CtrlLayers – CtrlSoftware

CtrlLayers (for InDesign)

CtrlLayers is a plugin for InDesign users that require a smart and clever solution for expanding usability when working with layers. Art Directors and Graphic Designers can at an early stage of a project, for example, share a layer to a new document and allow translators to start their work. Later they can import the layer without worrying about how it will be applied to the layout.

Just like InDesign users are used to importing color swatches, CtrlLayers offers the same ability with layers from other InDesign documents. So, if you are looking for a smart and “easy to use” solution, CtrlLayers will give you new exciting possibilities.

Key Features:

Create new InDesign documents from visible layers
Import layer(s) from InDesign documents
Export layers from documents
Scripting support for Java, VB and Apple Script
Localized languages supported: Swedish, English, German, French and Italian

Download trial/product

CC2026 Mac Win

CC2025 Mac Win

CC2024 Mac Win

CC2023 Mac Win

For older versions contact support (at) ctrlsoftware.com.

Trial versions are fully functional. Entering a serial makes the trial a full version.

The future of managing InDesign layers, today!

CtrlLayers expands how you work with layers in Adobe InDesign. Just as you import colour swatches between documents, CtrlLayers lets you import and export layers between InDesign documents.

Art directors and graphic designers can share a layer to a new document early in the process – for example to put a translator to work – and later bring the new layer back without worrying about fitting. A smart, easy-to-use way to open up new possibilities with layers.

See CtrlLayers in action

Video transcript

Welcome to this demonstration of CtrlLayers. In this video we are going to show you the two key features of CtrlLayers and an example of how you can use them to enhance production and save time. In this demo we are using different language texts in layers as the demonstration — of course, the layers can contain any objects that you desire, not just text. In our example we focus on a multi-language magazine; however, CtrlLayers can be used for catalogue production or any other workflow where you need to handle multiple InDesign layers.

After installing CtrlLayers you will find two new menu options in your Layers panel — this is where the CtrlLayers functions are found. They include Import layer from file and New document from visible layers. Here we have a document containing twelve pages. The document now needs to be translated into German and Italian. The document is prepared in layers, so that the text is separated from the other layers. To prepare the document for the translators, the art director hides the layers not needed and chooses New document from visible layers. The new document inherits only the layers needed, and the text layer is renamed German. The file is saved as normal and sent to the translators.

The translator opens the document in InCopy, and since he has the CtrlCrossTalk plug-in installed, he chooses to convert to CrossTalk — and thereby bypasses the assignments and check-in/check-out process that would otherwise be required to edit the text.

The art director, who has received the translations, brings the layers with the German and Italian texts into the master document. He chooses Import layer from file, opens the Layers panel and chooses the document containing the German translation, selects the layers that contain the text, and clicks OK. The layer is now imported and corresponds to the document's design. He then imports the Italian text in the same way to complete his work. Now, instead of having three different documents to keep track of simultaneously, he can focus on the single document he is working on and not worry about losing information. This is just one of many examples of how you can use CtrlLayers to empower your creativity and stay in control of your documents.

Scripting & Automation

CtrlLayers is fully scriptable — export and import layers programmatically as part of your InDesign/InCopy automation workflows.

Does CtrlLayers expose a scripting API?

Yes. CtrlLayers adds two methods directly to the InDesign Document object — exportLayer() and importLayer() — scriptable via ExtendScript (JavaScript), AppleScript or VBScript.

What does exportLayer() do?

exportLayer(exportFile: File, layerName: string, formatID: number) exports a single named layer to a new file. formatID selects the output format: 0 = .indd, 1 = .inx, 2 = .idml (default 0). Example: app.documents.item(0).exportLayer(new File("C:\\Users\\Ctrl\\Desktop\\English.indd"), "English Texts", 0);

What does importLayer() do?

importLayer(importFile: File, layerName: string) imports a named layer from another file into the active document, returning true or false depending on whether the import succeeded. If a layer with the same name already exists, the imported layer is automatically renamed.

Where do I find the full reference?

Download the CtrlLayers Scripting API Reference (PDF) below for full method signatures, parameters and examples.