Can you merge multiple .indd files into one editable .indd without using book?

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I was curious to know if it is possible to merge several .indd files into one master .indd file that can be editable and preserve all links and images? I am familiar with the drag and drop method and it does work but attempting to drag and drop 20+ .indd files can become an issue and may cause an error. I do know how to use the File -> New -> Book : although I am not happy with having to click on each .indd file in the panel to open and edit. So I ask, is there a way to create a master file either in .indb or .indd that will let you edit within one document?

asked Jul 7, 2014 at 4:52 18.3k 18 18 gold badges 70 70 silver badges 119 119 bronze badges

1 Answer 1

Yes, one can move/copy pages from one document to another.

Open both documents
Open the Pages palette
select the pages you want to copy
right/control-click on the selected Pages and select Move Pages.
change Move to:'s pop-up menu to the desired destination, set the Destination: as needed
OK

Repeat once for each document (no drag-drop) and you can have everything in a single .indd.

Please note that it's best not to unnecessarily combine things. Instead, just open up the Book file for a project, then open up all the sub-files and work on everything all at once. Xrefs, &c. will work faster with everything open.

There is of course a script for doing this: