I apologize if this is a duplicate–it appears my previous post has vanished.
I have just figured out how to use primary text frames successfully, and since I work on mostly long documents and have to add or subtract pages frequently, they are a true game changer for me. However, it has created a situation where I am questioning my own memory.
I have a layout that includes two text frames on the master page-a wide one on the right side, and a narrower one on the left. The right side frame is set as a primary text frame, and the left frame is used to notes and other marginalia. The two text frames do not overlap.
My standard workflow is such that the author provides me with text that I flow into the document, resulting in multiple document pages with text within (linked) text frames on the right side of each page. Then I need to go back and begin to add text to the left hand column on some of the pages. Here is where my potentially faulty memory kicks in-I will select the text tool, and click with my cursor somewhere within the boundaries of the master page’s left column, expecting to create a new text frame with the dimensions of the left side text frame on the master page. I do this without really thinking about it-suggesting that it used to work in that way and I incorporated it into my work flow automatically. However, now that my master page includes primary text frames, clicking with the text tool instead creates a small square text box in the middle of the page.
I know that I can click within the column boundaries and override master page items, but I try to avoid overriding master page items whenever possible, as I frequently have to add and/or move pages, and this causes trouble. I have a workaround-I added the column into my CC Library, and use Alt+click to place it. However, this won’t work well if I share this template with co-workers who are not familiar with using CC Libraries.
Am I misremembering how InDesign worked before? Is there any way to create a template that includes the secondary column (formatted with an object style) on the master page and access those column settings without having to override master page items?
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