If you want other users to be able to edit your composition layout as a separate file, you can create an external composition layout. When a user edits this external composition layout, the content updates in the original host layout from which the composition layout was created (as well as updating in other projects that link to the external composition layout). The updates display in the Composition Zones items according to the preferences that are set for the layouts that contain the Composition Zones items (immediately, upon opening, or at print time).

The tool for creating all external composition layouts is the Make External button in the Shared Item Properties dialog box. The Shared Item Properties dialog box displays when you create a composition layout based on a multiple selection or when you use the Composition Zones tool and then click Add Item in the Shared Content palette or choosing Item > Share. For existing composition layouts, you can access the Make External button through the Shared Content palette.

To create an external composition layout from the Shared Content palette: