Adobe InDesign GuideThe basics of how to use the softwareCreating a document

When InDesign has opened, choose new document.

Setting up your project

This is where you choose how many pages you would like and the size and orientation of the pages. For U33: LO1 you need to set it up as below.

Adding Text

To type directly on to your page, or draw a text box, use the tool from the left side panel.

Everything from the panel below modifies how your text looks. You can change things such as individual letter spacing and how slanted you want your italics to be.

Aligning Your Text

Select type from the top menu. Then paragraph.

A box (below) will appear on your workspace. When adding text it is important it is aligned correctly and not hyphenated. To do this, make sure the hyphenated box is not ticked and choose one of the justify options that best suits your layout.

Choosing Text Colour

Justify options

Make sure not ticked

These symbols are the default setting when typing. This means the font is black with no border.

If you want your text to be 1 solid colour then double click and choose your colour.

If you wish to have a border around your text, then double click the second box

Select the desired colour in the same way as above and click ok. Your text should look like the below.

Importing Pictures

There are two main ways to import pictures into your document.

Using a frame

Click and hold the rectangle frame button from the left side panel. Select the shape desired for your image. (You should generally be using rectangle). You may find this the easiest way to create your magazine, as it allows you to lay it out before you include any actual images.

Select the place option and choose you image. Click in the frame that you wish the image to be placed into.

Fitting your pictures to the frame

You may find your picture needs to be resized to fit in the frame. To do this right click the picture. Select fitting and fit content to frame or fit content proportionally if the picture becomes stretched.

Adding effects

You can add a selection of effects, drop shadows and change the opacity of images using the tools below.