Synching Master Pages in Book File

[tracyace]

Does anyone know if there is a way to sync master pages in a book file? I've got about 10 different master pages and 14 chapters in a book. I'd really like to find a way to make global changes to the master pages. Thanks!

[Len Zigante]

Hi Tracyace

I believe what you want to do is base several master upon one another. I suggest you make a master page with only the items you want synchronized on it. Then make your other masters based upon the first master (see the "Master Options for..." flyout under the "pages" window) and add in the elements that will vary on the higher level masters. Continue layering masters like this to suit your needs.

I also suggest using layers in combination with your masters to further refine the process but bear in mind that elements on a layer apply specifically to the master you are currently working on so be careful where you are or you might find those elements disappearing when you switch between masters or turn on/off layers.

A suggestion regarding guides : I prefer to create several "guide" layers on the bottom most master with various grid layouts that can be switched between by simply activating the desired layer. By placing the guides on the bottom most master(s), those guides will be present on all masters based upon it. You can then add specialized guides on the higher level masters as required.

When it comes to sychronizing the masters for your book, you can drag the "template" masters you just created into your other documents. Then all you need to do is replace the masters for the pages affected -OR- base the current masters upon the new one(s) you just imported (do this using the "Master Options for..." flyout). You might also need to import your colors & styles from your new template to aid in synchronization depending on how you've done things.

I believe this is the fastest way to synchronize masters between your book's chapters. Hope this is the answer you were looking for & best of luck with it.

Len :)