Howdy,
I'm being tasked with combining all of the different data proofs we provide to all of our different customers (one data proof to rule them all). These proofs are prepared in InDesign, and I'm trying to automate most of it.
In the middle section of the page, there are a series of specifications that currently are selected by manually typing a Zaph Dingbats checkmark inside of a checkbox that's placed as a .tiff.
My boss wants me to change these to radio buttons, with, like, interactivity and logic attached to them (one button selected deselects other buttons type of stuff). I'm almost entirely sure that you can't create an interactive document that lives and is functional entirely in InDesign. All of my previous experience has resulted in the interactivity we desired being functional in a pdf created from an InDesign document.
But before I report this up the ladder, I thought ask here, since there are at least a couple of people who have heard of InDesign on this forum. Anyone prove me wrong?
Not me, I'm a Quark fan. Just had to hop on here to say HI, haven't seen you in a while.
If there is a way to do what he wants, within InDesign alone, and I kind of doubt it's possible - it would come through some pretty serious scripting. Whether that's Java or Applescript or a combination, it would have to be a pretty damned necessary thing to invest in that kind of time. Although, there are coding guns for hire out there, Google up InDesign Automation & contact some of them to see what it would take to git 'er dun.
not me...
most of the stuff I've run across from InDesign is for interactive exports, like pdf, flash, slideshows, etc.
Would this project not work as an interactive pdf? Sounds like the way to go to me, but then again, I'm not a part of the decision making process.
Well, initially we were going to go with PDF, but there are too many unique circumstances which require us to make small changes in stuff on the proof, and my boss doesn't want to deal with that in Acrobat. Which is odd, because I'm under all kinds of restrictions on how to put it together, because most of the people using the document won't have much (if any) actual ID experience! Like ... I can't use character or object styles, my boss would prefer that I not use layers, can't use PDF profiles to tweak settings for each individual customer, etc. This is gonna be a fun project, and by 'fun' I mean :banghead: .
I don't even know what to say about it. Acrobat form would be the obvious choice. Your boss tied your hands and feet together and told you to go run the Ninja Warrior Stage 4.
Quote from: Ear on October 21, 2014, 01:18:36 PMI don't even know what to say about it. Acrobat form would be the obvious choice. Your boss tied your hands and feet together and told you to go run the Ninja Warrior Stage 4.
And yet, next to this very window I'm typing in, under my profile picture, it says I'm a Ninja Master. I will emerge triumphant.
:ninja2:
Well I think it can probably be done with scripting but have no idea why anyone would want to. So you are going to be sending this ID document to customers? What if they don't have InDesign?
Quote from: youston on October 21, 2014, 01:32:52 PMQuote from: Ear on October 21, 2014, 01:18:36 PMI don't even know what to say about it. Acrobat form would be the obvious choice. Your boss tied your hands and feet together and told you to go run the Ninja Warrior Stage 4.
And yet, next to this very window I'm typing in, under my profile picture, it says I'm a Ninja Master. I will emerge triumphant.
:ninja2:
Mine says Supreme Ninja... which means I am no longer bothered with pedestrian thoughts of triumph or failure. Now, where did my unicorn go...
Sorry, last unicorn and all. It's my night with it.
Quote from: Joe on October 21, 2014, 01:37:40 PMWell I think it can probably be done with scripting but have no idea why anyone would want to. So you are going to be sending this ID document to customers? What if they don't have InDesign?
No, that's the kicker. We'll be sending the customer a .pdf of the document. :lmao:
:confused:
Why does the ID doc need to be interactive then?
Quote from: Joe on October 21, 2014, 02:03:50 PM:confused:
Why does the ID doc need to be interactive then?
WTF are you asking rational questions like that, Joe?!? What has this place come to?!?
Basically, I'm trying to create a document that a trained monkey can produce, given a data file and two pieces of art. There's a lot of job-specific info at the top of the proof that's going to be populated via variable data. The art, and the placement of the human-readable elements on it, have to be done manually, as there are waaaayyyy too many variations in element placement on those things to automate it. That leaves me with the checkboxes in the middle section, which my boss wants to be "click to select" instead of click in this box and type a "4" (Zaph Dingbats checkmark).
The reason why we're trying to make it so "hands off" is because we're expecting a flux of data people coming in here any day now (anybody want a job in a cool city?), and we haven't had the best of luck finding someone with a good mix of prepress and data skills. So, we're planning on whoever has to use this document not having the best ID skills in the world.
Happy now?!? Geez, what's with all the pertinent questions?? Somebody better come in here to add a "doomed" or I'm afraid I might have to let my
B4PGold membership lapse.
You're not doomed buddy, you're "outlook-challenged" ;D
You'll have to wait for Gnubler for your "doomed". Personally, I have faith in the Ninja Master. ;D
Ninja master is currently reading the 300+ pg. InDesign JavaScript reference. There's, like, a LOT of stuff in there that's nifty.
Jinkies
doomed...
Quote from: youston on October 21, 2014, 02:25:47 PMQuote from: Joe on October 21, 2014, 02:03:50 PM:confused:
Why does the ID doc need to be interactive then?
WTF are you asking rational questions like that, Joe?!? What has this place come to?!?
Basically, I'm trying to create a document that a trained monkey can produce, given a data file and two pieces of art. There's a lot of job-specific info at the top of the proof that's going to be populated via variable data. The art, and the placement of the human-readable elements on it, have to be done manually, as there are waaaayyyy too many variations in element placement on those things to automate it. That leaves me with the checkboxes in the middle section, which my boss wants to be "click to select" instead of click in this box and type a "4" (Zaph Dingbats checkmark).
The reason why we're trying to make it so "hands off" is because we're expecting a flux of data people coming in here any day now (anybody want a job in a cool city?), and we haven't had the best of luck finding someone with a good mix of prepress and data skills. So, we're planning on whoever has to use this document not having the best ID skills in the world.
Happy now?!? Geez, what's with all the pertinent questions?? Somebody better come in here to add a "doomed" or I'm afraid I might have to let my B4PGold membership lapse.
Well then buddy this document is for you. Although it was written specifically for CS5 I'm sure a lot of it still applies to later versions:
Creating rich interactive documents with Adobe® InDesign® CS5 (http://www.adobe.com/support/indesign/gettingstarted/pdfs/indesign_rid_whitepaper.pdf)
Summation: With these tools and techniques, you can expand your visual storytelling or maximize the impact of your sales message by offering readers content that keeps them engaged on a deeper level.
I want to expand my visual storytelling....
visualize this!!
(http://persephonemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/homer-flip-off.gif)
I think it would help if you would put that in an InDesign document.
You guys crack me up.
I'd actually seen that document that you linked to, Joe, but it doesn't really address my need as much as the JavaScript reference has.
Thinking I'm gonna hack something together as much as I can as quickly as I can, and then spend the next few months or so figuring out a way that I can super automate this using scripting. Neato stuff.
Quote from: Possum on October 21, 2014, 12:52:38 PMNot me, I'm a Quark fan. Just had to hop on here to say HI, haven't seen you in a while.
Didn't see this until this morning. Hi, Possum!