Step And Repeat
Script for Adobe InDesign
Latest update 12/7/2023, version 3.0
Repeats an image, PDF page, or masked group on each page of an InDesign document as many times as will fit on the page.
- Include gutters
- Specify bleed
- Add trim marks
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Before
After running script
The InDesign script Step And Repeat repeats a single item to fill the page, and adds trim marks.
How-to Video
Before using the script
The script expects a single rectangle on each page of the document. The rectangle is a container, usually for a placed graphic, either an image or a PDF page. If a PDF page with bleed, ensure it is placed with import options set to crop to bleed box. If no bleed, crop to trim box. The rectangle size determines stepping of the item. The script can also step native InDesign elements, but this require additional preparation. First group the elements, then cut the group and Paste Into (Edit menu) a rectangle the desired trim size (or trim plus bleed). This masks the group of elements.
For items to bleed, the bleed must be part of the item, whether an image, PDF, or masked group of native elements. The amount of bleed is then entered in the script interface.
How to use the script
Set options as desired and click OK to begin. The script finds an item on the first page, calculates how many copies will fit on the page, and repeats the item. If the option is enabled, trim marks are drawn, and the process continues with the next page of the document until all are done.
Margin — the distance from the page edges to keep clear. This does not include item bleed or trim marks, which may enter the margin area. Meaning that margin defines the area available to step the item based on its trim size (rectangle size less bleed, if any). Increased margin results in fewer copies of the item on the page.
To the right of Margin is a drop-down list to select the measurement units the value on the left represents. The same units are repeated below for Gutter and Bleed. This choice of measurement units does not apply to Stroke weight which always represents points.
Gutter — the distance between copies of the item. If Bleed is greater than zero, normally the gutter should be double its value. However, artwork with a solid color background may bleed at the outermost trims, but common cut where items meet. The script handles it correctly in either case.
Bleed — refers to each copy of the item, not the page. The value does not alter the item; it only tells the script that the item size includes bleed, to adjust where trim marks are drawn.
Trim marks — enable to draw trim marks around the stepped items. When space allows, marks are also drawn in the interior. Set the desired Stroke weight in points. Marks are colored the Registration swatch, and a layer Marks is created if it doesn't exist.
FREE 30 DAY TRIAL
Single-user perpetual license
Pay once, no subscription, use forever
Change log: step-and-repeat.txt
For help installing scripts, see How to Install and Use Scripts in Adobe Creative Cloud Applications.
IMPORTANT: scripts are developed for the latest Adobe Creative Cloud applications. Many scripts work in CC 2018 and later, even some as far back as CS6, but may not perform as expected, or run at all, when used in versions prior to 2018. Photoshop features Select Subject and Preserve Details 2.0 definitely fail prior to CC 2018 (version 19) as the features do not exist in earlier versions. For best results use the latest versions of Adobe Creative Cloud applications.
IMPORTANT: by downloading any of the scripts on this page you agree that the software is provided without any warranty, express or implied. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Always make backups of important data.
IMPORTANT: fees paid for software products are the purchase of a non-exclusive license to use the software product and do not grant the purchaser any degree of ownership of the software code. Author of the intellectual property and copyright holder William Campbell retains 100% ownership of all code used in all software products regardless of the inspiration for the software product design or functionality.
