How to Export Interactive PDFs with Buttons from InDesign CS4
Question details
The user needs to know how to export a document from InDesign CS4 so that custom buttons linking to specific pages remain functional when opened in PDF viewers.
- Product
- Adobe InDesign CS4
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Exporting a layout with interactive elements to a PDF format.
- Observed behavior
- The goal is to ensure buttons function properly in Acrobat 9 and Reader by configuring the correct export settings.
Ensure you have completely set up your buttons and assigned their corresponding page link actions within the InDesign CS4 document before proceeding to export.
Export as an Interactive PDF
Use the built-in Interactive PDF export setting in InDesign CS4 to preserve button functionality.
To ensure that interactive elements like buttons function correctly in Adobe Acrobat and Reader, the document must be explicitly exported as an Interactive PDF rather than a standard Print PDF.
Navigate to the top menu bar and select File, then choose Export.
In the Save as type (Windows) or Format (Mac OS) dropdown menu, select Adobe PDF (Interactive) and click Save.
In the Export Adobe PDF dialog box that appears, ensure that the option to include interactive elements is checked.
Click Export to generate the PDF. You can now open the resulting file in Acrobat or Reader to verify that the buttons work.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my InDesign CS4 buttons not working in the exported PDF?
This usually happens if the document is exported as a standard Print PDF or if the 'Include Interactive Elements' option is left unchecked during the export process. Always ensure you choose the 'Adobe PDF (Interactive)' format.
Can I use SWF format to export an interactive PDF?
No. If your required output is an interactive PDF that will be opened in Acrobat or Adobe Reader, exporting as SWF will not produce a functional PDF. SWF format is intended strictly for web or Flash player environments.
Are interactive PDFs created in InDesign CS4 compatible with newer versions of Acrobat?
Yes, interactive PDFs that are exported correctly from InDesign CS4 with interactive elements included should function properly in Acrobat 9, Adobe Reader, and all newer versions of standard PDF viewers.
