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• • February 14, 2017 at 11:17 am #92183
    Marisa Vitiello

    Participant

    I am an Instructional Designer using InDesign somewhat intermittently so pardon me if I’m not up on the latest.

    I’ve created a couple “Interactive PDFs” but the interactivity is limited to links, buttons, and things that appear and disappear. I’m now working on something and trying to figure out if the interactive PDF is the right option.

    First of all: I’ve been searching for way too long to figure out whether a multi-state object or slideshow (same thing?) will work if the user is not using Flash. It’s hard to search this (as the terms “without Flash” tends to give me info about Flash).
    Is there a list out there that I can access of what capabilities I can use with and without Flash?
    Is there another good option these days? I hear about HTML5 but can InDesign export to that or should I be looking at EPub (and can someone on a desktop use the Epub)?

    Sorry so many questions. In general I think what I’m looking for is the capability of a small website that can be run even when the user is not online. Is Interactive PDF therefore the right option? And if not, what is?

    Thanks for your insights,
    marisa

  • February 14, 2017 at 12:57 pm #92189
    David Blatner

    Keymaster

    Ah! We got the page formatting back… yay! (We had some trouble with css on this page… very mysterious.)

    Here is a partial answer to your problem:

    • You are correct that currently you DO need Flash to run multi-state objects (MSOs) and video/audio.
    • Yes, slideshows are normally created with MSOs
    • Yes, fixed layout EPUB (FXL) is a good option for fully interactive documents. However, it requires the person to have a compatible EPUB reader.

    You can get more information in this downloadable PDF document created by our friends at Ajar.

    If you are able to come to The InDesign Conference and PePcon: The Print + ePublishing Conference this year, you will learn much more about this topic! As a IDS member, you get $150 off the registration (details in the Member Benefits area).

  • February 14, 2017 at 1:04 pm #92190
    Marisa Vitiello

    Participant

    Thanks David, I’m checking out that document and will keep exploring my options.

    I’m looking for the best option for publishing portfolios where the user may or may not be online.

    Best,
    marisa

  • February 14, 2017 at 2:07 pm #92193
    Marisa Vitiello

    Participant

    I would love to know what kind of interactivity is possible WITHOUT flash. I know there’s a list out there, or a Lynda video?, I’ve seen it.. but I can’t seem to find it.

    thanks

  • February 14, 2017 at 5:39 pm #92200
    David Blatner

    Keymaster

    Here’s a title I did at Lynda.com about making Interactive PDFs: https://www.lynda.com/InDesign-tutorials/InDesign-Insider-Training-Interactive-PDFs/116479-2.html

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