How to create an online (swf) flipbook with InDesign CS5

Step 1 - The beginning of your flipbook

Create a new document - File > New > Document
A new dialog box will appear, follow the settings as seen in the screenshot below and click the 'OK' button.

Step 2 - May all your pages have a partner

Go to File > Document Setup
A new dialog box will appear, 'check' on the option Facing Pages as seen in the screenshot below.

Step 3 - Giving freedom to your 'slave' pages

'Right" click in the PAGES panel and 'Uncheck' > Allow Document Pages to Shuffle

Step 4 - Removing unwanted 'loners'

Delete pages 1 & 12 (single pages) - 'Left' Click on page 1 in the PAGES panel and click on the trash bin icon. Follow the same step for page 12 (which would be page 11 by now).
Now you will have only 10 pages

Step 5 - Entering the realm of the Masters

Double 'Left' click on the master page labeled A-Master - make sure to see the label is highlighted in black with white text (See screenshot)
In the main workspace, you will see the single page A-Master.

Step 6 - Selecting the Rectangle tool

'Left' click on the Rectangle tool (5th row 2nd column of the tools panel - see screenshot)
'Left' click and hold the mouse and drag across the 'paper' from the top left to the bottom right.

Step 7 - Creating a background color with Master page

Click on the Black color in the COLOUR panel (see screenshot)
Now all your pages should have a nice black background.

Step 8 - Back to 'slavery'

Double 'Left' click on page 1 in your PAGES panel.
You should be able to see 1-2 is being highlighted in black (meaning it is activated).

Step 9 - Here comes the 'placeholders'

'Left' click on the Rectangle Frame tool (5th row 1st column of the tools panel - see screenshot)



'Left' click and hold the mouse and drag diagonally to draw a box to be ready to place the images.

Step 10 - Fittings for the placeholders

Go to Object > Fitting > Frame Fitting Options
A dialog box will appear and 'Check' Auto-Fit.

Step 11 - Continue the process

Copy and paste the Rectangle Frame on all the pages where the images will be dropped into.
You can resize the rectangle frame by 'Left' clicking onto the white little squares and hold the mouse button and drag your mouse to change the size when your frame is still selected.

Step 12 - Images here we come

Activate the Mini Bridge panel - Window > Mini Bridge
A new panel will appear, search for the folder where all the images are stored.

Step 13 - Dropping the images one by one

'Left' click and hold the mouse button on the image in your Mini Bridge you want to select for dropping into the placeholders
'Left' click and hold the mouse and drag until your mouse cursor reaches the top of the placeholder and release the mouse button.



Continue this step until all the images have been dropped into the placeholders.

Step 14 - It's time to Flip!

Go to File > Export
A dialog box will appear to choose the location you want to export your flipbook.

IMPORTANT: Please choose Flash Player (SWF) in the 'Save as type' option and click 'Save'.

Step 15 - The Final Countdown

Another dialog box will appear on the settings of the Flash (SWF) file - see screenshot
Follow the settings exactly and you will not go wrong.



Congratulations! You have just created your first Flipbook with InDesign CS5


Tutorial written by Mark Plunkett - Adobe Community Champions, Adobe User Group Manager - InDesign