Welcome to the companion web site that accompanies the book, Instant InDesign, by Gabriel Powell. Here you'll find a growing library of video podcasts, downloadable exercise files, and short articles on Adobe InDesign.
Episode 8: Automating Layouts with the EasyCatalog Plug-in for InDesign (Part 2)
July 03, 2009
In Episode 7, I introduced you to the amazing capabilities of EasyCatalog. Now I'd like to show you how to create a template that automates the production of a product catalog. Originally, this episode was going to demonstrate the entire process from start to finish, but I quickly discovered that there just wasn't enough time in one episode to teach you everything. So I've created a third part, which will be covered in Episode 9.
In this episode, I demonstrate the first two steps involved in creating the template. I start by studying the mock-up layout, which is a sample layout that represents the size, arrangement, and formatting of every element to be included in the publication. Then I show you how to use EasyCatalog to import the data for the catalog and configure it. EasyCatalog gives you complete control over the formatting and organization of your data. This episode highlights the most important features and demonstrates different ways to organize the imported data. In Episode 9, I'll show you how to finish building the template.…
Read MorePosted in Automation, Plug-ins, Video Podcasts
Episode 7: Automating Layouts with the EasyCatalog Plug-in for InDesign (Part 1)
June 20, 2009
I've been using and teaching EasyCatalog for the past four years and I'm still amazed at how powerful and easy it is to use. This amazing plug-in allows you to publish content directly from a database or a spreadsheet into InDesign and it makes it easy to keep all of your information up-to-date. You don't even need any programming or scripting skills!
This episode introduces you to EasyCatalog. I first automate the production of a product catalog and then I demonstrate how the same data can be used to automate a price list. But EasyCatalog isn't limited to producing catalogs and price lists. The plug-in can also be used to automate the production of brochures, directories, product sheets, and more.…
Read MorePosted in Automation, Plug-ins, Video Podcasts
InDesign and Acrobat Forms Workflow Video
May 15, 2009
I recently recorded this video tutorial for Adobe. It teaches you how to create interactive forms using Adobe InDesign and Adobe Acrobat Pro. You'll learn how to start a form in Adobe InDesign, export that form as a static PDF file, and then use Adobe Acrobat Pro to automatically convert it into an interactive form. Along the way, you'll pick up a number of tips that can make the form creation process easier. …
Read MorePosted in News/Announcements, Layout
Setup a Placeholder Graphics Frame with Automatic Scaling
May 06, 2009
I received this question several months ago. Since then I've been asked the same question a number of times, so I thought I should post the answer for everyone else who has ever wondered the same thing.
"I have many screen shots, all of which have to be placed at 50%. I see no provision for this in the options within an object style. Is there something that I am missing?"
– Carole, NY
Actually, you aren't missing a thing. Unfortunately, object styles don't provide an option for scaling an image to a given percentage. This is at the top of my list of highly requested features though. For now, if you want every image you import to be automatically placed at 50% (or any other percentage), follow this procedure.
… Read MorePosted in Questions/Answers, Layout
Learn Adobe Photoshop CS4 by Video Coming Soon!
May 01, 2009
In case you're wondering why I haven't posted any new episodes for a few months, I was busy recording a Photoshop CS4 training DVD for Video2Brain and Adobe Press. I'm very excited about this project and can't wait until it finally ships on May 15th.
This training package contains 19 hours of video and a printed booklet that provides additional learning material and a topic-by-topic guide to the video. It's designed to teach you everything you need to know to pass the Adobe Certified Associate exam. The video is wrapped in a very cool interface that allows you to jump to specific topics and bookmark topics for later review. All the project files are on the disk, so you can practice what you've learned. And at the end of each section are several review questions that help reinforce the skills you've learned. Perhaps the best thing about this video is that it's very affordable—just $59.99. You can even save 10%-30% if you buy it directly from AdobePress.com. …
Read MorePosted in News/Announcements
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