Select multiple objects in your document.
Last updated on
Nov 10, 2026
Learn how to create Flex Layouts in Adobe InDesign using empty containers, existing objects, and auto-sizing text frames.
Create an empty Flex Layout
Select the Flex Layout icon from the Properties panel. The selected objects are added to a Flex Container.
Drag and drop objects into the container. The container items adjust automatically based on the Flex Container settings - direction, alignment, justification, and spacing.
- Flex Layout is scriptable.
- Press Esc to move the selection from a child object to the parent object inside a Flex Layout.
Auto-resize text frame using the Text Frame Options
Add a text frame as a flex child in a Flex Layout or select a text frame Flex Layout Child.
Go to Object > Text Frame Options, and select the Auto-Size option from the Text Frame Options dialog box.
Select Height Only, Width Only, Height and Width, or Height and Width (Keep Proportions). The default option is Off.
Auto-resize text frame using the Flex Layout Child options
Add a text frame as a flex child in a Flex Layout or select a text frame Flex Layout Child.
In the Flex Layout Child options of the Properties panel, select the Auto option for W or H. The frame now resizes automatically to fit its content instead of overflowing.
Create a Flex Layout in an existing document
When you convert a selection to a Flex Layout, InDesign analyzes alignment and spacing to apply suitable layout behavior. This helps your layouts respond consistently to content changes.
Select multiple objects or groups you want to include in a Flex Layout.
For groups: Right-click the selected group and select Flex Layout > Convert to Flex Layout.
For multiple objects: Right-click the selected objects and select Flex Layout > Add to Flex Layout.
Note
InDesign auto-detects the direction and properties for Flex Layout. To turn it on or off, select Edit > Preferences > General (Windows) or InDesign > Preferences > General (macOS), then select or deselect Auto-detect and apply Flex Layout settings option, and select OK.
Using the auto detect to convert a group of different-sized items to a Flex Layout will no longer reorder
them by size. You can now use it to preserve the original arrangement without disturbing your intended visual design.
InDesign detects layout properties based on how the selected objects are aligned:
- Aligned selections: The container direction matches the alignment, sizing is set to Auto along that axis, and spacing is set to Space Between.
- Unaligned selections: Wrap Content is turned on, and the container uses a fixed size on the primary axis and auto-sizing on the secondary axis.
You can adjust direction, justification, spacing, wrap, and alignment.
Convert parent elements into settings using the Flex Layouts to build nested structures.
Add or remove items to see how the layout responds and refine until it adapts smoothly.
Note
Auto-detection does not create nested Flex Layouts. Groups that already contain a Flex Layout are treated as single objects, so convert inner groups manually before or after creating the outer container.
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