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Arabic and Hebrew
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Transform and arrange objects
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Apply color
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Define and manage color assets
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Advanced color techniques
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Color output and separations
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Apply Flex Layout properties
Last updated on
Jun 2, 2026
Learn how to use Object Styles to define and reuse Flex Layout configurations for containers and child objects in Adobe InDesign.
Object styles support Flex Layout properties, allowing you to define and reuse consistent layout behavior across multiple containers or child objects. Use this approach to standardize existing layouts or apply the same flex settings to new containers. For one-off layouts, use the Flex Layout panel directly.
Set Flex Layout container styles
Select the panel menu icon, then select New Object Style.
Select the Flex Layout option from the Basic Attributes list.
Set the container width and height to Auto (adapts to content) or Fixed (maintains specified dimensions).
Enter a descriptive name for your style in the Style Name field.
Select OK.
Select your Flex Layout container and select the style name in the Object Styles panel to apply the style.
Tip
Base new Flex Layout styles on existing ones by selecting a style in the Based On drop-down menu.
The same Flex Layout section in Object Styles can also define properties for Flex Layout child elements and their nested child elements, allowing you to standardize behavior, such as fixed or flexible dimensions, across your layout.
- Direct creation of interactive elements: Convert child elements within a Flex Layout into interactive elements without creating them separately and adding them to the Flex Layout.
- Lock child elements: Lock one or more child elements within a Flex Layout to prevent direct dragging, resizing, or moving them outside the frame, while still allowing position changes using keyboard arrow keys.
- Keyboard navigation for child elements: Reposition locked or unlocked elements using the left or right arrow keys in horizontal layouts or the up or down arrow keys in vertical layouts.
You can use Object Styles to define flex properties within locked flex frames.
Select Window > Styles > Object Styles.
Select the panel menu icon, then select New Object Style or double-click an existing one to edit it.
Select Flex Layout from the Basic Attributes list.
Locate the Flex Layout Child section within the Flex Layout options.
Select OK. You can use Object Styles to define flex properties within locked flex frames.
Work with nested Flex Layouts
When nesting Flex Layout containers, both container and child properties apply, and the Flex Layout Child section governs the width and height.
Select the Flex Layout container that will act as the parent.
Place one or more Flex Layout containers inside it to create a nested structure.
Open the Object Styles panel for the nested container.
In the Flex Layout Child section, set the W (Width) and H (Height) values.
Verify that the width and height values match those in the Flex Layout section.
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