Automated publishing with XML and scripting
The flexible XML options and rich scripting support in Adobe® InDesign® CS3 allow you to create powerful automated workflows for publishing content across various systems and output media. This area provides in-depth information about the XML and scripting support in InDesign to help you create a strong foundation for custom solutions that meet your unique publishing requirements.
If you're considering automating InDesign, you may also want to look at Adobe InDesign CS3 Server, the robust, flexible, and scalable version of InDesign CS3. Because InDesign CS3 Server shares the same code base as InDesign CS3, it offers all the features of the desktop version of the application as well as a number of server-based features.
XML resources
Build pages using the XML rules engine
Find out how developers are working with the XML rules-processing engine to automatically build page layouts in InDesign CS3.
Adobe InDesign CS3 and XML: A Technical Reference
Get in-depth technical information about the XML features in InDesign CS3, such as XML tagging, XML import and export, DTD validation, and the XML rules-processing engine.
Transform XML with XSL
Transform XML into HTML, or any text format, including plain text, PDF, PostScript®, HTML, other forms of XML, and InDesign tagged text. (Excerpted from "Real World Adobe InDesign CS2")
InDesign CS3 User Guide XML chapter
Refer to the XML chapter, excerpted from the Adobe InDesign CS3 User Guide, for answers to your basic questions about XML support in InDesign.
Create placeholders for repeating content
Let InDesign CS2 repeat the arrangement of placeholder elements and static text for corresponding elements in an imported XML file. (Excerpted from "Real World Adobe InDesign CS2")
Time Out New York
Find out how New York City's weekly arts and entertainment bible, Time Out New York, has pioneered the use of XML within the SoftCare K4 Publishing System using InDesign and Adobe InCopy® software.
Cox Newspapers
Discover how a major newspaper chain, Cox Newspapers, has streamlined cross-media publishing and enhanced its brand using InDesign and InCopy.
Scripting resources
With InDesign scripting support, you can automate tedious production tasks such as placing and replacing images, correcting errors in text, and preparing files for printing. And it plays an integral role in XML-based workflows. Here are some resources for both beginners and more experienced scripters.
CS3 scripting resources
Adobe Introduction to Scripting
Check out this informative primer on why, how, and when to use scripting in the Creative Suite 3 applications.
Adobe InDesign CS3 Scripting Tutorial
Learn the basics of InDesign CS3 scripting in this 43-page tutorial.
View or download the tutorial (PDF, 2.9M) and supporting tutorial scripts
InDesign CS3 Sample Scripts
Download these sample scripts and experience the power and flexibility of InDesign scripting. Note: If you have already installed InDesign CS3, these same sample scripts are included in the Script folder by default. (Before you begin, review the InDesign CS3 Sample Scripts Read Me.)
Download the InDesign CS3 Sample Scripts (ZIP, 488k)
InDesign CS3 in-depth scripting guides
Get in-depth information about creating custom scripts for InDesign CS3 using AppleScript, JavaScript, and VBScript in each of these detailed guides.(Before you begin, review the Scripting Read Me for Adobe InDesign CS3.)
View or download the AppleScript guide (PDF, 3.4M )
View or download the JavaScript guide (PDF, 3.2M )
InDesign CS3 Transformation Tutorial
Using scripting to move, scale, rotate, and shear an object has changed significantly in InDesign CS3. This short tutorial and associated scripts show you how to work with the new transformation architecture to achieve the results you need.
View or download the InDesign CS3 Transform Tutorial AppleScript (PDF, 322k )
View or download the InDesign CS3 Transform Tutorial JavaScript (PDF, 323k )
View or download the InDesign CS3 Transform Tutorial VBScript (PDF, 333k )
Download the InDesign CS3 Transform Tutorial Scripts (ZIP, 45k)
Build an InDesign CS3 workflow in Automator
Learn how to create and use Apple's Automator Actions with InDesign.
Review the InDesign Automator Tutorial (PDF, 4.6M)
Download InDesign Automator Tutorial Actions. (ZIP, 267k)
Adobe Creative Suite JavaScript Tools Guide
Check out this document for information about the JavaScript features, tools, and objects that are common to all Adobe Creative Suite applications that support JavaScript.
InDesign CS3 Products SDK
Download sample code and documentation that helps software developers access the functionality of InDesign CS3, InCopy CS3, and InDesign CS3 Server software.
InDesign scripting user forum
Share design and type-related questions and answers, plus exchange scripts, scripting ideas, and XML information with like-minded professionals.
Exchange InDesign scripts
Download free scripts or upload those you've created, plus share templates, plug-ins, actions, and other helper files that add new features to your layouts, in the Adobe Resource Center.
CS2 scripting resources
Download InDesign CS2 scripts
Customize your page layout tools and add polish to your InDesign CS2 layouts automatically with these free scripts.
Download InCopy CS2 scripts
Automate tasks in InCopy CS2, such as exporting all stories or creating character styles, using this selection of free scripts.
Additional resources
InCopy scripting resources
Download additional scripting resources for Adobe InCopy CS3.
XMP resources
XMP technology for developers
Find a variety of developer resources for tools and information on XMP.
Adobe XMP for creative professionals
Learn how the XMP features in Adobe Creative Suite 3 can help you keep your project organized and on track.
XMP — Adding intelligence to media
Capture and display meaningful file information in an easy-to-use, organized content management system.
7 steps to understanding XMP metadata
Learn how XMP metadata plays a significant role in organizing and retrieving files, an important aspect of any project.
