Setup
Determines if the document is set up as single pages or spreads.
Facing Pages
To add text boxes, you would use this tool.
Type Tool
The keyboard shortcut for the selection tool.
V
Feature that allows you to edit/control the entire document at one time.
Parent/Master Pages
Number of columns used for the Trop.
6
Space between two columns.
Column Gutter
Use this tool to select, move, or resize an object.
Selection Tool
The keyboard shortcut for the direct selection tool.
A
You use this feature to quickly measure something in your document and pull down guidelines.
Ruler
Unlike Photoshop, InDesign uses these types of images.
Vector
Depicted by a purple/pink line. This sets a boundary within your page to discourage design detail from getting too close to the trim line.
Margins
This tool is an easy way to place a photo into your document at a certain size or spot.
The keyboard shortcut for the type tool.
T
Used to control font/text in a larger document. This quickly allows you to format text throughout your document.
Paragraph Styles
Unlike Illustrator, to add text to your document you must add this using your type tool.
Text box
Depicted by a red line. This boundary acts as a guide for printing to make sure the content goes to the very edge of the page.
Bleed
Use this tool to edit specific anchor points on an object.
Direct Selection Tool
The keyboard shortcut for the pen tool.
P
Working with lists? Use this tool to make sure everything lines up the same each time.
Tabs
The most common document type to save InDesign files as.
InDesign uses this color mode since the program is used for printing content.
CYMK
Background too flat? Use this tool to add some dimension to a flat surface.
Gradient Swatch Tool
The keyboard shortcut for the rectangle tool.
M
Symbolized as an "A" on your parent page. This object automatically updates with any changes/additions made to your document.
Current Page Number
Essentials