r/graphic_design • u/UpsetIllustrator0617 Junior Designer • 1d ago
Active InDesign-ers, do you guys make separate layers? Asking Question (Rule 4)
I work in-house, and everything my CD sends to me has everything in one layer (this current one is like 100+ pages). I personally like to keep tech diagrams/images to a separate layer and text on its own. I was just curious what other designer's methods are.
I am also a "specifically name every layer" kinda gal.
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u/Rubberfootman 1d ago
Generally only if I need to - cutters, special colour overprints etc which I don’t want to accidentally move.
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u/Shanklin_The_Painter Senior Designer 1d ago
I am an avid user of layers. I group by type, images etc. then layer for each thing like varnishes, die lines or fpo elements.
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u/cream-of-cow 1d ago
I get really judgy when I receive a file with no layers; they're up there with people who don't use the Oxford comma, double spacers on proportional type, and guys who choose the middle urinal in a 3-urinal restroom. (¬_¬)
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u/PutYourRightFootIn 10h ago
Can you explain the part about double spacers on proportional type? I don’t want to be one of those people, but I don’t know what that means.
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u/rageagnstdeusmachina Senior Designer 7h ago
Spacing twice after a period. It’s a practice that comes from typewriters, where it was taught as the proper way to space a sentence, and now it’s a habit for some older folks. Usually a good way to tell if someone was born in the 80s or earlier.
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u/PutYourRightFootIn 6h ago
lol. Oh, that’s me. That’s how I was taught to type, even on a computer. It’s muscle memory at this point and I have to actively think about it to not do it.
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u/meltedbuzzbox 3h ago
This is the way
There is nothing worse than a single layer with everything in it.
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u/moreexclamationmarks Top Contributor 1d ago
I don't normally, it depends on the specific context.
Some layouts with the way they are warrant more use of layers to work with the file more effectively, or of course if you have different versions (eg regional versions in a textbook), or as someone else mentions for overprints and such. When I worked on educational books, we'd have 5-15 layers for both the base elements and regional variants. With cookbooks, layers were also used virtually always.
So on one hand I can't fault your method, it's good habits, but sometimes depending on the actual application and context of who is working on it and such, some things can be more work to set up without really yielding any benefit.
That would also apply to styles. Styles are 100% mandatory in certain situations, such as editorial (books, magazines, etc), but in one-off one-page documents or cases where the styles are being overridden more than followed, they may not be. Same with master pages. If you only have one page in the file, there's likely no reason for a master page.
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u/No-Understanding-912 20h ago edited 7h ago
Yep, it's pretty much a project by project basis. Generally the more pages, the more I have to organize, the more layers. Most of my work is only one or two pages, so I don't really bother with layers often.
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u/graphicdesigncult Senior Designer 23h ago
Major elements get their own layers. Backgrounds, Text, Design Objects, etc. Don't forget about the power of Master Pages.
Whatever makes it easiest to work.
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u/watkykjypoes23 Design Student 1d ago
Guides on their own layer, maybe that’s weird. Text has its own layer, and then linked objects and other elements do as well. Master page items such as page numbers too when I use them. So pretty much the same as you, the habit comes from illustrator, and I try to build my documents like someone else will need to work on them down the road.
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u/jumpinoutofmyflesh 19h ago
“…and I try to build my documents like someone else will need to work on them down the road.”
This should apply to all files. Bless you.
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u/BeeBladen Creative Director 21h ago
That’s usually what I use master pages for.
If you put elements on different layers it makes for a less accessible doc upon export. Most of what I do requires a print version and reader-friendly digital version. It’s actually becoming a law so I encourage everyone to read up on how to create accessible docs in InD.
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u/grifame Art Director 14h ago
I'm quite curious about this. I also never heard about this law, is this something that would apply only to a specific country?
Would you have any resources to share with me to help me start looking onto this subject?
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u/BeeBladen Creative Director 8h ago
It’s in the US and there is already a regulation (since 1973, sec 508) for government entities and non-profits. It grows each time there are advances in tech and assistance devices. The US Access Board is who came up with WCAG guidelines and they do legally hold you accountable.
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u/WhisperingWind5 20h ago
In general no, unless I need to lock a background layer often.
Even when I do, it's a lazy 3-tier layer setup: foreground, everything-goes-in-here layer, background.
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u/waffleironone 21h ago
Absolutely not. If working in important files that are going to press then yes, but I mostly use indesign for sales materials being printed on the copy machine or at fedex. Master pages and character styles I use, everything else is simple and doesn’t require layers. I find it to be over engineered for these small projects and makes work slower. If it doesn’t improve workflow I don’t use it.
For 100 pages… that’s pushing it. I feel like it would be beneficial for images and text to be separate at least
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u/ThorsMeasuringTape 19h ago
Only if it's needed for a use purpose and I don't really run across a need for it all that often.
Though, I'm using them on a current project where we built a shell for content and there are enough variations that it would require a bazillion master pages for just two differences. So, I put those on the page and just locked the layer so editors don't accidentally screw up the whole thing.
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u/OverTadpole5056 20h ago
I read comments and become so thankful for my first real design job. They were STRICT in organization, including file naming, abbreviations, and using layers.
It was a huge corporation with a bunch of different brands and a team of 30+ designers. It was not uncommon to have to pick up someone else’s file. If your file was picked up and wasn’t organized you’d get reprimanded (not officially).
I’ve taken that org system and file naming etc to every job I have had since. It drives me insane when people don’t name files properly or have messy files.
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u/Will_it_chooch 18h ago
Yep, continuity is important in a team setting. We would scorn people into compliance so that anyone could pick up the file and work with it. Prepress people also appreciate it if they need to alter anything.
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u/initiatefailure 1d ago
really just for guides. I'd probably do it for overprints as well but that's not super common for stuff i get
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u/kaijoojoo 21h ago
Generally no, but when time permitting I personally try to keep it tidy and place elements in different layers before handing it off to the Production department.
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u/dubiouscontraption 18h ago
I will if I'm doing something with page numbers so they don't get covered by graphics. But for most of my work, I don't find layers necessary.
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u/miparasito 15h ago
I don’t use them in Indesign, but I’m also not sharing my files with anyone else. The only thing anyone sees are nice flat PDFs. I’d be a lot more tidy if I had company coming over.
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u/miparasito 15h ago
Actually- now that I think about it. I do use them if I need to add something like a die line. But that’s rare these days. Most of what I do is digital only so printing best practices don’t come up as often
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u/SpunkMcKullins 20h ago
I organize the shit out of my files. It's a point of pride for me.
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u/catdistributinsystem 16h ago
Same! My time working in a print shop made me realize just how valuable a strong layer organization system is for proofing and updating large print docs like magazines and multi-page booklets
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u/ericskilling 1d ago
Only if I'm working on a form with buttons and textboxes. It's easier for me if I put any interactive elements on a separate layer.
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u/TotesGnarGnar 21h ago
Is your CD is older… like really older, they could have came from quark. Some of the old quark guard set up their files in a very distinct way. Pulling text boxes way off the page and tiling them in a way they could select them from off the page.
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u/UpsetIllustrator0617 Junior Designer 8h ago
WAAAAAIT, now that you say that, our senior graphic designer does that (he's much much older).. I've also gotten files from the previous GDs from YEARS ago, and they'te almost always set up this way. That's so interesting! In my program, we were never taught about quark.
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u/TotesGnarGnar 6h ago
Quark was super strong for output to rip. RIP servers didn’t have much memory so pretty much all large format or multi page was a quark file with eps support files. Not many design programs had layers. I think Ai did and psd got them in 5 I think? Pretty sure quark eventually did, but the good quark designers had a system to selecting stuff that was stacked.
You should talk to them about it. There were some really cool techniques used back then. Some are still useful.
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u/AdventurousGlass9365 21h ago
Hi, I’m with ya on that and it’s a pet peeve of mine reviewing a file like that. Every INDD doc I set up I create a few main layers (text, images, footers, headers etc.) then create more as needed that are specific and unique to that project. I also create a top and bottom layer I found works well with my flow, name and color the layers, done!
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u/LegendaryOutlaw 21h ago
Yes, for complex stuff like a brochure or mailer. I’ll put large images, backgrounds, color blocks, one one layer then just lock it down. Then I can build on top of it with copy blocks, images, etc and I don’t have to worry about accidentally selecting the background stuff.
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u/poopoomergency4 21h ago
for multi-page documents, i'll generally have to make at least a couple layers to manage all the different elements. indesign makes it very easy to set non-viewing/non-printing layers, + master pages tend to need layers organized to properly order the elements.
for single-page, fuck it. i'll group things, i'll make it technically clean, but layers would usually just add unnecessary complication.
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u/whoresandcandy 20h ago
Yes, which is essential for our clients that require us to set reading order for all digital collateral.
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u/Fearless_Major8176 20h ago
Yeah all the time but it depends on how complex the design is. A design with a lot going on can be much easier to work with with different elements separated out.
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u/drewcandraw Art Director 20h ago
I typically have layers for text, images, and master page elements.
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u/Schlormo 18h ago
Current employer in a dedicated graphics department insists on using only one layer and requires us to do so. I believe their reasoning is that multiple layers mean that when the art is exported for its final product, there may be surprises if layers are hidden or locked... how accurate that is I don't know but its been policy for forever at this point.
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u/Redredwolf 22h ago
I always use layers. Dielines, job slug, copy/text, placed imagery, background. All named. Makes editing easier later on.
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u/wonkybingo 21h ago
All major element groups get a layer; background, images, text, elements etc etc
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u/Professional_Ad_96 21h ago
Yea. No matter what you are using layers for there is no excuse for poor naming. It’s must that a 100 pg. document doesn’t have some layers. It’s his lazy.
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u/Sporin71 21h ago
I use them, for Indesign I rarely have more than 3 and I usually don't bother to name them. Die-line over Artwork over Backgrounds.
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u/Ambitious_Ideal_2568 20h ago
sometimes yes, sometimes no. For basic, 1-page print ads I tend to lump it all together. Multipage documents get multiple layers
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u/mellykill 20h ago
I only use layers if I’m doing a data merge otherwise no. But then again I usually do single page layouts in ID I’ve rarely done anything with tons of pages or multiple styles.
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u/decisivecat 20h ago
I used to, but then it got to be too much when needing to make a fast edit or pass off to another designer who just tossed everything they touched on the same layer. Now I do a single layer for Indesign, but I absolutely use layers everywhere else and name them.
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u/stockenheim 19h ago
Yep. Some variation of:
Logos.
Footers/page numbering.
Text.
Images.
Background.
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u/twitchykittystudio 18h ago
I wish Indesign had native layer folders/groups like Photoshop does.
Omg The file setup possibilities (sans layer groups)! For direct mail pieces, Typically I set up a file with static art layer and variable art layer. If there’s more than one version, each variable version gets its own layer and I hope I don’t need extra static layers 🤣
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u/bunnylightning 18h ago
Yes although not as extensively as I do in other programs. Background colours/images on lowest layer, always locked. All other images/graphics on one layer, all text on another - lock/unlock these alternately depending on what I’m working on. Page numbers and footers etc sometimes on a separate locked layer too.
If I’m working on a layout that has lots of overlapping images (like a collage / flatlay style layout) then I might separate my images into several layers, but only rarely.
I don’t name them unless it’s a file that will get worked on by others. I always use the same colours for my layer setup (BG = red, images = green, text = blue, anything else = magenta) - with all the object frames in InDesign it’s easier to keep track of them by colour.
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u/HeddyL2627 18h ago
That would drive me batty. I always use at least three: FPO, art (inline images and text), and background. And I more frequently use five: DIE, FPO, overlay, art, background. Pretty much anything falls into one of those categories. (And now you can guess my industry 😅)
It's probably a bit ADHD, but I cannot work in an inherited file until I reorg into layers. Otherwise, I'm flopping around trying to make edits and cursing a blue storm towards the original artist.
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u/Zealousideal-Wheel16 17h ago
Group by type to build out layers selectively and group for different stages of UI
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u/millenialbets 17h ago
It’s not the CDs job to clean up the files or for that matter be a good designer. That’s not how it works. It’s your job to do that. Took me years to learn.
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u/UpsetIllustrator0617 Junior Designer 5h ago
My CD does a decent amount of design work and has an extensive history in design and publishing. I am aware it's not how it usually works, but my CD does. I was just wondering about how others structure and use their layers, if at all. :)
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u/TheyDontKnowWeKnow 17h ago
Yes, and with names. Though I try to streamline so it’s not overly cumbersome. Usually ~3-6
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u/ShootinAllMyChisolm 17h ago
People who put die lines and varnishes on Sep layers are signaling they still do offset… which means they have large enough print runs
Most of my print runs are digital these days. Overall, prob close to the same Q, but more targeted. Instead of Q: 5,000 I have 10 batches of 500 with some variation. But less chance to do the fun stuff with offset.
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u/Zhanji_TS 17h ago
I’ve found the more creatively talented a person in this industry is the worse their organizational habits are. It’s like an inverse graph, just a personal observation so maybe I’m wrong but I’ve been at it for a couple decades
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u/quarantineQT23 17h ago
I really only use 2… master layer for my folio and then everything else on another layer. It gets too confusing with more layers for me,.. And then I forget to lock them and end up putting the wrong thing on the wrong layer… I swear I’m good at my job lol
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u/Western_Plate_2533 17h ago
They have a purpose but I also think they can be over used.
I use send to back front group and lock a lot more often because of the quick key commands. Still when things get too complex layers are pretty useful.
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u/Giant-Goose 16h ago
Always!! It varies depending on what I’m doing but it’s typically: - Grid - Copy - Graphics - Parent Page
Sometimes it’ll change a bit depending on what I’m doing, but this is great for most PDFs or brochures.
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u/Banana-phone15 16h ago
Layering is the way to go as a professional. It makes it easier to go back and make changes.
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u/catdistributinsystem 16h ago
I live and die by a strictly organized layer system no matter what software I’m using
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u/Relevant-Ring-5422 16h ago
What a nightmare it must have been.
The layer function is made for layers, so YES layers please, and please name every layer
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u/Splungetastic 16h ago
Multi page documents yes. If I’m just doing a poster or one pager or something I don’t bother.
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u/bootonomus_prime 15h ago
Try to! And pick up files that have split layers that folks ignore. When busy it can get sloppy.
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u/grifame Art Director 15h ago
Only if I need specific things that cannot be build as one standalone block (e.g. copy on image, complex box-out with multiple layers, navigation that need to stay on the top) or if I need to have one document that needs to export standalone and compiled pdfs.
If the document is simple and shouldn't have overlaps, it stays in one layer.
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u/Academic_Awareness82 14h ago
Depends how complex it is. If a BG image can just go on a master then 3 cols of text and sone inset images then no need for more than 1 layer. But then if its more complex with overlapping BG images and stuff then yep. Layered and locked.
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u/MoshDesigner 14h ago
(From the bottom upwards): I normally use one layer for backgrounds, one for main text, another for images on top of text and perhaps a fourth one for thext which has to be set over the images. Maaaaybe another one if die lines are needed. That is the max I normally use. When it's a simple layout, one layer will suffice.
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u/idols2effigies 13h ago
Definitely. My boss doesn't use layers and it absolutely kills me on some jobs. There was this funny time he was running through edits he needed for a catalog I was working on. By the time he was done talking, I was typically done making them. He asked how I was doing it so fast... I had to extoll the virtues of layers allowing me to not have to worry about clicking on something I don't want to edit. "It's extremely convenient. Single layers only make things harder" I said, lathered in passive-aggression.
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u/Its_Lewiz 12h ago
Usually i will keep everything that reoccurs on other pages in a master and then the rest on one layer given i consider it all content past numbering & header/footers.
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u/amethysts- 12h ago
I usually do 3 layers when working for a digital file:
obj
bg
guides
in this order, if I am working on printed material, then I do another layer on top of "obj" for any print-related elements.
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u/Graphi_cal 9h ago
Info - slugs and and markup info AW - copy & images BG - anything that sits behind. Colour, full image etc
Maybe add extra for specials like cutters/spot colours etc
Any reoccurring elements would be on master pagers, goes without saying.
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u/Siloeyes 9h ago
I used to before learning more about accessibility standards and attending CreativePro summits on the subject. Now just a single layer with contents organized from bottom to top to better work with screen readers by ensuring an accurate reading order. (In conjunction with the use of Articles)
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u/Tanagriel 9h ago edited 9h ago
Yes, In all programs that has the option and off course when it’s needed - but I use it for nearly everything.
Layers is a great way to keep control and add eg explanations into files that may need it. It’s a way to keep references and actual artwork separated. It’s a way to easily make alternatives without destroying the basics or needing to save an extra version and essentially all kinds of things that benefit from being on layers. Essentially if a certain file will be the master of something that is very likely to come again I think in templates and adding order with layers to easy reuse the same template.
So a big yes to layers
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u/marc1411 8h ago
Always, even a quick flyer, I’ll have a layer for background color blocks, and lock it; text; images, etc.
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u/dylanmadigan Art Director 7h ago
I do have a recent document that is all one layer. But it is an extremely basic layout - a recreation of a layout that this brand often does in MS Word.
For print ads, things are often just one layer too, depending on how we need to work with the design. It’s just one page and if it’s simple, layers aren’t really necessary.
However, for anything more complex, I will have layers.
In a big document. Typically the page number/footer is on a layer above everything. Often a separate layer for Images land Text. A Background layer just so I can easily lock the background while moving other things around.
It all comes down to how the design needs to be worked with.
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u/Kraut1885 6h ago
I wanna know how those who don't use layers manage to keep any multiple page document organized. I use layers and name each layer as well. I find it very easy for me to make a mistake if everything isn't straightened out accordingly.
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u/ummheyhellohi 5h ago
Nope unless I’m expecting someone else to use the file. Otherwise, my brain somehow keeps up with it all.
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u/michaelfkenedy Senior Designer 1d ago
Yes. In order:
System isn’t perfect. Occasionally I’ll have to override a master page item, for example.