Implementing an InDesign CS3 and InCopy CS3 workflow transforms this process by making it easy to work with copy and design together. Using InDesign CS3, the designer makes layout content editable to InCopy users by putting individual spreads or the complete document on a networked file server. Using InCopy on their local computers, one or more editors can open this file from the server at the same time, editing their stories within the layout, without having to wait for a printout to wend its way to them.
As editors save changes to stories they’re editing in the layout, the system keeps everyone else who’s working on the publication up to date with their revisions.
Since InCopy users are working in the live layout file, they can “write to fit” (or edit to fit) from the start, dramatically reducing the number of proofing rounds required.

InCopy CS3 and InDesign CS3 parallel workflow (simple overview)

The designer places the InDesign layout on a central file server. Text and image frames in the layout are assigned for review and editing to a contributing member of the editorial workflow. Multiple InCopy users can open spreads and edit content from the same layout file concurrently while it’s on the server, even if the designer has it open in InDesign.

However, to protect the integrity of the design, InCopy only allows editors to edit the contents of text and image frames which the designers have designated as editable in the layout. Editors cannot change page geometry (move or resize frames, add or delete frames or pages, apply text wrap, etc.). While they can apply local text formatting and any text styles the designers created and saved with the layout to their stories, editors cannot add, delete, or modify any of the styles. If the designer is working on the same layout concurrently
and saves changes to it in InDesign, any editor who has it open in InCopy is notified that the design is out of date. Choosing File > Update Design in InCopy immediately refreshes the layout to reflect the latest state of the publication, without losing any of the InCopy user’s edits.

When the editors have completed the final touches to their stories, and the designer has updated all the InCopy content in the layout, the file is ready for preflighting and handoff to a commercial printer.