InDesign Essentials

Adobe InDesign is a great page layout software used to create ads, flyers, posters, brochures, etc. Through hands-on exercises and instructor demonstrations, we will teach how to use this software, as well as tips and tricks that will make your work easier and more professional. This workshop is suitable for beginners as well as those wanting to relearn more sophisticated use.

In this hands-on course, students will learn the essential skills for producing InDesign content for printing files and digital PDFs. This comprehensive course is specifically designed for those with little or no formal training or experience using a page layout program, and for those people want a refresher.

In this course you will learn InDesign tips, tricks and secrets, along with more efficient procedures for building a document. Topics will include setting up multi-page and single page documents, typesetting, color and graphic skills along with understanding how to use many of the everyday features correctly and efficiently.

This class is fully interactive and will include simple exercises to reinforce your learning goals.

Learning outcomes

This is a sample list of topics that will be covered during the workshop – these items will vary as a result of questions and audience participation.

Interface overview

• Moving around the InDesign Interface
• The Workspace: Tool bars, Control bar, multiple panels, creating a custom Workspace
• Basic program Preferences: changing the default unit of measurement
• Viewing documents using shortcuts and quick key commands
• Review of Pages Panel and Master Page features

Formatting Text

• Using both Character and Paragraph controls
• Formatting text within frame areas
• Inserting large amounts of text
• Creating a “Continued on and from” setting
• Creating and editing Paragraph & Character Styles
• Moving text styles between documents
• Inserting special characters
• Creating bullet icons
• Split and Span text over columns; creating Balanced columns

Working with Text/Object Frames

• Text frame options: Column settings, Inset spacing, Vertical alignment
• Corner option settings and Live corner options
• Using the Stroke panel and the Line tools
• Applying color to text and frames using the Control and Swatches panel
• Creating new Process and Pantone® color swatches, color tints and gradients
• Adding headers & footers and auto page numbering
• Incorporating logos/graphics into a master
• Formatting frames and custom colours
• Creating and editing Paragraph & Character Styles

Working with Graphics and Color

• Overview of different graphic file formats
• Clarify resolutions and color settings for print or digital files
• Inserting graphic file formats
• Working with graphics using Auto Fit features
• Special effects on graphics
• Using the Text Wrap panel and options
• Understanding the Graphic Links panel

Take Away:

Participants will be given a handout with reference to the content covered including step-by-step procedures.

Who Should Attend:

This is a precursor to the “How to Make Accessible InDesign Documents” course. Anyone working in the role of marketing content creators, graphic designers, editors, communication writers and coordinators or has the need to provide creative files for printing or publishing online.

Workshop Requirements:

• Laptop (Mac or PC) and a Computer Mouse
• Adobe InDesign CC

Included in this Workshop

• High quality instruction by an InDesign Accessibility Specialist
• Small class size (maximum 10 participants)
• A Step-by-Step Reference Guide
• Complimentary coffee and tea
• A chance to network with other professionals
• Official recognition for your participation (that you can share on LinkedIn, Facebook or your resume)