Create multiple versions of an object

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to show different versions of the same object in one place using states in Adobe InDesign.

Create multiple versions of an object in InDesign using object states to display alternate content. Each state represents a different version, with only one visible at a time. This helps build interactive elements, such as slide shows or variations of images within the same layout.

Create a multi-state object

Select or create objects to use as different states.

Align the objects using Align Horizontal Centers and Align Vertical Centers in the Properties (Window > Properties) panel.

Open Window > Interactive > Object States.

Select Convert selection to multi-state object icon.

Add navigation controls

Select or create a button object.

Open Window > Interactive > Buttons and Forms.

Choose Button from the Type dropdown menu.

Choose On Release or Tap from the Event dropdown menu.

Select the Add new action for selected event icon, then choose Go To Next State or Go To Previous State.

Choose the multi-state object from the Object dropdown menu.

Edit states in a multi-state object

Select the multi-state object using the Selection tool.

Open Window > Interactive > Object States.

Choose the required object state to edit.

Modify the object by adding strokes or fills, or by resizing.

Configure multi-state object options

Select the multi-state object using the Selection tool.

Open Window > Interactive > Object States.

Choose the required object state to edit.

Select the panel menu  icon, then choose Hide Until Triggered or Reset All Multi-State Objects To First State.