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• • November 27, 2024 at 11:25 pm #14409039
    kieranas

    Member

    I want Tips on Streamlining My InDesign Workflow

    Hey everyone,

    I have been using InDesign for a while now but I am still trying to figure out how to streamline my workflow to save time, when working on larger projects. I mostly create print materials & I often find myself juggling multiple files, layouts & images it is a bit overwhelming at times.

    Are there any tips or tools within InDesign that have helped you speed up your process?? Things like managing layers better; automating repetitive tasks or organizing assets more efficiently would be a huge help. I have heard about using scripts and data merge but I have not really dug into those yet.

    As well, I found these resources when doing research on this; + & if anyone have any resources, tutorials or personal experiences please share with me, It would be greatly appreciated!!

    Thank you……. :)

  • November 27, 2024 at 11:36 pm #14409040
    Steve Davis

    Participant

    Create a master document with your master para/char/obj/grep styles.
    Create layers and parent/master pages.
    Use them.

  • November 28, 2024 at 6:17 am #14409042
    David

    Member

    If you subscribe to LinkedIn Learning, Bart Van de Wiele has a good course called: Advanced InDesign: Productivity Techniques.

  • November 30, 2024 at 8:03 am #14409196
    Lukáš Záleský

    Participant

    It’s not just about InDesign; organization outside of InDesign is just as important.

    1. Use keyboard shortcuts as much as possible.
    Styles of course..

    2. Start using small, individual scripts (ChatGPT can handle these easily).

    3. Take advantage of InDesign snippets.

    4. Outside of InDesign, use tools like radial menus, Everything by Voidtools, Total Commander, PSDCodec for thumbnails, and more.

    This way, you’ll create a comprehensive workflow that will boost your efficiency immensely.

    Youtube.com/DTPtutorialyCZ

  • January 23, 2025 at 9:51 am #14410911
    Marc Dunker

    Member

    Steve and Lukas have very valid points.

    To add to Steve’s, create GREP/Text queries to modify large bodies of copy that you can’t do in a GREP style. Create alternate layouts if modifying a flyer to a poster or vice versa.

    Use automatic page numbers, named sections with section markers, etc. if you’re creating catalogs, brochures, magazines, books, etc.

    If you’re working on collateral for brands, use CC Libraries or have a brand folder with reusable brand assets. The more you’re linking to a singular file, the less you have to change when an update is needed.

    Something I very recently started doing is using a script to export to PDF. I have two standard presets, and both started as the generic Press Quality preset that I modified for my workflow. One is for standard Press Quality and the other is Press Quality with marks and bleed. Rather than having to export twice for everything, I’m running a single script to do both at the same time.
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