Changing 'Start On' Page from 'Right' to 'Left' reapplies same master spread over the top of itself (Publisher)

[Jamesx1]

I created a print document (booklet) with facing pages, with the 'Start On' setting in 'Document Setup' set to 'Right'. Most of it uses a master spread which I use to keep a repeating layout throughout, except obviously the actual text and images are replaced on each individual spread of the booklet which uses that master. Works great.

However, I no longer wish to start with one page on the right. I wish to start with a double page spread like the rest of the document. When I change that setting from 'Right' to 'Left', the master spread I created gets re-applied over the top of my existing work (ie. the master is applied a second time over the top of itself), but mainly for the images only. I deleted or added pages to ensure that the document was no longer offset by that odd first page, thinking that it caused the problem. Everything lined up as it should again, most text was still successfully replaced (except for one section), but most master page elements are reapplied over the top.

The fact that this affects images more than text might be explained by replacing images vs text styles...I don't know - but I don't think that is too important - the main issue is a second instance of the master over the top after simply changing the start page from right to left.

How can I stop this from happening, or manually delete the second instance of the same master being overlaid on top of itself (which contained my changes)...?

I hope my explanation is clear enough. Basically, I just want change my layout to start left instead of right, and I don't want any issues with the master or anything else.

I'd really appreciate any assistance/thoughts.

[Dan C]

Hi @Jamesx1,

Sorry to hear you're having trouble and my sincerest apologies for the delayed response here, we were extremely busy over the Christmas period and working from home during the pandemic is unfortunately extending our response window to be longer than normal, many thanks for your continued patience and understanding here.

If you're still having trouble with this document and need some pointers, please let me know and I'll be happy to provide an upload link for your .afpub file so that we can look into this further using your file and offer our advice for you