How to automatically apply alternate Master pages in inDesign CS6?



How to automatically apply alternate Master pages in inDesign CS6?


Question

I have set up two different spreads as Master pages and I have to alternate between them as I add new pages I want the spreads to alternate A-B-A-B, cycling through about 200 pages.

Is there a quicker way to do this, than manually dragging?

2014/06/21
1
3
6/21/2014 3:15:00 PM

Accepted Answer

Outside of scripting, there isn't an automated way to do this as you work (automatically alternate spreads). You can, however, make it go a lot faster than drag and drop.

In the Pages Panel flyout menu there is an option Duplicate Spreads. Your first step is to assign a keyboard shortcut to that command.

  • Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts....

  • Select "Panel Menus" in the Product Area: dropdown, and navigate to Pages: Duplicate Spread.

  • Choose a keyboard shortcut and type it into the shortcut field.

  • Save. You'll create a custom shortcut set, since you can't alter the default set. Call it "Aasim's Custom" or whatever you like.

enter image description here

Now you get to the semi-automated part:

  • Create two consecutive spreads using your A and B masters.

  • Shift-click on their thumbnails in the pages panel so both are selected.

  • Press your keyboard shortcut for "Duplicate Spread" as many times as you need.

2014/06/21
4
6/21/2014 9:19:00 PM