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 from one of our locations, 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 a Core Skills: Level 1 class to fill in the gaps in their knowledge. However, if you feel that you are already familiar with the content covered in the Level 1 course, you can view the Level 2 course outline here:
InDesign CC Core Skills: Level 2
Having Trouble Taking Off Work for Training?
Many people are not able to take off for a 2 or 3-day class. We have another option. Our Adobe On-Demand 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, click on the link below:
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
Introducting the Workspace
Getting started
Looking at the workspace
Working with panels
Customizing the workspace
Navigating through a document
Using context menus
Using panel menus
Modifying interface preferences
Exploring on your own
Getting to Know InDesign
Getting started
Viewing guides
Preflighting as you work
Adding text
Working with styles
Working with graphics
Working with objects
Working with object styles
Viewing the document in Presentation mode
Exploring on your own
Setting up a Document and Working with Pages
Getting started
Creating and saving custom document settings
Creating a new document
Switching between open InDesign documents
Working with master pages
Applying master pages to document pages
Adding new document pages
Rearranging and deleting document pages
Changing the size of pages
Adding sections to change page numbering
Overriding master page items and placing text and graphics
Printing to the edge of the paper: using the bleed guides
Viewing the completed spread
Exploring on your own
Working with Objects
Getting started
Working with layers
Creating and modifying text frames
Creating and modifying graphics frames
Wrapping text around a graphic
Transforming and aligning objects
Selecting and modifying grouped objects
Drawing lines and modifying arrowheads
Finishing up
Exploring on your own
Flowing Text
Getting started
Flowing text into an existing frame
Flowing text manually
Applying paragraph styles to text
Adjusting columns
Adding a jump line page number
Exploring on your own
Editing Text
Getting started
Entering and importing text
Finding and changing text and formatting
Checking spelling
Exploring on your own
Working with Typography
Getting started
Adjusting vertical spacing
Working with fonts, type styles, and glyphs
Fine-tuning columns
Changing paragraph alignment
Creating a drop cap
Adjusting letter and word spacing
Adjusting line breaks
Exploring on your own
Getting Started
Managing color
Defining printing requirements
Creating colors
Applying colors
Exploring on your own
Working with Styles
Getting started
Creating and applying paragraph styles
Creating and applying character styles
Globally updating styles
Loading styles from another document
Exploring on your own
Printing and Exporting
Getting started
Previewing the page
Creating an Adobe PDF proof
Creating a Press-Ready PDF and saving a PDF preset
Packaging files
Exploring on your own
View outline in Word
IID120
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