33 InDesign tutorials to level up your skills

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Digital publishing platform Adobe InDesign has a ton of features that make it essential for everything from brochure design to creating magazine layouts, to eye-catching poster design.

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Here we've rounded up the best InDesign tutorials on the web, which walk you through a variety of design projects. You're sure to find something here to stretch your skills. You can jump directly to a section using the dropdown menu above, or browse them all.

InDesign tutorials for beginners

01. See what you can create with InDesign

This short video explains how InDesign is used and by whom

If you're a newcomer to InDesign, spend a couple of minutes watching this short tutorial that explains exactly what the software is, its purpose and who uses it. It's a really clear explanation that shows off many of the time-saving tools and features of InDesign CC that you'll probably end up using all the time.

02. Get started with InDesign

This series of videos from Adobe will help you get started

This series of short tutorials, created by Adobe, is designed to teach you everything you need to know to start working in InDesign. There's a mini video showing you how to make and save a document and a tour of the InDesign workspace. As you continue through, you'll learn how to add and format text, then move on to working with graphics.

03. Explore InDesign basics

This 5-minute tutorial walks through the tools you need to know

There are many tools to get your head around in InDesign and it's easy to feel intimidated by them all. In this five-minute tutorial, Matthew Pizzi introduces you to the primary tools in InDesign CC and explains what does what, so you won't feel quite so lost.

04. A quick guide to master pages

The basic idea behind master pages is that whatever you place on the master page will all be applied to any other pages that have the master applied to them. They are extremely useful for ensuring consistency within your designs, and once you've got the hang of them they're ideal for streamlining your workflow. Here a basic guide to how to use them.

05. Working with graphics

Master the basics of working with graphics

In just under seven minutes, this tutorial teaches you about placing, which is how you import photos or text into your InDesign page. It covers all the popular image formats: PSD, AI, TIFF and JPEG, as well as explaining how to scale, centre and crop photos.

06. 5 tips for working with images

In this tutorial, Adobe evangelist Terry White picks out five key tips for working with images in Indesign CC. It's a recording of a live session, so there's a bit of faffing about at the start – you can skip the first couple of minutes if you want to get straight to the tips.

07. Pro tips for working with type

Advice for working with type in InDesign

In this tutorial, magazine designer Jo Gulliver shows you some of the most valuable typographic tools in InDesign. In it, you'll learn how to quickly highlight text, control copy flow, align text and insert ligatures. It'll show you how to polish your text so it works perfectly within your design.

08. 5 amazing things you can do in Adobe InDesign

In this video tutorial, Terry White is back, alongside British graphic designer Dave Clayton. The two of them share cool InDesign-made projects they've discovered, as well as tricks and tips they've picked up from Adobe events and their own experience using the design tool.

Next page: Tips for using InDesign tools

09. Create vertical text in InDesign

Vertical text is an easy way to add interest to designs

Vertical text can instantly add interest to your designs, and is ideal for use on posters or for headlines within editorial layouts. This step-by-step InDesign tutorial from InDesignSkills shows you how to create and format vertical text within your documents.

10. Three new text features in InDesign CC

In this video tutorial, Adobe evangelist Terry White talks though three new text features from the 2018 release of InDesign CC, all of which are set to delight typography fans.

The first feature is additional filters, which enable you to better organise your font list, so you can find what you want much quicker – for example, you can narrow down your list by serif or sans-serif fonts, or set it only to show decorative or script fonts. The second new feature enables you to search for fonts that are similar to one you have selected. The third feature enables you to place text in your CC library.

11. Wrap text around an object

Add flair by wrapping text around an object

You can wrap text around any object, including text frames, imported images, and objects you draw in InDesign CC. It's ideal for adding character and flair to your layouts. In this video tutorial Chad Chelius demonstrates the ins and outs of using the Text Wrap tool.

12. Set a print bleed

Set up print bleed so you avoid white margins

If your print design extends all the way to the edge of the page, it's essential to include a print bleed so you avoid an ugly white margin. This InDesign tutorial shows you how to set this up, including adding crop marks for the bindery.

13. Control multiple page sizes

Learn how to control different page sizes in a single document

In this InDesign tutorial, you'll discover an easy way to control multiple page sizes within a single document. Using a fake magazine layout as an example, the tutorial walks you through manipulating page size, creating gatefolds and adding a spine.

14. Quickly duplicate content

Discover a simple way to duplicate content

Copy and pasting is a useful technique, but it has some shortcomings - which is where InDesign CS6's Content Collector tool comes in. In this five minute video tutorial, Adobe expert trainer Tony Harmer reveals the benefits of this tool.

15. Create a neon text effect

Create this cool text effect quickly

Light-up neon type is an ideal way to add a little 80s glamour to your designs. This tutorial shows you how to nail the effect in under five minutes – and the skills you'll learn are easy to apply to other designs, too. Time well spent.

Next page: Build complex documents and layouts

16. Design a book in InDesign

How to design a book in InDesign

There's more to laying out the pages of a book than you might think – and one mistake can lead to a hefty fix-up job. Make sure you get everything right the first time round with this step-by-step InDesign tutorial. Our comprehensive guide includes everything you need to know.

17. Design a book cover in InDesign

Learn how to design the perfect book cover

Once you've designed your book, you'll need an eye-catching cover. In this tutorial, designer Laura Hawk walks though how to design and create the perfect book cover in InDesign. She covers everything from setting up the bleed and arranging the cover panels to flowing in the blurb copy and putting together the back cover.

18. Design a fashion magazine cover

Use layered images and text to create a dynamic fashion cover

In this tutorial you'll learn how to create your own glamorous cover for a fictional fashion magazine, using layered images and text to create a dynamic, three-dimensional design, selecting and applying typography effectively and appropriately, and accounting for practical issues such as pricing and binding. The tutorial is focused in InDesign, but also hops over to Photoshop for a bit of image editing, so your Creative Cloud subscription will come in handy.

19. Design a promo for an imaginary brand

Consistency is key when you're designing for a brand

When you're designing for a brand, consistency across all touchpoints is key, so any design relating to the brand is instantly recognisable. In this Creative Bloq tutorial, Luke O'Neill walks you through how to create a simple A5 promo for a contemporary brand, detailing how to create and then archive graphic elements in an InDesign library.

20. Design a custom, print-ready pocket folder

Pocket folders are great for promotion

A pocket folder can be a powerful promotional tool. In this step-by-step InDesign tutorial, you'll learn how to create one, from setting up a dieline and creating your design through to preparing your file for delivery to your printing company.

21. Bind a book: a 10-step guide

Everything you need to know about binding your own book

A handmade self-promotional book can make a cost-effective, personal and unique alternative to help you stand out. In our tutorial, Karen Lewis explains how to bind a book in a few easy steps, from setting up page spreads and cover templates in InDesign to the essential tools and techniques you need to bind your own books.

22. Indesign layout shortcuts

Explore the Gap tool and Live Corner Effects

Learn how to scale and resize different gaps between objects and the best ways to use Live Corner Effects. This InDesign tutorial will teach you to how to quickly edit layouts without leaving the spread.

23. Create a calendar

Create a calendar in InDesign

Plan your time out and get organised with your own calendar. Plus, designing it yourself means you can set it up exactly how you want it! In this InDesign tutorial, magazine designer Jo Gulliver walks through how to design and edit a calendar using Scott Selberg’s Calendar Wizard script.

24. Create a 3D calendar

Cube calendars can be made in just 11 steps

Once you've mastered a 2D calendar, it's time to add an extra dimension. In this tutorial, Jo Gulliver reveals how you can create a 3D calendar by creating and manipulating cube nets in InDesign.

25. Design a glamorous Art Deco menu

This retro menu is all done with typography, shapes and borders

This easy-to-create Art Deco menu card recalls the geometric glamour of the Jazz Age, and it's the perfect way to add a touch of class to any dinner gathering. Best of all, it doesn't require any images; you can do everything using typography, shapes and borders alone.

26. Create reflective typography

Creating a reflection is easy; making it convincing is another matter

It's not difficult to create a basic reflection, but making it look convincing is just a little more complex. Here Luke O'Neill explains how to quickly create an environment for your type to sit in that follows the basic rules of directional light, and how to place type in it to create a convincing reflection.

27. Create glossy graphics

Here's how to make shiny things, if you really have to

Shiny and glossy graphics may not be to everyone's taste, but they certainly have their place and are often employed in sports branding and design. Luke O'Neill demonstrates how to achieve this look using InDesign, although the tips could also be applied to Illustrator.

Next page: InDesign tutorials for pros

28. How white space can transform your layouts

Don't be tempted to overfill your layouts

Less is more when it comes to layouts; by incorporating white space into your work you'll transform your designs from crowded and fussy to streamlined and polished. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to create a simple two-sided flyer in Adobe InDesign, being sparing with placing your elements to create a contemporary, calming design.

29. Create special print finishes

Special finishes can transform a print design

If you're after something really unique, special finishes can transform a print design. In this guide, magazine designer Jo Gulliver talks through the processes for setting up artwork in InDesign for special finishes such as varnishes, foil blocking, embossing and die cutting. Each finish has some best practice guides you should follow, but once you get your head around creating one you should be able to easily apply this knowledge to the other processes.

30. Add interactivity to EPUBS

Add rich, interactive features to your fixed layouts

It is possible to use InDesign to create dynamic and engaging EPUB documents by adding rich interactive features. This tutorial shows you how to include slideshows, add buttons to trigger animation, add hyperlinks to your document, and more. It also explains how the EPUB Interactivity Preview panel can simplify your production process by giving you immediate feedback on how an animation might look when it's exported and viewed on a device.

31. Fix muddy gradients

Learn how to stop your gradients looking murky

A muddy gradient – usually caused by using the default black – can ruin the look of your work. Here you'll learn a few ways to correct it in both CMYK and spot colour gradients.

32. Use a column grid to design a poster

Master aligned typography with this grid poster design

In this tutorial Mark Bloom, aka Mash Creative, walks through how to create perfectly aligned typography using a column grid system for guidance.

33. Manage your assets properly

Organisation is key

If you're combining a lot of assets in your design, it's essential to organise them properly of you'll end up in a pickle. In this InDesign tutorial, Luke O'Neill runs through how to create a poster for an imaginary exhibition called Sirens. This InDesign tutorial covers the creation of a simple logotype and grid, use of typography, image editing and pattern creation.

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