Libraries: InDesign, CC, and an MS Secret
Alan Gilbertson
Clearwater, Florida
Virtual
November 16, 2023
3:30-4:00 p.m. Pacific — Networking
4:00-5:45 p.m. Pacific — Presentation
The presentation on Digital Scrapbooking originally scheduled for November has been postponed due to a family emergency.
Adobe Creative Cloud Libraries and InDesign Libraries both serve as essential tools in managing creative assets, yet they cater to different aspects of the design workflow. In this presentation, we will delve into how each library system functions and their unique advantages. We'll start by exploring CC Libraries, showcasing their capability to create, manage, and share assets like colors, graphics, and text styles across various Adobe applications, including InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Emphasizing on integration with Adobe Stock and mobile apps, we'll demonstrate how CC Libraries enhance workflow efficiency and collaboration in a cloud-based environment.
Shifting focus to InDesign Libraries, we'll examine their specialized role in desktop publishing. We'll discuss how InDesign Libraries are more focused on storing and reusing specific layout elements, such as text blocks, images, and complex layouts within InDesign projects. Unlike CC Libraries, which are cloud-based and cross-application, InDesign Libraries are typically local and specific to InDesign, providing a more specialized toolset for frequent layout tasks.
An important addition is the integration of CC Libraries with Microsoft Office products. This integration allows for a seamless workflow between Adobe and Office applications, significantly enhancing productivity and creative possibilities in environments where Adobe and Microsoft tools are used in tandem.
By comparing and contrasting these libraries, attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of when and how to effectively utilize each type within their design processes. Participants will leave equipped with insights and strategies for leveraging both CC and InDesign Libraries to achieve a more streamlined, productive, and creative workflow.
About the Presenter

Alan Gilbertson
Alan Gilbertson is a freelance designer and creative director living in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, the “Sun Coast” of the United States. A self-confessed nerd, he loves messing with software to see if it will break, so he has been a beta tester of various products for more than three decades, including all of the Adobe design suite.
Alan is an Adobe Community Expert, a regular contributor to CreativePro Magazine and the Adobe Community Forums, and can occasionally be found wandering the exhibition halls at design conferences looking for coffee and donuts.