An easy method of adding interest to a page in Indesign is by adjusting the line weights and line types of the borders of images. We show you how in our Adobe Indesign training courses.
First create a shape either by choosing one of the standard shape tools like Rectangle, Ellipse or Polygon. Or by using the Pen tool, which works in exactly the same manner as in Adobe Illustrator. We click on different points on the screen to create a geometric shape, or by clicking and dragging on several points on the screen we can create more organic shapes. These can then be manipulated using the Direct Selecting tool (the white arrow).
Alternatively, you may wish to create a frame for an imported image by using the Rectangular, Elliptical or Polygonal Frame tool. Then we use File > Place to import the image into the frame. The Pen tool can also be used to create a frame for an imported image.
In any case we now have a shape on our page. We can now make it more interesting by first changing the line weight in the top Control panel, then by changing the line type in the field below line weight. As you can see, there are various different types of line. You can even create your own. Some are best viewed if you also increase the line weight. You can also change the Stroke colour, of course. It’s even possible to create your own custom line types.
More tips and techniques can be found at Adobe user groups which meet regularly in most capital cities, and are free forums for designers to discuss topics and the latest Indesign features. See also many examples of our own clients’ work on our Facebook page.
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• Indesign workflow
• Indesign templates
• Indesign page numbers
• Indesign add hyperlink