Publisher / change layer visibility for placed objects (PDF or AI files), ideally with multiple instances

[cetequ]

(apologies if this question has been asked; I wasn't able to find smthg with the search, but maybe I used the wrong terminology).

 

I am currently in the process of migrating from Adobe software. In InDesign there is a feature I used a lot: changing the visibility of layers for placed AI or PDF files from within InDesign, such that multiple instances of the same placed file looked differently.

Is there such a feature or some workaround in Publisher? Ideally with PDF or even AI files, but I am happy to use afdesigner files for this, we will eventually phase out Adobe stuff completely anyway.

My specific use case is: we do architectural and urban design work, and I often create complex plans and diagrams with multiple layers, which contain different topical markings (housing, green space, public transit, etc.) on a simple base map. I want to place multiple instances of the same file in Publisher, and then adjust the visibility of the topical maps to whatever I need right now. I find it more practical to have multiple placed instances of one file, because this way it's easier for me to update the base map, place text annotations or other things, as I only have to change those things in one file then.

Alternatively, if there is no way to do this in Publisher, can I migrate this thread to the feature suggestion forum?

[walt.farrell]

Yes, you can do that with Publisher (at least for PDF files and Designer files; I can't test AI files).

They must be Placed as Embedded documents, not Linked. That will allow you to double-click on the document on the page (or in the Layers panel) or use the Edit Document button on the Context Toolbar to make changes to the local embedded coy of the document. These changes, which include functions such as hiding layers, will not affect the original document nor any other copies that you have Placed separately into the Publisher file.

 

[cetequ]

1 hour ago, walt.farrell said:

Yes, you can do that with Publisher (at least for PDF files and Designer files; I can't test AI files).

They must be Placed as Embedded documents, not Linked. That will allow you to double-click on the document on the page (or in the Layers panel) or use the Edit Document button on the Context Toolbar to make changes to the local embedded coy of the document. These changes, which include functions such as hiding layers, will not affect the original document nor any other copies that you have Placed separately into the Publisher file.

 

Thank you for your reply; I managed to replicate and test your suggestion.

Unfortunately that is not what I need/want.

I use my workflow because it enables me to maintain ONE external file (Illustrator/Designer) and make all my graphical adjustments in that file, and then all the placed instances in the InDesign/Publisher automatically update. If I embed the file, that becomes moot, because updates in the original don't transfer over to the embedded copies.

This then might be a point for the feature request forum.

(For the record, embedding and changing layer visibility and whatnot absolutely works with Illustrator files, no issue there.)