IndesignPerfect

Create sleek, slideable content without writing a single line of code.

One of Adobe InDesign’s lesser-known—but powerful—features is Multi-State Objects (MSOs). With MSOs and interactive buttons, you can create image sliders, product showcases, tabbed panels, and other dynamic elements—all inside a single layout.

This is especially useful for:

• Interactive PDFs
• Fixed layout EPUBs
• Digital portfolios
• Product lookbooks
• Slide shows or galleries

Here’s how to use Object States to create an interactive slider in InDesign.

🧱 Step 1: Plan Your Slider Content

Each “slide” or “panel” in your slider will be a different state of one object. First, prepare:

• Multiple images or text panels you want to include
• Navigation buttons (e.g., arrows, dots, tabs)
• A space in your layout where the slider will live

Group each piece of slider content so it behaves as one unit.

🎛️ Step 2: Create a Multi-State Object (MSO)

1. Go to Window > Interactive > Object States
2. Select the first group (e.g., your first image panel)
3. Click New State in the panel to create the MSO
4. With the Object States panel open, add additional states:
   • Select the next image/group
   • Click the New State icon again

Repeat for all slides. Name the states clearly (e.g., “Slide 1,” “Slide 2,” etc.)

Now you have a single object with multiple visual states.

🔘 Step 3: Add Navigation Buttons

To let users move through the states:

1. Draw a button shape (e.g., arrow or circle)
2. Go to Window > Interactive > Buttons and Forms
3. Convert the shape to a Button
4. Assign an Action:
   • Go to Next State (for next arrow)
   • Go to Previous State (for back arrow)
   • Go to State: Slide 2 (for direct navigation)

Repeat for all controls. You can even create:

• A “Next” and “Previous” button
• Dots or tabs that jump to a specific slide

💡 Use object styles to keep buttons visually consistent.

⚙️ Step 4: Organize and Test

• Group the MSO and buttons together if needed
• Make sure each button is targeting the correct state
• Use Preview > EPUB Interactivity Preview to test your slider

You’ll be able to interact with the slider right inside InDesign.

📤 Step 5: Export to Interactive Format

Object States work in:

• EPUB (Fixed Layout)
• Adobe PDF (Interactive) (with limitations—use Adobe Reader for full support)

To export:

1. Go to File > Export
2. Choose Adobe PDF (Interactive) or EPUB (Fixed Layout)
3. Ensure interactive elements are included
4. Test in Adobe Reader or Apple Books to verify behavior

🧠 Pro Tips

• Keep file size down by optimizing images
• Use animation triggers to create more dynamic slides
• Add tooltips or labels for accessibility
• If using buttons inside a larger layout, make sure they don’t overlap with other clickable elements
• Use hidden states for collapsible FAQs or pop-up content

✅ Perfect For

• Interactive product galleries
• Testimonials sliders
• Feature comparison tabs
• Digital flipbooks
• Storytelling slideshows

📘 Final Thought

With Object States in Adobe InDesign, you don’t need complex code or external plugins to make your designs interactive. Whether you’re building a media-rich EPUB or a dynamic PDF, MSOs give you a powerful way to layer content and guide interaction—beautifully.

Interactive design isn’t just about clicks. It’s about engagement.