Episode 1: Combining Style Sheets to Automate Formatting
April 23, 2008
I'm pleased to bring you the first episode of the Instant InDesign Video Podcast. Choosing the first topic wasn't easy since InDesign has so many great features. I decided to talk about style sheets since they are a core feature of just about every template.
If you haven't ventured far beyond the basic use of paragraph and character styles, you'll be impressed by InDesign's ability to combine multiple types of style sheets into a magic button that can apply several levels of formatting in just one click of the mouse.
Formatting text and objects can be a tedious and time-consuming process. When setting up a template, it's important to strategically setup its style sheets to automate as much formatting as possible. The more predictable the design, the easier this is. In this episode, you'll learn to efficiently create paragraph, character, and object styles. You'll also learn how to setup a nested style and utilize the Next Style option.
After watching this episode, you might be interested in practicing what you've learned. So, I've made the same files that I used during the presentation available for download. After becoming a member of InstantInDesign.com, you'll be able to click the link below to get the files.
Watch the Episode
Download the bonus file(s)
Posted in Automation, Style Sheets, Video Podcasts
9 comment(s) to "Episode 1: Combining Style Sheets to Automate Formatting"
#1
April 24, 2008
Thank you very much for the very informative video. Looking forward to your other episodes. And - thanks for the wonderful presentation today at the InDesign User group meeting in FIT.
#2
April 26, 2008
Thank you for this terrific video and practice exercise. Your presentation at the Indesign User Group meeting at FIT was wonderful. You clarified the data merge feature for me, which I had previously found so frustrating. After hearing your explanations and watching the video, I was able to complete the procedure in the practice exercise. Again, Thank You! I'm going to buy your book!
#3
May 23, 2008
Well done, Gabriel! As you know, I work with InDesign almost every day and know a bit about the application. However, I always gain some insight with your instruction. Often it's a small thing that makes a big difference in my work. This site provides excellent reenforcement for your book, and I recommend both to anyone who is serious about using InDesign effectively.
#4
July 24, 2008
Thank you so much, Gabriel. I work with InDesign everyday on many projects, and this tip will sure be welcome. I use the style sheet all the time, but never tried using the "next style" option, because I didn't know about it! I'll try it out on the Annual Report that I'm preparing to put together. I'm glad I found out about your website. You Rock!
#5
September 12, 2008
Loved this! Advanced style sheets setup has had me bamboozled for years. Now I'm excited about applying more advanced settings to my projects. Fren
#6
November 18, 2008
At last i've found the time to watch the show(s). Got your book as a price from the CS4 introduction day. We spent almost 2 hours after that together in the car and train. Loved your book. Will contact you in the near future! Great InDesign stuff, can't wait for more on CS4! Michael Weijenberg
#7
June 30, 2009
Please help me. I have watched your video over and over and can't seem to get the same effect. I can't get the space to form automatically between each listing. How do you get this space to appear? I see that the sample text does not have the space set but your video seems like the space should automatically appear but it doesn't when I do it. Can anyone help me? What am I doing wrong?
#8
July 08, 2009
To set the space between each listing, I added paragraph space before the headings and defined it in my Heading paragraph style. I used 12 pt of space. To locate the Space Before setting, go to the Control Panel (Window > Control), and click the Paragraph icon at the left side of the panel. The heading text in the mock-up layout I've provided does actually have space before applied to it already. If you need further help, please click the Ask a Question button at the top left side of this page. Good luck!
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