Below are InDesign video tutorials that Glenna created to demonstrate things you can do in Adobe InDesign to help with designing and typesetting your book.
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The InDesign video tutorials are divided into topics:
- InDesign book template + ID document setup tips
- New updates in InDesign CC2017
- InDesign basics
- Numbering, adding, deleting, and moving pages
- Layout and typesetting tricks
- Styles and organization in InDesign
- Inserting images into shapes
- Drawing shapes and using color
- InDesign effects
InDesign book template + ID document setup tricks
Here’s where you can learn to use the InDesign book template we created to go with our book. (It works great as an overall start to any InDesign book project, whether you’re using Book Design Made Simple or not.) And while you’re at it, you can learn other document setup tricks, too.
InDesign book template demo
First read about the template and find out what your book can look like. Then watch the video to use the template with more confidence!
Change trim size
Find out how to change your book’s page size and margins, either before or after you’ve typeset the book.
Estimate page count
This video accompanies the popular article on estimating a book’s page count by using the manuscript’s word count. From that article, you should first download our simple InDesign document, and then watch.
New updates in InDesign CC2017
Adobe released their 2017 update for Creative Cloud, and there are a few changes to InDesign. None of the changes affect the instructions in Book Design Made Simple; however, there are a few new features you might find useful!
Scaling arrowheads in InDesign CC2017
You’ve always been able to add arrowheads to the start and end of a line or path, however now you can scale each end independently. Also read an excerpt from Book Design Made Simple about how to create lines and arrows using the Stroke panel.
Blue highlighting in InDesign CC2017
You may have noticed some new colors of text highlighting in InDesign. The highlighting can be turned on or off, depending on your preferences. However, it can be handy to have InDesign point out if there is any text that doesn’t conform to the paragraph and character styles applied to it.
InDesign basics
If you’re just starting out with InDesign, you might find some aspects a little daunting. Don’t let that hold you back! Check out these videos that guide you through some of the actions you’ll use most often.
Navigating in InDesign
Getting from page to page can be done in several ways. Discover which one works best for you.
Selecting type and objects
Sometimes simply grabbing an object or some type is not as easy as you think it should be, so find out which tool does what and how to use each one.
Using layers
Once you discover layers, you’ll start using them right away. What could be more helpful than being able to put things in front of and behind each other? Also read an excerpt from Book Design Made Simple about how to use layers with text and shapes.
Numbering, adding, deleting, and moving pages
These five videos demonstrate how to organize your pages, even when you’re in the middle of a project.
Page numbering systems
Most books need more than one set of page numbers: lowercase roman numerals for the front matter, and arabic numerals for the rest of the book. Here’s how to do it.
Adding pages
Sometimes you need to add some pages in the middle of a book. It’s not difficult if you know some tricks before you start.
Deleting pages
If you want to get rid of some pages, that’s a bit trickier. Watch this demo to avoid frustration.
Moving pages within the same document
This is easily done as long as you keep it simple. Don’t get tangled up!
Moving pages to a new document
Here’s another task that’s not too difficult if you know what you’re doing. Gain confidence by viewing this demo.
Layout and typesetting tricks
Here are three videos that show you how to use columns and typeset poetry. Also read our blog post on how to typeset math in InDesign.
Using columns to change your layout
This video shows how to make and use a great-looking page with one wide column and one narrow column.
Typesetting a poetry book
What is the trick to typesetting poetry in a book? This video shows you how to get each poem to be centered on the page without resorting to centering each line of each poem.
Centering poems in text
When a poem appears in the middle of other text, how do you get it to be centered left-to-right on the page? Watch this short video to find out.
Styles and organization in InDesign
InDesign projects can become very complicated very quickly. But there are lots of features you can use to keep them under control, and that’s the purpose of the following lessons. After all, we use InDesign because we are all control freaks to some degree, right? So take this opportunity to find out more ways to work efficiently and keep the little bits and pieces from getting away from you.
Using InDesign object styles
This video points out the various ways that using object styles can make your design consistent throughout. Read an excerpt from Book Design Made Simple about how and why to use InDesign object styles. And once you’ve watched this video, also check out the next video, about InDesign libraries.
Transferring styles between documents
Learn how to pick up styles from one InDesign file and put them into another. It’s easy and can simplify setting up a document.
Using an InDesign library
A library is the perfect place to store assets that you use often in a project. Watch how easy it is to set up and use.
Inserting images into shapes
There are many things you can do with images in InDesign. We have made three videos showing some of the slightly more unusual techniques for putting pictures into shapes and type, and for adding images right into a line of type. Also read an excerpt from Book Design Made Simple about using InDesign layers with text and shapes.
Placing an image inside a shape
You’ve seen round photos in publications, but it’s not immediately obvious how to do this in InDesign. Check out this short video that shows the method.
Placing in image inside some type
Yes, that’s what it says, and that’s what we mean: type with a picture in it. This is fun, so watch and learn, and then try it yourself.
Placing a small image in a line of type
In this video called “Anchored Images,” we show you how to put a little image or shape inside a line of type, because sometimes words are just not enough! Once you learn how to do this, you’ll want to use inline objects all the time.
Drawing shapes and using color
You could do your drawing in Adobe Illustrator, and of course that’s what Illustrator is for. But in InDesign there are various ways to draw shapes, too, and it fills the bill for most drawing activities. The videos in this group give you an overview of the various methods.
Using the Polygon Tool
As the name implies, this tool draws multi-sided objects with regular sides. But it also draws star shapes. The video shows you how, and then how to alter the shapes to make them more interesting.
Using the Pathfinder
InDesign’s Pathfinder is a handy feature to know about, and fun to experiment with. In this video you’ll also get an introduction to the Pathfinder in Adobe Illustrator.
Using the Pen Tool to make shapes with straight lines
The Pen Tool is perfect for this. Just click at each corner of your shape; what could be easier?
Using the Pen Tool to make curved shapes
The Pen Tool can be used to make graceful curves, but it takes some practice. Watch this video to find out the trick to making it work effectively for you.
Using the Pencil Tool
InDesign’s Pencil Tool is perfect for drawing complex shapes. It has some hidden secrets that can help give you outstanding results.
InDesign effects
Transparency
This is the first of 6 lessons on using the Effects panel in InDesign. Transparency (also called Opacity) is an essential effect to understand.
Drop shadows and inner shadows
Once you understand the dialog box for shadows, you will be able to master any InDesign effect.
Solid drop shadows and cast shadows
These are not found in the Effects panel, but they are good to know about. You’ll enjoy tricking InDesign into making these cool shadows.
Glow
Make an object appear to light up the space around it or glow from inside.
Bevel & emboss and satin
Make an object appear three-dimensional with these effects. Learn the difference between beveling and embossing, and add some shine.
Feather
This effect makes objects fade out. Learn to control the fade to get the look you want.
If there are any topics in particular you’d like to see covered in our videos, please contact us and we’ll see what we can do. Thanks for watching!
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