Open and update managed content

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to access shared files and sync changes in collaborative workflows in Adobe InDesign.

Working with shared content keeps files synchronized across collaborators, with layout and linked content managed within the document. Use the Assignments panel and Links panel to check content status and update them accordingly.

Open shared content

Select File > Open.

Select an InDesign file (INDD) containing assignments and select Open.

Review the Assignments panel (Window > Assignments) to see available content.

Update assignment files

Select Window > Assignments.

Do one of the following in the Assignments panel:

Update specific assignments: Select the assignments and select Update Selected Assignments from the panel menu .
Update outdated assignments: Select Update Out-of-Date Assignments from the panel menu.
Update all assignments: Select Update All Assignments from the panel menu.

Update content

Check the Assignments panel for out-of-date icons and update content to match the latest file system version. Updating does not require check-in or check-out and does not grant editing rights, but may cause issues if a lock has been removed.

Select File > Open, select the document, and open it.

Select OK when prompted.

Select Window > Links.

Select the text or graphics frames in the Links panel.

Select Update Link from the panel menu .

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Relink or unlink assignment files

Check in and check out content

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