Reply To: What’s the point of the “Book” function in Indesign?

You can do all that and more.

I have typeset a 3,200 page book on tax, all different legislation numbering which I automated.

There were 4 running headers on each page (8 per spread) that change dynamically depending on what was on each page).

The book was broken up into sections and a InDesign Book was used. Some pages had consecutive numbering, some had special numberings, all automated.

Honestly, I think you should find a course near you that teaches InDesign – it’s not a product you can pick up and use, and it’s far more powerful than Word.

Lynda.com is another suggestion for you and you can get a free 1 month trial.

Honestly, you can do all the things you say you want to do – but explaining it to you I’d have to write an entire book on it.

The other Idea I have for you is to try to find a local InDesign expert that is willing to teach you face to face. InDesign has Chapters all over the world.

https://www.indesignusergroup.com/

I really think you need to do some tutorials, find someone that is near you to teach you a few things face to face, and do a course on InDesign.

Trust me – it will be the best for you.