Archive for August, 2011

Using InDesign, you can read metadata from the placed files and include it on your layout. Sounds pretty vague, but let’s say you’re creating a photography portfolio, and need to include information such as Camera, Shutter Speed, Exposure Time, ISO Speed below the image, such a feature will come in very very handy!

Setup

Before we can begin, we need to create some Text Variables to read and hold metadata values from the placed files.

1. Choose Type > Text Variables > Define > New.
   

   Define Text Variables

    

2. Enter a Name, choose Type as Metadata Caption, and choose an appropriate value from Metadata.
3. Add prefix and suffix if required.
4. Repeat for all metadata that you need to capture.

Insert Variables into Layout

Now that variables are set up, the next logical thing is to insert them into the layout.

1. Choose the Text tool and create a text box, and place the cursor inside.
2. Choose Type > Text Variables > Insert Variable > [var name ]
   

   Variables placed on the layout

3. The text variables get inserted. It says, “No intersecting link”, but read on, the mystery will get cleared.