Adobe InDesign Core Skills: Level 1 Course Outline
*** Platform Note: This class for Mac or PC Users ***
Adobe software is virtually the same on the Mac and PC platforms. When taking this class at an ONLC center, it will be taught using PC hardware with Windows software. Minor Mac keyboard and interface differences will be highlighted by the instructor.
When taking this course from home or office, students can use either PC or Mac hardware to attach to the hosted Windows-based Adobe software.
Overview
This class includes a thorough review of the InDesign interface including how to use tools and panels, and how to customize and save workspaces. You will learn how to set up documents and save document presets, and navigate and zoom in and out as needed as you work on layouts.
To create professional layouts in InDesign you must know how to create text frames and graphic frames, and place text content and images. Once you understand these key skills, you will learn to set up more complex documents using master pages, guides, grids and placeholders; and how to add, rearrange and delete pages using the Pages panel. You will also learn how to format text and paragraphs, and how to create and apply Paragraph and Character Styles.
Upon completion of the course, you will understand the correct use of different color modes, how to apply color to design elements, create custom colors, and work with swatches and gradients. Other important core skills include how to find and change missing fonts, check spelling and work with graphic objects.
Finally, you will learn to package InDesign projects to send to a printer, creating one final .zip file. You will also learn to create a PDF proof, and export InDesign documents to PDF format, understanding different types of PDFs and how to use PDF presets.
*** Version Note ***
Our Adobe classes are for users of the CC and CS6 versions. These classes are run on the CC version of the software but are relevant for CS6 users as well. In addition, we upgrade our software shortly after new training materials are released from Adobe. Typically new content is available within 2 to 4 months of a software release.
Interested in More Training?
For individuals seeking comprehensive training, we offer bundles so that you can attend multiple Adobe InDesign classes at a discount. For more information on savings, go to:
Adobe InDesign Bundle
Target Student
This course is appropriate for beginners and for anyone who is self-taught on the basics of InDesign. Quite often even experienced users find they benefit from the Core Skills: Level 1 class to fill the gaps in their knowledge. However, if you feel you are already quite familiar with the content in the Level 1 course, consider our Level 2 course:
InDesign CC Core Skills: Level 2
Can't Get Off Work to Attend Class?
Consider our Adobe On-Demand courses. These self-study classes let you learn at your own pace on your own time. Our classes blend Adobe Official training materials with video tutorials, quizzes, and real world project-based labs to offer a cost-effective alternative to our live instructor-led classes. To learn more see:
Adobe On-Demand: Adobe InDesign CC
Prerequisites
Basic computer and file management skills are required for Core Skills level Adobe courses. Students should know how to - locate, copy and open files; create folders; arrange, re-size, minimize and maximize application windows; start and exit programs; manage use of multiple programs simultaneously; and switch between open programs.
COURSE OUTLINE
Introducing the Workspace
Open documents.
Select and use tools.
View information in the Properties panel.
Use the Control panel.
Manage document windows.
Work with panels.
Customize the workspace.
Change the magnification of a document.
Navigate through a document.
Use context menus and panel menus.
Change Interface preferences
Getting to Know InDesign
View layout aids.
Type and style text.
Import text and thread text frames.
Import a graphic.
Move, rotate, fill, and stroke (outline) an object.
Automate formatting with paragraph, character, and object styles.
Check on potential production issues with the Preflight panel.
Preview a document in Presentation mode.
Setting up a Document and Working with Pages
Create a new document and set document defaults.
Save custom document settings as a document preset.
Lay out a parent page.
Create an additional parent page.
Apply a parent page to document pages.
Add pages to a document.
Rearrange and delete pages.
Change the size of pages.
Create sections and specify page numbering.
Lay out document pages.
Prepare artwork to print to the edge of the paper.
Rotate a document page.
Working with Objects
Work with layers.
Create and edit text frames and graphics frames.
Import graphics into graphics frames.
Crop, move, and scale graphics.
Wrap text around an object or a graphic.
Modify and align objects.
Select and modify multiple objects.
Managing color
Create color swatches.
Apply colors to objects, strokes, and text.
Flowing Text
Import and flow text into existing text frames.
Resize text frames automatically.
Link text frames to flow text across columns and pages.
Clean up text by deleting extra paragraph returns
Apply paragraph styles to text.
Control column breaks.
Make a jump line to indicate where an article continues.
Editing Text
Enter and import text.
Find and change text and formatting.
Check the spelling in a document.
Edit a spelling dictionary.
Automatically correct misspelled words.
Working with Typography
Adjust vertical and horizontal text spacing.
Change fonts and type styles.
Insert special characters.
Create a headline that spans multiple columns.
Adjust line and column breaks.
Add and format a drop cap.
Adjust line breaks.
Working with Styles
Creating and applying paragraph styles
Creating and applying character styles
Globally updating styles
Loading styles from another document
Printing and Exporting
Previewing the page
Creating an Adobe PDF proof
Creating a Press-Ready PDF and saving a PDF preset
Packaging files
View outline in Word
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