May. 15, 2009
The evolution of a Snippet starts here…
Libraries are the next step in the evolution of a Snippet. Basically a Library is a placeholder for multiple Snippets. The advantage is they are always at the ready in their own library panel, and you get a preview of the Snippet within the Library panel.
To create a Library go to File > New > Library. A dialogue will appear, you can choose where to save the Library file and also name it accordingly. When done, choose Save. Now a new Library panel will open with the same name you just created.
To add a Snippet to your Library, select the element or elements you want to include as a Snippet, then drag them to the Library panel. Now you have a Snippet saved in your Library. If you want to give it a name rather that leave it call “Untitled”, just double click on the Snippet and rename it within the dialogue that appears. If you want to do this quickly hold down Option/Alt when you drag your page elements into your library panel. Now you can rename them on the fly.
To place a Library Snippet back on your document page simply drag your Snippet from the Library panel to the document page. The Snippet will be placed wherever you drop it. Alternatively you can place the Snippet in the same location that it was in when it was created. To do this accurately you need to make sure the document size is the same as it was when that particular Snippet was created. Then “Right click” or “Control click” on the Snippet and choose “Place Items”. Now the elements are placed in exactly the same position as when they where created.
The library file you create is not document specific, it will remain open for every document you open. If you want an individual library for each job, create a new one with each job and save it in the same location as your Indesign file. Then you need to open the correct Library file depending on the job you’re working on. To open a Library double click it or go to File > Open.
A great advantage of Snippets and Libraries is that you can share or email them off to your colleagues.
For more information on this topic via Adobe help click here.
[Click play to watch video tutorial, will commence once downloaded in full]
