Select the text where you want to apply ligatures using the Type tool.
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Apply ligatures to letter pairs
Last updated on
Jun 2, 2026
Learn how to use automatic ligature replacement in Adobe InDesign to improve typography and readability in professional layouts.
Ligatures are replacement characters for letter pairs like “fi” and “fl.” When activated and supported by the font, InDesign substitutes them automatically without affecting editing or spell checking.
Activate ligatures
Use the Ligatures option to automatically replace common character pairs with standard ligatures defined in the font.
Select Window > Type & Tables > Character.
Select the Character panel menu icon and then select Ligatures.
Activate discretionary ligatures
Some OpenType fonts include additional decorative ligatures. These optional ligatures can be allowed from the OpenType submenu.
Select the text with the Type tool.
Select Window > Type & Tables > Character.
Select the Character panel menu and then select OpenType > Discretionary Ligatures.
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