InDesign Lesson 01
The next page in layout design
The next page in layout design
This is a new course with a variety of students. To set a starting point, we will start with a test. The test contains basic questions about working with InDesign. What do you know already and what do you need to succeed?
The test will be shared by the SOFT2 teacher during the first class through a Microsoft Teams assignment. Immediately after the test, we will review the answers together as a class.
Congratulations! You've achieved a significant accomplishment, and you should be proud of yourself. You've earned a certificate for Photoshop that is respected in the industry, and without exaggeration, this is truly a top-notch achievement that will shine on your CV. Were you not planning to apply for an internship soon? Well, the timing couldn't be better!
Now, let's keep up the momentum. Besides Photoshop, there are more tools that the business world—yes, those folks from the internship and such—would love to see you excel in.
You've chosen InDesign and discussed it with your teacher, right? Since everyone in the class might make a different choice, it's now more about self-study. But no worries, because aren't you the one who has already done all this before? Exactly, you've got this.
Go through the provided theory, assignments, and suggested self-study materials for each lesson, and keep track of it in your learning journal on Adobe Express. Best of luck in earning your second certificate!
P.S. Did you know that if you have both Photoshop and InDesign certificates, you also get the Visual Design Professional certificate? Three for the price of two, super nice.
Adobe InDesign is a versatile desktop publishing software used for creating print and digital materials such as brochures, magazines, posters, eBooks, and interactive PDFs. It provides powerful tools for layout design, typography, and image manipulation, making it a key application for graphic designers and publishing professionals. Learning InDesign is valuable for its ability to produce visually appealing layouts, offer precise typographic control, integrate seamlessly with other Adobe products, and support both print and digital publishing. It is an industry standard widely used in design, enhancing efficiency, productivity, and the creation of interactive documents. InDesign allows professionals to export to various formats, making it a crucial skill for those in the design and publishing industries.
To proceed to the official exam, you need to complete a set of assessments, view LinkedIn Learning chapters, and accomplish a series of assignments. You keep track of your progress in a learning journal. By demonstrating your commitment to studying for this, you will be allowed to take the official test. This is done using a learning journal in Adobe Express.
Submit the link to your learning journal through the assignment on Microsoft Teams.
Configure Preferences: Spelling, Story Editor, Grid and Guides
InDesign offers various configuration preferences to customize the user experience, and among these preferences are Spelling, Story Editor, Grid, and Guides.
Spelling Preferences:
Language: InDesign allows users to set the language for spell checking. This is important for ensuring that the spell check is accurate for the specific language used in the document.
Check Spelling While Typing: Users can enable or disable real-time spell checking while typing. This feature helps catch and correct spelling errors as the user works on the document
Story Editor Preferences:
Font, Size, and Leading: Users can customize the appearance of text in the Story Editor, making it easier to read and edit text outside the main document view.
Grid Preferences:
Document Grid: InDesign allows users to set up a document grid to align and organize content. Grid preferences include options for grid spacing, subdivisions, and color.
Baseline Grid: This grid helps align text across columns and pages. Users can set the baseline grid preferences to match the vertical rhythm of the document.
Guides Preferences:
Smart Guides: Smart Guides help users align and distribute objects on the page. Preferences for Smart Guides include options for showing or hiding them and the color used for the guides.
Guides & Pasteboard: Users can customize the color and style of guides on the pasteboard, making it easier to differentiate between document space and non-printing areas.
Configuring these preferences in InDesign allows you to tailor the software to your specific workflow and design requirements, enhancing efficiency and control over the layout and appearance of their documents. These preferences can be found in the InDesign menu under "InDesign" (Mac), and then selecting "Preferences."
Workspaces in InDesign are predefined arrangements of panels and tools that streamline the user interface based on specific tasks or roles. Here are some key workspaces in Adobe InDesign:
Essentials:
The default workspace, Essentials, provides a balanced set of panels for general design tasks. It includes commonly used panels like Pages, Layers, and Links.
Typography:
This workspace is tailored for users who focus primarily on text formatting and typograhy. It features panels such as Character and Paragraph, making it easier to manipulate text elements.
Advanced:
The Advanced workspace is designed for users who need access to a comprehensive set of panels and tools for intricate design work. It includes panels like Color, Swatches, and Effects.
Digital Publishing:
Ideal for those creating content for digital platforms, this workspace includes panels like Articles and Hyperlinks to facilitate interactive document creation.
Starter:
Geared towards beginners, the Starter workspace offers a simplified interface with essential panels to help users get started with basic design tasks.
Printing and Proofing:
This workspace is tailored for users involved in print production. It includes panels like Output and Preflight to ensure designs are print-ready and error-free.
Customizing workspaces in Adobe InDesign allows users to optimize their environment, tailoring it to their specific needs and improving overall efficiency in the design process.
InDesign Libraries is a powerful tool that allows you to efficiently manage and organize design assets within their projects. There are two main types of libraries in Adobe InDesign: Creative Cloud (CC) Libraries and Local Libraries.
Creative Cloud (CC) Libraries:
Overview: CC Libraries are cloud-based storage solutions integrated with Adobe Creative Cloud. They enable seamless collaboration and asset sharing across various Adobe Creative Cloud applications, including InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
Key Features:
Cloud Accessibility: Assets stored in CC Libraries are accessible from any device with an internet connection, facilitating collaboration among team members working on different platforms or locations.
Syncing: Changes made to assets within CC Libraries are automatically synchronized across all connected devices, ensuring consistency and real-time updates.
Shared Assets: Designers can share CC Libraries with colleagues, making it easy to maintain a consistent brand identity across projects and team members.
Local Libraries:
Overview: Local Libraries, on the other hand, are libraries stored on the user's local machine or network. Unlike CC Libraries, they do not rely on cloud connectivity and are suitable for users who prefer to keep assets locally or in environments with limited internet access.
Key Features:
Offline Access: Local Libraries provide access to design assets without the need for an internet connection, making them suitable for users working in offline environments.
Custom Organization: Users have full control over the organization and management of assets within Local Libraries, allowing for personalized workflows and file structures.
Independence: Local Libraries are not dependent on Creative Cloud services, providing autonomy to users who may choose to keep their design assets solely on their local machines or network.
The choice between CC Libraries and Local Libraries depends on factors such as collaboration requirements, internet connectivity, and individual preferences for asset storage.
Adobe InDesign's "File > New" menu provides options to create three main types of documents: Document, Library, and Book. Here's a brief overview of each:
Document:
This option allows users to create a new InDesign document for various print and digital projects.
Users can customize document settings such as page size, orientation, margins, and bleed.
Options for facing pages, number of columns, and other layout parameters can be defined.
Users can choose from various preset document types or create a custom document size.
Library:
The Library option enables users to create a new InDesign Library.
InDesign Libraries are repositories for storing and organizing design assets such as images, graphics, colors, and text styles.
Libraries facilitate efficient reuse of assets across multiple documents, ensuring design consistency.
Users can add, manage, and access assets from the Library panel while working on different projects.
Book:
The Book option allows users to create a new InDesign Book document.
InDesign Books are useful for managing multiple documents as a part of a larger project, such as a book or a magazine with multiple chapters or sections.
Users can add individual InDesign documents to the Book, rearrange them, and synchronize styles and formatting across the entire project.
Book files simplify the workflow when working on complex publications by providing a centralized way to manage and update multiple documents simultaneously.
In summary, Adobe InDesign's "File > New" options cater to different aspects of the design workflow, ranging from creating individual documents with specific layouts to managing libraries of reusable assets and coordinating multiple documents within a larger project using the Book feature.
Adobe InDesign's Document Setup and Properties are essential features that allow users to configure the parameters of their document before starting the design process. Here's a brief overview:
Page Size and Orientation:
Users can choose standard page sizes or create custom sizes for their documents.
Options for landscape or portrait orientation are available, allowing flexibility in design.
Margins and Bleed:
Margins can be set to define the space between the content and the page edges.
Bleed settings ensure that images or elements extend beyond the page boundaries for professional printing without any white edges.
Columns and Gutter:
Users can define the number of columns on a page and set the gutter space between them.
This feature is especially useful for designing publications like magazines or newsletters.
Slug Area:
The slug is an area outside the page where additional information or instructions can be included for printers or collaborators.
Preview Mode:
Preview modes allow users to toggle between different views, such as Normal, Preview, and Presentation, to see how the document will appear in various contexts.
Document Grid:
Users can set up a grid to assist in aligning and arranging elements consistently across the document.
Baseline Grid:
This grid helps maintain a consistent vertical rhythm in the text, ensuring proper alignment and readability.
Preflight Panel:
The Preflight panel checks the document for potential printing issues, such as missing fonts or overset text, helping users catch errors before sending files for printing.
Master Pages:
Master pages provide a template for consistent elements (like headers and footers) across multiple pages.
By utilizing these Document Setup and Properties features, Adobe InDesign empowers users to create professional and print-ready documents with precision and efficiency.
Adobe InDesign offers two layout options for document pages: Facing Pages and Non-Facing Pages.
Facing Pages:
Definition: In Facing Pages layout, each spread (two pages viewed together) is treated as a single unit. This means that when you design, edit, or view pages, you see them side by side, like an open book.
Usage: Facing Pages is commonly used for print publications, such as books, magazines, and brochures, where content flows seamlessly from one page to the next within a spread.
Advantages:
Maintains visual continuity between pages in a spread.
Enables precise control over layout elements that span across both pages.
Non-Facing Pages:
Definition: In Non-Facing Pages layout, each page is treated as an individual unit. Pages are not displayed side by side, and there is no inherent connection between consecutive pages.
Usage: Non-Facing Pages is suitable for digital documents, presentations, or projects where page layout independence is preferred. Each page is designed separately without considering the content flow between adjacent pages.
Advantages:
Useful for single-page documents or presentations.
Provides flexibility when designing pages independently.
Choosing Between Facing and Non-Facing Pages:
Consider the type of publication: Facing Pages is more suitable for print projects, while Non-Facing Pages may be preferred for digital or single-page documents.
Design requirements: If your design requires a seamless visual flow across spreads, Facing Pages is ideal. For standalone pages with no need for visual continuity, Non-Facing Pages offers more flexibility.
Ultimately, the choice between Facing Pages and Non-Facing Pages in Adobe InDesign depends on the nature of your project and your specific design goals.
Adobe InDesign provides various navigation tools to help users navigate through their documents efficiently. One essential feature is the ability to show and hide different elements of the workspace to customize the view according to user preferences.
Show/Hide Panels:
InDesign allows users to show or hide panels to declutter the workspace. Panels contain tools and options that help users perform specific tasks.
To show or hide panels, users can go to the "Window" menu and select the desired panel or use shortcut commands.
Show/Hide Rulers and Guides:
Rulers and guides aid in precise document layout. Users can show or hide rulers by going to the "View" menu and selecting "Show Rulers." Guides can be toggled on or off using the shortcut keys.
Hide/Show Frame Edges:
Frame edges represent the boundaries of text or graphic frames. Users can show or hide these edges by selecting "View" in the menu and toggling "Extras" or using the shortcut Ctrl+H (Windows) or Command+H (Mac).
Hide/Show Hidden Characters:
InDesign allows users to reveal or hide non-printing characters like spaces, tabs, and paragraph breaks. This can be done through the "Type" menu by selecting "Show Hidden Characters."
Zoom In/Out:
Navigating through the document involves zooming in and out. Users can use the Zoom tool, the zoom slider in the bottom-left corner, or keyboard shortcuts to adjust the view.
Preview Mode:
Adobe InDesign offers a Preview mode that allows users to hide non-printing elements and view the document as it would appear when printed. This can be accessed through the "View" menu or by using the shortcut W.
By mastering the show and hide navigation options in Adobe InDesign, users can streamline their workflow, focus on specific tasks, and create a more personalized workspace tailored to their needs.
Adobe InDesign offers both "Save" and "Export" options to help users manage and share their projects effectively. Here's a brief overview of each:
Save:
File Format: InDesign Document (.indd)
Purpose: Saving your work using the "Save" option stores the project in its native InDesign format (.indd). This format retains all the design elements, layers, and settings, allowing you to continue working on the project later with full editing capabilities.
Usage: Use "Save" frequently during the design process to maintain the project's integrity and structure.
Export:
File Formats: InDesign offers various export options to cater to different needs. Some common formats include PDF, EPUB, HTML, JPEG, and more.
Purpose: The "Export" option is used to create a copy of the InDesign document in a different format, making it suitable for distribution, printing, or web publishing. Exporting allows you to share the document with others who may not have InDesign or to create a final version for printing or online viewing.
Customization: Depending on the chosen format, users can customize export settings, such as compression, resolution, color space, and more, to meet specific requirements.
Examples: Export as PDF for print, interactive PDF for digital distribution, EPUB for e-books, JPEG for web images, and HTML for web content.
In summary, "Save" is for preserving the project in its editable InDesign format, while "Export" is for creating non-editable copies in various file formats for different distribution purposes.
Adobe InDesign's Templates feature allows users to streamline their workflow and maintain consistency in their design projects. Here's a brief overview of each:
Templates:
InDesign Templates are pre-designed layouts that serve as a starting point for new documents.
Users can create and save templates to reuse designs, styles, and structures across different projects, saving time and maintaining brand consistency.
Templates can include master pages, styles, grids, and other elements, providing a foundation for a cohesive design.
When starting a new project, users can choose a template, speeding up the design process and reducing the need to recreate layouts from scratch.
Templates contribute to a more efficient and consistent design process in Adobe InDesign, allowing users to focus on creativity rather than repetitive setup tasks.
Adobe InDesign's Placing Images feature allows users to seamlessly incorporate images into their documents, making it a powerful tool for desktop publishing and design. When working on a project, users can use the "File" menu or the Place command (Ctrl+D on Windows or Command+D on Mac) to import images into their InDesign document.
Key points about InDesign's Placing Images:
Supported File Formats: InDesign supports a wide range of image file formats, including common ones like JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and PSD (Adobe Photoshop). This flexibility allows users to work with images created in various applications.
Dynamic Linking: InDesign utilizes dynamic linking, meaning it maintains a connection to the original image file rather than embedding it into the document. This helps keep file sizes manageable and facilitates easy updates if the source image is modified.
Image Manipulation: Once an image is placed in InDesign, users can resize, crop, rotate, and apply various transformations to suit the layout requirements. InDesign provides tools for precise control over image placement and scaling.
Links Panel: The Links panel in InDesign displays a list of all the placed images in the document along with essential information such as file paths, status, and effective resolution. It serves as a centralized hub for managing and updating linked images.
Embedded Images: While dynamic linking is the default behavior, users can also choose to embed images directly into the InDesign document. This can be useful when sharing files or if the original image files need to be included within the document.
Resolution Awareness: InDesign is resolution-aware, allowing users to maintain image quality by adjusting the display and output resolutions. This feature is particularly crucial for ensuring high-quality prints.
Fitting Options: InDesign provides options for fitting images into frames, such as filling the frame proportionally, fitting content to the frame, or centering the content within the frame. These options give designers flexibility in achieving the desired visual impact.
In summary, InDesign's Placing Images feature streamlines the integration of visual elements into documents, offering a range of tools for manipulation, dynamic linking, and efficient management of images within the design process.
Adobe InDesign's Package feature is a powerful tool designed to streamline the process of collecting and organizing all the elements of an InDesign project into a single, easily shareable package. When you use the Package feature, InDesign gathers all linked graphics, fonts, and other assets used in your document and compiles them into a folder. This folder includes a copy of the InDesign file, along with a Links folder containing all the linked images, fonts used in the document, and a packaged version of the document.
The Package feature ensures that all the necessary components of your project are included, making it convenient for sharing with collaborators or preparing files for printing. It helps prevent missing fonts or images, reducing the chances of errors when transferring files between different computers or sending them to a print service provider. The Package feature in Adobe InDesign is an essential tool for maintaining the integrity and completeness of your design projects throughout the collaboration and production processes.
Magazine Cover Elements
Masthead
The name of the magazine displayed in the typeface in which it is designed. This is the visual branding of the title and is usually done in a unique typeface to be very recognizable.
Selling line
Short, sharp description of the title's main marketing point ('The world's No 1 magazine for young women') or perhaps setting out its editorial philosophy.
Dateline
Month and year of publication, often with the price. Note that a monthly magazine usually hits the news-stands the month before the cover date.
Main image
In the case of this cover there is a single image of the model Shania. It is used in a classic way, the face is big enough to make an impact on the news-stand, with the model making full eye-contact.
Main cover line
This is very large - taking up about a quarter of the cover area - and comes in three layers, each with a different color. Note it is positioned against the model's shoulder so it shows up clearly.
Cover lines
Cosmopolitan uses many of cover lines, which are distributed around the main image without detracting from it too much.
Model credit
This says: 'Shania: So hot.' It is not unusual for such a credit to appear on the cover.
Left third
In Western countries, the left third of the cover is vital for selling the issue in shops where the magazine is not shown full-frontage. The title must be easily recognizable in a display of dozens of competitors. The start of the masthead is important here.
Bar code
Standard bar code used by retailers.
The secrets of magazine cover design
http://www.magforum.com/cover_secrets.htm
Magazine Cover Elements
http://acpathway.weebly.com/uploads/3/0/2/6/30261041/magazine_cover_elements.pdf
Structure of the Magazine
http://www.magazinedesigning.com/structure-of-the-magazine/
10 Tips for Designing High-Impact Magazines
https://design.tutsplus.com/articles/10-tips-for-designing-high-impact-magazines--cms-25956
Download the assets from Google Drive Lesson 01 folder.
Create a Magazine Cover based on an A4 Print Preset.
Front Cover
Masthead:
Arial, Black, 105 pt,
character color: C=0%, M=60%, Y=100%, K=0%
Dateline:
Arial, Regular, 14 pt,
character color: C=0%, M=60%, Y=100%, K=0%
Coverline:
Arial, Regular, 18 pt, leading 22,
character color: paper
Save as a Package.
Make screenshots of the InDesign in Normal View.
Make screenshots of the fully expanded package.
Maka a screenshot of your PDF in Acrobat Reader.
Put all your screenshots on your Express Page.
LinkedIn Learning
As a GLR student, you can continue to develop yourself 24/7. The online platform LinkedIn Learning offers thousands of video tutorials and online training sessions, to which you have free access with your GLR email address.
Once you have completed the virtual training, LinkedIn Learning grants you access to a certification. You can then showcase your success on your LinkedIn newsfeed.
Hurry and visit LINKEDIN LEARNING, log in with your GLR email address, and get started.
Watch the videos from "Cert Prep: Adobe Certified Associate - InDesign" chapter 1.
Note: At the end of SOFT2C, you need to submit the certificate you receive from LinkedIn Learning to your teacher. Watch the assigned chapters every week.