InDesign Induction

InDesign is a programme more directed at layout and publications than other Adobe programmes.

When creating a new document the page sizes need to be set as the size the finished print is planned to be to keep it to scale when designing.

Under 'More Options' the layout can be further adjusted, by adding columns, adjusting gutter width, setting margins etc..

Bleed and Slug change the print out version, by giving the bleed a 3mm border so that the print out won't be cropped. A bleed on 3mm is the most common, and is required if the design reaches the edge of the document. It allows for inaccuracies to be amended. Slug is a larger area than the print out and it contains fold marks, crop marks etc.

The pages can be laid out to face each other in a booklet format and puts them in the context they will be in when published.

New page with no facing pages and 3mm bleed:

The same way as most Adobe programmes, guides can be created under 'Layout' to use as a guideline when designing.

When inserting text or image into the document it needs to be placed in a frame to contain the text and adjust it without altering the whole document.

Word files can alternatively be placed into the frame in the document but going to File - Place - Select Document.

When there is an overflow of text (little red square at bottom right of frame) the frame can either be resized of can be divided into more than one frame in a column format. You can do this by clicking on the square and clicking elsewhere where you want the text to continue.

Images can be imported in a similar way as text, but this requires preparation on the image first, depending on whether or not it's a Photoshop or Illustrator image.

Photoshop:

Needs to be the accurate size

Needs to be in colour mode CMYK/Greyscale, not RGB

Resolution needs to be 300dpi

Needs to be saved as .tif or .psd but not .jpeg

Illustrator:

Doesn't need to be the correct size as it can be altered on InDesign

Needs to be CMYK

Needs to be a .ai file

As with inserting text, go to File - Place to insert images into your document.

The image will automatically be placed in a frame when it is put onto the document. This frame is similar to a cropping tool as it alters how much of the image will be visible.

The two circles in the middle of the image allow you to alter the size of the content itself, and its place within the frame.

For an illustrator image you need to use the rectangle frame tool first to create the frame in which the .ai file will be placed.

This image can then be altered in the same manner as Photoshop images.