InDesign Help | InDesign getting started tutorials

What is InDesign CS6?

Adobe TV (May. 15, 2012)

video-tutorial

Learn about Adobe InDesign, the industry-standard publishing application for print publications, interactive PDF documents, digital magazines, and EPUBs.

10 Things Beginners Want To Know How To Do in InDesign

Terry White (Nov. 26, 2012)

video-tutorial

Terry will demonstrate 10 things beginners want to know how to do in Adobe InDesign CS6.

Learn InDesign CS6 video tutorials

Adobe TV (May. 7, 2012)

video-tutorial

Learn the basics of InDesign CS6 with Getting Started and New Features tutorials by product experts.

Create new documents

article (Apr. 5, 2013)

Create new documents in Adobe InDesign

Linking Content

Anne-Marie Concepcion (May. 15, 2012)

video-tutorial

Watch this video tutorial to learn how to create and update links between objects in the same document and others.

Using the Content Collector and Content Placer too...

Anne-Marie Concepcion (May. 15, 2012)

video-tutorial

Learn about the Content Collector and Content Placer tools. See how to use the Conveyor and most of its options, such as navigating and drilling down into groups.

Create new documents (Chinese, Japanese, and Korean only)

article (Dec. 20, 2012)

For East Asian versions only

Printing booklets using your desktop printer

Jeff Witchel (Oct. 15, 2012)

video-tutorial

Learn how to create a booklet and print it using your desktop printer

Creating and saving your own workspace

Jeff Witchel (Oct. 15, 2012)

video-tutorial

Learn how to personalize the workspace

Setting pagination (video 3:56), CS3-CS6

David Blatner (Sep. 1, 2012)

video-tutorial

Learn how to automatically number pages and chapters in multiple documents.

Layers magazine video tutorials

video-tutorial (Aug. 1, 2012)

Visit Layers Magazine, to see the latest InDesign tutorials.

Applying guide-based Liquid Layout rules

Anne-Marie Concepcion (May. 15, 2012)

video-tutorial

Learn how guide-based Liquid Layout rules work, and how to create liquid guides and ruler guides.

Applying object-based Liquid Layout rules

Anne-Marie Concepcion (May. 15, 2012)

video-tutorial

Discover how the object-based Liquid Layout rules work, both on-object and via the Liquid Layout panel.

Building a Newsletter

Kelly McCathran (May. 15, 2012)

video-tutorial

This tutorial shows how to create a newsletter, which is one of the easiest, most inexpensive ways to reach customers and colleagues or connect with family.

Creating a Letterhead

Kelly McCathran (May. 15, 2012)

video-tutorial

Letterhead is fundamental for branding, in this InDesign tutorial we will build one from scratch, complete with guides, logo, and contact text.

Creating and previewing a basic form

Anne-Marie Concepcion (May. 15, 2012)

video-tutorial

A tutorial to show how to create a simple form using most of the different types of fields available in InDesign.

Exporting to EPUB 3 and fixed layout

Anne-Marie Concepcion (May. 15, 2012)

video-tutorial

This video demonstration helps you learn about the new EPUB3 option in the Export EPUB dialog box.

Reviewing the Forms tools

Anne-Marie Concepcion (May. 15, 2012)

video-tutorial

An overview of the form field-related buttons, dialog boxes and menu commands in InDesign. Compare the old and new ways of creating interactive forms.

Testing a form in Acrobat

Anne-Marie Concepcion (May. 15, 2012)

video-tutorial

This tutorial shows you how InDesign form fields look in Acrobat or Reader. Then, learn how to continue modifying the interactive fields in Acrobat for additional functionality, and how the form performs in Acrobat.

Understanding Liquid Layout rules

Anne-Marie Concepcion (May. 15, 2012)

video-tutorial

This tutorial defines and demonstrates Liquid Layout, and tours the location of Liquid Layout-related commands and dialog boxes.

Using advanced EPUB 2 export controls

Anne-Marie Concepcion (May. 15, 2012)

video-tutorial

This tutorial discusses the new paragraph style option for splitting a document for EPUB export.

Using basic Liquid Layout rules: Scale, Recenter, and Based on Master

Anne-Marie Concepcion (May. 15, 2012)

video-tutorial

Discover how to apply None, Scale, and Recenter rules when resizing a layout. Also learn the meaning behind "Based on Master."

Working with Alternate Layouts

Anne-Marie Concepcion (May. 15, 2012)

video-tutorial

Learn how to use Alternate Layouts for both print and digital publishing.

Working with Frames

Kelly McCathran (May. 15, 2012)

video-tutorial

Everything that is placed into InDesign ends up in a frame. You can create frames from scratch, or if you "place" (import) text or images into a document, InDesign automatically creates the frame for you.

Working with Graphics

Kelly McCathran (May. 15, 2012)

video-tutorial

In this video you'll learn about placing, which is how you import photos or text into your InDesign page. We'll go over the popular image formats: PSD, AI, PSD, TIFF, and JPEG. You will also see how to scale, center, and crop photos.

Working with Tools

Kelly McCathran (May. 15, 2012)

video-tutorial

The InDesign toolbar contains a lot of tools, many of which are hidden or "nested" underneath the tools you see initially. In this video you will see the primary tools used to select, rotate and size objects. You'll also learn how to use the Type tool to edit text and create frames with or without borders, switch tools using your keyboard, and navigate with the Hand and Zoom tools.

Build digital magazines with InDesign CS5.5 and Adobe Digital Publishing Suite (video 09:06)

Terry White (May. 7, 2012)

video-tutorial

In this video, see you how to create immersive digital magazines for tablet devices using InDesign.

Create more compelling eBooks with InDesign CS5.5 (video 16:11)

Terry White (May. 7, 2012)

video-tutorial

In this video, see the new features in InDesign CS5.5 - including linked text, articles panel, and the ability to embed audio and video – that will help you design more engaging eBooks than ever before.

Using the Control panel (video 2:14), CS3-CS6

Adam Pratt (Jan. 2, 2011)

video-tutorial

Learn how to use the context-sensitive Control panel in InDesign to access frequently used features.

Using the Links panel (video 5:23), CS4-CS6

Michael Ninness (Jan. 2, 2011)

video-tutorial

Watch and learn how to customize the Links panel to suit your needs.

Adding audio and video content to EPUB (video 02:46)

Colin Fleming (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

In this video tutorial, see how simple it is to embed audio and video content in InDesign CS5.5 and later, for export to EPUB.

Adding headers and footers to tables (video 3:18), CS3-CS6

Anne-Marie Concepcion (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

Watch this video to learn how to add headers and footer to tables in your InDesign layout.

Adobe Creative Suite 5/5.5 Printing Guide (PDF, 21 MB)

article (Jan. 1, 2011)

Download this guide to learn how to set up Adobe documents for print. All the information you need for professional printing in one place.

Applying GREP styles (video 4:46), CS4-CS6

Michael Ninness (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

This video tutorial shows you how to apply a character style to any text that matches the GREP expression you specify. Make the GREP style part of a paragraph style.

Building a grid of objects quickly (PDF, 100 KB)

article (Jan. 1, 2011)

Tutorial to build a grid of objects in InDesign CS5 and later.

Classroom in a Book

Adobe Press (Jan. 1, 2011)

article

This completely revised CS6 edition covers the new tools for adding PDF form fields, linking content, and creating alternative layouts for digital publishing. The companion CD includes all the lesson files that readers need to work along with the book.

Controlling order of content export from InDesign to EPUB without changing your layout (video 04:54)

Colin Fleming (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

Learn how to create and organize articles in the Articles panel for export to EPUB, without changing layout or writing code.

Create new documents

article (Jan. 1, 2011)

Creating a table of contents (video 4:15), CS3-CS6

David Blatner (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

In this video, see the basics of setting up a table of contents.

Creating accessible PDF documents (PDF, 2.6 MB)

article (Jan. 1, 2011)

Creating and editing motion presets (video 5:23)

Anne-Marie Concepcion (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

See how to edit and customize motion path presets, which allow you to animate images or text in InDesign.

Creating and formatting tables (video 6:29), CS3-CS6

Anne-Marie Concepcion (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

See how to create and format tables.

Creating bullets and numbering (video 12:16), CS3-CS6

Anne-Marie Concepcion (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

See how to create bullets and add them to your layout.

Creating conditional text (video 6:48), CS4-CS6

David Blatner (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

Learn how to use conditional text in InDesign.

Creating covers and title pages for EPUB (video 05:50)

Colin Fleming (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

Learn how to create covers and title pages for your EPUB titles.

Creating cross-references (video 5:45), CS4-CS6

David Blatner (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

Walk through the procedure of adding cross-references. Create cross-references that can be updated quickly when the target text or pagination changes. Create a custom cross-reference format.

Creating documents with Interactive features (video 8:06)

Anne-Marie Concepcion (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

Learn how to use the Media panel, the Preview panel, and the Timing panel to determine what happens when.

Creating drop shadows (video 3:39), CS3-CS6

Anne-Marie Concepcion (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

In this short demo, see how to apply the Drop Shadow effect to objects in your layout.

Creating footnotes (video 2:44), CS3-CS6

David Blatner (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

In this short video, learn the essentials of adding footnotes.

Creating interactive documents in a snap (PDF, 201 KB)

article (Jan. 1, 2011)

A handy tutorial on how to add interactivity to your documents.

Creating multistate objects (PDF, 203 KB)

article (Jan. 1, 2011)

This short tutorial shows you how to create multi-state objects to add interactivity.

Creating rich interactive documents (PDF, 6.7 MB)

article (Jan. 1, 2011)

Learn how to create rich interactive documents using InDesign.

Creating running headers and footers (video 5:22), CS3-CS6

Anne-Marie Concepcion (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

Watch how to use variables to create running headers and footers.

Defining Sections (video 4:59), CS3-CS6

David Blatner (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

Learn how to define sections in an InDesign document.

Document installed fonts (video 2:29)

Michael Ninness (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

Learn how to use document installed fonts in your designs, in InDesign CS5 and later.

Enhanced eBook Authoring (video 1:10)

video-tutorial (Jan. 1, 2011)

Watch a quick a over view on the EPUB capabilities in InDesign CS5.5.

Exploring new FLA export options (video 6:26)

Anne-Marie Concepcion (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

See how to publish your InDesign project in a variety of Flash formats by using the enhanced Export dialog box in InDesign CS5 and later.

Exporting documents to EPUB (PDF, 265 KB)

article (Jan. 1, 2011)

A short and quick overview on how to export your layouts to EPUB in InDesign CS5.

Exporting to EPUB for the Apple iBookstore (PDF, 2.5 MB)

article (Jan. 1, 2011)

Learn how to create an EPUB for the Apple iBook store

Finding and changing expressions, text and object formatting (video 6:38), CS3-CS6

Anne-Marie Concepcion (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

Watch how to use the Find/Change command to search for and replace characters, formats, and more.

Folio Producer Tools (video 1:04)

video-tutorial (Jan. 1, 2011)

An very short overview of Folio Producer tools for Digital Publishing.

Generating image captions with metadata (PDF, 148 KB)

article (Jan. 1, 2011)

A short tutorial on how to work with medata and auto-generate captions for images in your layout.

Grid Mode and Live Distribute (video 2:48)

Michael Ninness (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

Watch how you can quickly create grids on the fly using design tools that are "gridified".

Importing content into InDesign (video 8:37), CS3-CS6

Terry White (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

Learn how to import content from Word, Excel, Photoshop, and PDF files.

Layers panel (video 2:59)

Michael Ninness (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

See how the all new Layers panel lets you manage objects in complex documents with more control in InDesign CS5.

Linking text stories (PDF, 217 KB)

article (Jan. 1, 2011)

A short tutorial on the Place and Link Story feature in InDesign CS5.5.

Live captions (video 3:04)

Michael Ninness (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

See how InDesign CS5 and later allow you to take advantage of metadata embedded in an image to create live captions and then automatically and flexibly place them in your layout.

Making shiny graphics (PDF, 203 KB)

Mike Rankin (Jan. 1, 2011)

article

This tutorial shows you how to apply a shiny, glossy effect on objects in your layout.

Managing documents with multiple page sizes (PDF, 136 KB)

article (Jan. 1, 2011)

A short tutorial on how to manage documents with multiple page sizes, in InDesign CS5 and later.

Managing pages (video 3:53), CS3-CS6

Mordy Golding (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

See how to manage pages in InDesign. Use the Pages panel to add, remove, and rearrange pages.

Mini Bridge: Getting access to your assets (PDF, 180 KB)

article (Jan. 1, 2011)

Use Bridge as a floating panel inside InDesign. yes Mini Bridge.

Mixing page sizes with the new Page tool (video 8:03)

Anne-Marie Concepcion (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

Create complete brochures and book covers along with text with the new ability to mix page sizes within a single file

New export options for EPUB (video 05:56), CS5.5

Colin Fleming (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

See an overview of all the new Export Options for EPUB in InDesign CS5.5, including the ordering panel and cover improvements.

Paragraphs that span and split columns (video 2:01)

Michael Ninness (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

See how to build complex layouts in less clicks with paragraphs that span or split columns in InDesign CS5 and later.

Placing images in tables (video 4:16), CS3-CS6

Anne-Marie Concepcion (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

Learn how to place an image into a table cell.

Preparing files for output (video 7:09), CS3-CS5

Colin Fleming (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

See how to prepare files for output.

Rotating Spread view (video 3:31), CS4-CS6

David Blatner (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

When one or more objects on a page is rotated, learn how to rotate the spread view to make easy edits. Discover a number of navigation tips to save time.

Saving production time (PDF, 148 KB), CS5

article (Jan. 1, 2011)

Some small features that save you tons of time in CS5.

Selection tool, Gap tool & Live Corner effects (video 5:13)

Michael Ninness (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

Watch how you can make short work of everyday layout tasks using these intuitive productivity tools.

Setting object export options (PDF, 160 KB), CS5.5 and later

article (Jan. 1, 2011)

How to use the Object Export options to streamline your export workflow.

Setting opacity (video 2:31), CS3-CS6

Anne-Marie Concepcion (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

See how to apply independent opacity settings for objects, fills, strokes, and text.

Spanning and Splitting columns (video 6:15)

Anne-Marie Concepcion (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

Set up spanning heads over any number of columns or split a group of columns into additional columns to save vertical space.

Styles mapped to tags in InDesign for improved EPUB export (video 05:13)

Colin Fleming (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

In InDesign CS5.5 and later, you can map paragraph and character styles directly to EPUB, HTML and PDF tags to ensure that styles you define in InDesign are exported appropriately. You can also add CSS class names and type n your own custom tags.

Synchronizing master pages (video 2:54), CS3-CS6

David Blatner (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

See this video to learn how to synchronize master pages, styles, and swatches to maintain a consistent look and feel across several documents.

Track text changes (video 2:01)

Michael Ninness (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

Learn how to collaborate with even greater efficiency using new Track Text Changes in InDesign CS5 and later.

Using Object Export options to customize how objects and images export to EPUB ( video 05:18)

Colin Fleming (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

Use Object Export Options to customize how objects and images are exported to EPUB to ensure best viewing results on any screen - no matter what size.

Using keyboard shortcuts (video 8:36), CS3-CS6

Colin Fleming (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

See a demonstration of frequentl used keyboard shortcuts, and use Quick Apply.

Using object styles (video 3:54), CS3-CS6

Anne-Marie Concepcion (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

Watch and learn how to create object styles in InDesign, and use styles to apply the same set of attributes and effects to several objects.

Using table styles (video 7:23), CS3-CS6

Anne-Marie Concepcion (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

See this video see how to create and apply table styles and cell styles.

Using the Text Wrap panel (video 5:03), CS3-CS6

David Blatner (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

Learn how to use the Text Wrap panel to make text automatically flow around pictures and objects.

Working with Microsoft Word and Excel tables in InDesign (video 9:36), CS3-CS6

David Blatner (Jan. 1, 2011)

video-tutorial

Learn how to import or link tables from Word and Excel in InDesign. See how to import tables with or without formatting, and apply formatting using styles in InDesign.