InDesign Workflow
Export your Publixx templates directly to Adobe InDesign using JSX scripts. Two powerful modes: Layout Export (1:1 recreation) and Template Mode (fill prepared InDesign documents).
Bridge Between Web & Print
While Publixx can export directly to PDF and other formats, some workflows require native InDesign files for final print production, complex typography adjustments, or integration with existing InDesign-based workflows. The JSX export creates a complete package that InDesign can process automatically.
Two Export Modes
Choose the mode that fits your workflow: recreate layouts exactly or fill pre-designed InDesign templates.
| Feature | Layout Export | Template Mode |
|---|---|---|
| InDesign preparation | None required | Prepare master pages with @placeholders |
| Layout fidelity | Exact 1:1 recreation | Uses InDesign's design |
| Multi-record support | Creates multiple pages | Fills master page per record |
| Smart Tables | ✅ Full support | ✅ Via @table placeholders |
| Best use case | Web → Print handoff | Catalog automation |
Layout Export Mode
Layout Export recreates your Publixx design exactly in InDesign. Every element, color, font, and position is transferred. No InDesign preparation required.
How It Works
- In Publixx: Export → InDesign → Layout Export
- Configure options (multi-record pages, image embedding)
- Download the ZIP package
- Open InDesign (no document needed)
- Run
publixx-layout.jsxvia Scripts panel - Select
layout-data.jsonwhen prompted - InDesign creates the document automatically
What Gets Exported
| Element Type | InDesign Result |
|---|---|
| Text elements | Text frames with exact typography |
| Images | Rectangle frames with placed images |
| Tables | Native InDesign tables |
| Smart Tables | Full table structure with merged cells |
| Shapes (rect, line) | Native InDesign shapes |
| QR Codes | Embedded as images |
| Colors | Swatches created automatically |
Multi-Record Export
When your Publixx project has multiple data records, Layout Export creates a page for each record. All pages use the same layout but with different data.
Template Mode
Template Mode fills a pre-designed InDesign document with Publixx data. You design the layout in InDesign, mark placeholders, and the script fills them automatically.
InDesign Preparation
Create your InDesign document with master pages. Name frames using the @ prefix to mark them as data placeholders:
Placeholder Types
| Placeholder | Frame Type | Data Type |
|---|---|---|
@title, @description |
Text Frame | String |
@image, @photo |
Rectangle | Image URL/path |
@specs, @features |
Text Frame | Array (becomes table) |
@qrcode |
Rectangle | URL string |
@barcode |
Rectangle | Code string |
Mapping Dialog
The JSX Mapping Dialog in Publixx lets you connect your data fields to InDesign placeholders:
Template Mode Workflow
- Prepare InDesign: Create master page with @placeholder frames
- In Publixx: Export → InDesign → Template Mode
- Configure mapping: Connect data fields to placeholders
- Download ZIP: Contains JSX script and data
- Run in InDesign: Script fills all placeholders per record
Smart Tables in InDesign
One of the most powerful features: Publixx Smart Tables export as native InDesign tables with full structure, merged cells, and styling.
Preserved Features
- Cell merging: Rowspan and colspan maintained
- Header styling: Colors and formatting applied
- Alternating rows: Zebra striping transferred
- Column widths: Proportions preserved
- Text formatting: Alignment, fonts, colors
Export Package Contents
The exported ZIP file contains everything InDesign needs:
| File | Description |
|---|---|
publixx-import.jsx orpublixx-layout.jsx |
The ExtendScript that InDesign executes. Contains all logic for creating/filling documents. |
data.json orlayout-data.json |
All record data, field mappings, element positions, colors, and styling information. |
mapping.json |
Configuration backup with field mappings and export settings. |
assets/ |
Folder containing all embedded images, downloaded and ready to place. |
README.txt |
Quick-start instructions for running the script in InDesign. |
Running the Script in InDesign
Step-by-Step
- Extract the ZIP to a folder on your computer
- Open Adobe InDesign
- Layout Export: No document needed (script creates one)
- Template Mode: Open your prepared template
- Open Scripts Panel: Window → Utilities → Scripts
- Navigate to the script: User folder or place in Scripts Panel folder
- Double-click the
.jsxfile - Select the JSON file when prompted
- Wait for processing (progress dialog shows status)
- Done! Your InDesign document is ready
Keyboard Shortcut (Optional)
For frequent use, assign a keyboard shortcut to the script via Edit → Keyboard Shortcuts → Scripts.
Troubleshooting
Script doesn't run
Cause: ExtendScript security settings or corrupted download.
Solution: Re-download the ZIP and extract again. Ensure InDesign allows scripts to run (Preferences → Scripting).
Images not appearing
Cause: Assets folder moved or images not accessible.
Solution: Keep the assets/ folder in the same directory as the JSX file. Check that image URLs in your data are valid.
Fonts look different
Cause: Font not installed on the InDesign machine.
Solution: Install the required fonts, or update the font family in Publixx to a font available on both systems.
Placeholders not filled (Template Mode)
Cause: Frame names don't match mapping or wrong prefix.
Solution: Verify frame names in InDesign start with @ and match exactly (case-sensitive) with your mapping configuration.
Best Practices
- Test with small datasets first. Run the script with 2-3 records before processing hundreds.
- Use consistent font names. Match font family names exactly between Publixx and InDesign.
- Keep assets together. Never move just the JSX file — always move the entire extracted folder.
- Save mappings. In Template Mode, save your mapping configuration for reuse with future exports.
- Check InDesign version. The scripts are tested with InDesign CC 2019 and later.