Based on Adobe InDesign CC 2020 edition.

I’ve tried everything I could think of, but at last, I found an answer. No, you don’t need to convert anything to static text. These Endnotes are linked and fully functional even when they com imported via a DOCX or RTF. This is perfect for authors and clients who want Endnotes that restart the numbering (both superscript and endnote listing) after each chapter. Leave comments below if you would like more tidbits like this from me!

Story Splitter Script

First, I recommend downloading StorySplitter.jsx script: https://indesignsecrets.com/how-to-split-long-story-into-smaller-pieces-unthreading-middle-story.php

You can simple copy and paste the JavaScript coding into a text file, save it with the “.jsx” ending to make it readable. Drag and drop this into your InDesign Scripts folder. An easy way to find this folder is to open InDesign, open the Scripts window/panel, right-click the folder you wish to add it into and click Reveal In Finder (MAC) or Show In Folder (PC). Simple drop it into this folder and it should immediately appear in the Scripts panel within InDesign.

Not only does it give you more control, it helps you be more concise on how you will be splitting the story. This is vital to make this work!

You can also take advantage of sample Javascripts that come with InDesign called BreakFrame and SplitStory.

Endnotes Setup

Unlike Footnotes that relies on the Paragraph Styles system, Endnotes relies on the story and threading features of InDesign. I recommend having Show Text Threads on so you can see how you are breaking and changing the textflow (View > Extras > Show Text Threads)

First, open TYPE > Document Endnote Options and make sure to change the drop down from Continuous to Restart Every Start.

Find the first page of the Chapter and using the Selection Tool, select the text frame.

Double click StorySplitter in Scripts Panel. Select Break Before.

Viola. That’s it. Every time you break the book like this, it will restart the counting of the associated Endnotes and updates instantly.

Happy designing and typesetting!