InDesign Session: 13th Oct

Today was our third week with Mike in the computer suite. Previously we have explored Illustrator and Photoshop, meaning this week was the turn of InDesign. This particular programme is one of my least favourites so I was quite intrigued as to what I could learn, and if it would sway my preferences. Below are a few scans from my notebook in reference to key actions and processes which are essential to optimising use.

After learning about the initial set up menu and how to effectively create a new document we then went on to swatches. We have been taught about these in both other programmes and I guess now it was the turn of InDesign. Below is a screen shot showing the box that appears when you choose to add a new colour swatch from the drop down menu.

This image shows the options you will be faced with if you want to add a new tint swatch. This is one process that differs quite significantly to its photoshop or illustrator counterpart.

The image below just shows the effect of what duplicating an object can do. We were taught a handy little key board short cut that I found most useful: Apple, Alt & 4. This will copy your chosen object in exactly the same position that the one before it did. For example directly to the right or below, just like the image depicts.

Another useful process that we were taught today was how to separate the CMYK colours and in turn create four images that could be used for screen printing. Apparently this is also how it works in the commercial printing business. Below is the box that appears to help you see how much of each ink is required. In the image all the layers are selected, evident by the eye symbol, however by clicking a single line you can view a single colour. The box below also includes an additional colour, PANTONE Orange 021 U, which in this case is a spot colour.

This last image is of another useful skill in InDesign. It displays something called 'overprint' which means that when two colours are overlapped they reveal a third colour in the middle section. This proves useful when working with a limited colour palette and again is similar in style to screen printing.