Link and update content across documents

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to replicate and update content across documents using linked content in Adobe InDesign.

Linked content lets you reuse page items within the same document or across multiple documents. A source object acts as the parent, and placed copies act as linked items. When the parent is updated, linked items are flagged for synchronization.

Collect and place linked content

Select the Content Collector tool to select an object and add it to the conveyor.

Select the Create Link option and place the object on the document.

If multiple objects are in the conveyor, select the required object using the Previous and Next icons. A blue outline indicates the selected object.

Place and link content directly

Select a page item using the Selection tool or place the insertion point in text using the Type tool.

Select Edit > Place and Link.

Place the loaded content in the document. You can view the placed item as a linked object in the Links panel.

Update linked content

If an original item is modified, the Modified icon displays over the frame and in the Links panel.

Select Window > Links.

Hover the mouse over the Modified icon in the Links dialog box and double-click to update linked content.

Updating replaces the linked content with the latest version from the parent object.

Key considerations

  • Linked items maintain a connection to the source and can be updated at any time.
  • The Links panel tracks all linked content and updates its status.
  • Local edits to linked items can be overwritten during updates.
  • Linked workflows support reuse across layouts, orientations, and documents.