exporting to PDF - spreads 1

[jhoover]

I'm new to InDesign. I couldn't find the answer to this in the existing threads.

I have created numerous individual documents (chapters) which I wish to combine into a book. Some of these chapters are only 1 page, others are multipage.

I created a book and added all the chapters in order. So far so good.

However, when I export to PDF (screen) and check "spreads" only the multipage documents are in spreads. The first page is by itself, and that's OK. But I'd like ALL the rest of the pages to be in spreads. How do I get, for example, two single page documents (chapters)to appear next to each other as they would appear in a printed book?

To put this another way, how do I get InDesign to ignore the fact that this book consists of individual documents and treat it as if it's one long document.?

Thanks,

John

 

[tangerinewoman]

I think – if i understand correctly – that your single page docs need to be double pages. i.e. add in the blank page so it shows as a spread.

Make sure "print blank pages' is checked when you export/print.

If you have two single page docs you may need to put them in a doc together, though, so the document appears as the spread would appear in the book..

 

[jmgalvin]

Sometimes, it's easier to combint the separate docs into one indd doc rather than use the book feature. This also allows much more editing at later stages if necessary, i.e, the problem you're experiencing.

Open the indd doc that you want to be first in the book and go to the last page. Then open the doc you want to be the second. Make sure that you have the Pages window showing. Go to window menu/arrange/tile. Now both indd docs will be visible. With the second doc active, select one or multiple pages in the pages window and simply drag them onto the the last page of the first doc. The pages from the second doc will be added to the first. Repeat as necessary.

Another way to fix your problem would be in Acrobat Pro if you have it. Just open the pages pane and move pages as necessary. Go to File Menu.Document properties and select facing pages (like a book).



Using OSX 10.3.9 on a G4

 

[jhoover]

Jim and Tangerine Woman - Thanks for the quick answers - my documents have LOTS of big photos, so to combine into one indd doc would result in a large and cumbersome file. I could selectively combine docs, but if I add another page somewhere (bound to happen) it would throw everything off. The Acrobat Pro idea sounds like the best solution. - John