustrator in InDesign. Is there a modular way to use instances?
Willi Adelberger Dec 2, 2014 3:32 AM (in response to IdamIndia)I meant Content Collector and Collect Dropper Tool, as both are together with the Conveyor Ribbon the Content Tools.
No content should be without style, use styles for everything, this enables you to make global changes. Use Styles!
Changing a word from CAPS to no caps should not be done via Find and Replace, it should be done either with Paragraph or Character Style. Use Styles!
Referenced objects can be afforded with linked content with the content tools. Link them to the original item. Change the item, it will change all instances.

