Layer configuration export
Title: Option to Disable Specific Layers During PDF Export (Without Changing Document Visibility)
Description:
In many editorial workflows, especially in educational publishing, we work with layered documents that contain both student and teacher content within the same InDesign file.
A common use case is:
- A "Student Version" (without answers)
- A "Teacher Version" (with answers)
Currently, to export the student version, users must manually open each document and disable the "Answers" (or similar) layer before exporting. This becomes extremely time-consuming and error-prone when dealing with dozens or hundreds of files.
Feature Request:
Add an option in the PDF export settings that allows users to:
- Select specific layers to include or exclude during export
- Override current layer visibility temporarily (without modifying the document itself)
Suggested UI Behavior:
- A panel within the Export PDF dialog showing all document layers
- Checkboxes to include/exclude layers
- Option to save this configuration within PDF export presets
Benefits:
- Eliminates repetitive manual work
- Reduces risk of human error (e.g., accidentally exporting answers in student materials)
- Improves workflow efficiency for publishers and educators
- Aligns with real-world editorial production needs
Additional Notes:
This feature would be especially valuable for batch exports and automated workflows, where scripts are currently required as a workaround.
Thank you for considering this improvement!