InDesign file sharing question...

[eyeon]

When working on a multi-page InDesign CS3 document with many elements, linked and placed files, is there an easy way to give the InDesign file by itself to another user on another machine strictly for copy editing, and then get that saved file back without any problems? Sort of hard to explain, but basically we just don't have the money to spend on a quality, server-based file sharing system. I have worked with setups before that had a large InDesign file with all of its page elements living together on a server, and only one person at a time was allowed to work on it, all remotely. It worked really well. But rumor has it that their setup cost somewhere in the range of $5,000 and we just can't do that yet.

I am laying out the pages of a magazine and I am working with many writers who will want to be making final tweaks to their stories right up until the day we ship it out for print. So, the only thing we can really think of is to pass the file around to one another on a USB drive or something so the writers can edit copy, and return it to me so I can work on the design and layout. A hack job, I realize...

Any feedback or suggestions? I really appreciate it... thanks!

 

[ac6789]

Try looking at InCopy (a plugin for InDesign). I haven't used it myself, but from what I've read about it, it seems to be able to do what you need but without the cost.

As far as I know it should have been installed with InDesign.

Look under "Edit" --> "InCopy"

 

[ckelley]

Since you have all these different writers, why can't they just do their article/piece and then give you a Word file when they're done. Then you can just place the text from the Word file through InDesign and make the necessary design changes/tweaks. This is how I'd do it, since writers don't necessarily need to know InDesign, nor should they really be messing with something they shouldn't be. They write, you design. This is how many organizations I know also work.

 

[macstudent]

Adobe InCopy is exactly what you are looking for. It is not that expensive, only $250 per seat.

The workflow basically works this way. You as the designer lay everything out as normal, next you specify which frames you want the editor to work on. You create assignments inside indesign for the editors. Next the editors either open the assignments you created or they can open your native indesign file. They check out the frames and make all of their edits. When they are done, they check them back in and the changes appear back on your screen.

The only investment that you need is to purchase a copy of InCopy for every editor. Nothing is required for InDesign. If the designers are mac and the editors are on PC, make sure that you are using opentype fonts to avoid font problems since everyone must be using the exact same fonts.

If you have any other question please let me know.

Fritz

 

[eyeon]

Excellent! InCopy... I never even knew it existed, and it seems a perfect solution to my problem. Thanks a lot for the thorough replies.

 

[mbrellisford]

If you do File > Preflight & Package, it will create one folder with your .indd as well as a subfolder for all the links and fonts. Then all you have to do is pass it around on a USB and they can open it up and make the necessary changes (mind you, they must activate any fonts in the fonts folder if they want it to look exactly as it will printed.)

 

[TCole]

InCopy

InCopy is really what you need. It enables the editors to edit at the same time you work on the layout. Editors can get updates to the layout, and you can get updates to the stories whenever changes are saved. InDesign includes the plug-ins necessary to create the assignment and editable stories for InCopy.

Anne-Marie Concepción has a great InCopy app and workflow training series available on Lynda.com as well.

 

[jerryrock]

Saving the file as PDF with JDF compatibility (CS3 feature) will accomplish what you need. No need to buy new software.

 

[TCole]

Saving the file as PDF with JDF compatibility (CS3 feature) will accomplish what you need. No need to buy new software.

Please explain how saving a PDF would enable him to work with multiple copy editors...

 

[macstudent]

Please explain how saving a PDF would enable him to work with multiple copy editors...

In theory you could create PDFs of your work and send them to the editors. Next the editors could use acrobat to make comments and then in turn the designer could make the changes on the actual ID file.

InCopy is the way to go.

 

[TCole]

In theory you could create PDFs of your work and send them to the editors. Next the editors could use acrobat to make comments and then in turn the designer could make the changes on the actual ID file.

InCopy is the way to go.

Ok, so, as I suspected we're not talking about a collaborative workflow, just a markup and comment idea.

InCopy lets the editors actually edit the document in real time while the layout artist does layout...at the same time...which what I think the original request was for.