Layout 1 - Text Wrap & Clean Composition (x2)
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Coming soon
In this video, I started by creating a striking image-focused title page, using grids to maintain alignment and balance. I emphasized the importance of grid usage for beginners while allowing more experienced users to exercise creative freedom. We incorporated a large captivating image, added a title block with carefully selected fonts, and included two-column text with suitable formatting. To enhance the page's aesthetics, I shared a useful trick involving the use of small rectangles to balance white space. We concluded the first part of this tutorial by producing another layout, showcasing the text wrap feature with a distinctive white "V" shape and complementary text.
General Document Setup
Standard Letter 8.5”x11” portrait sheets
4 pages, with “facing pages” checked
Start # = 2
Columns 1, column gutter 0.1667in
Margins = 0.5in all sides
Layout 1: Image-Focused Title Page [0:00 - 4:10]
Start with an 8.5 by 11-inch spread in InDesign.
Access the masters page and create guides, typically a simple 4x4 grid with adjusted gutter settings for better alignment.
Return to the main page to begin designing.
Create a picture frame for a large captivating image by selecting the frame tool (F) and dragging and dropping the image onto it.
Fit the image proportionally using the shortcut (Ctrl Alt Shift C) or right-click and select "fitting" and then "fit frame proportionally."
Add a second image at the top of the page with a similar theme as the first one.
Adjust and crop the images as needed within their frames.
Create a text box (T) for the title and use an appropriate font (e.g., Sofia Pro).
Fill the text box with the title text.
Create a two-column text box for the body text, leaving some white space on the left.
Add placeholder text (Right Click > Fill with placeholder text) and format it to match the chosen font family.
Use the rectangle tool (M) to create a small rectangle to balance the white space on the page.
Adjust the rectangle's size and fill color to balance the layout.
Lastly, add a caption below the images with placeholder text, changing the font color to match the page's aesthetics.
Fine-tune the positioning of the elements to create an aesthetically pleasing layout. A good trick is to think of text as a visual element (similar to an image) and put it where you think it will balance out the composition.
Layout 2: Using Text Wrap [4:10 - 9:23]
Create a new page with a singular large image.
Drag and drop the image onto the page and fit it proportionally (Ctrl Alt Shift C) as done previously.
Use the text wrap feature to create a graphic element (in this case, a white "V" shape).
Draw a text box (T) and convert it to an outline object by going to (Type > Create Outline).
Adjust the font to a suitable style (e.g., Sofia Pro) and scale it as desired.
Change the "V" to a white color to contrast with the image.
Add text boxes below the image in a layout that complements the picture.
Format the text to match the chosen font family and adjust the layout.
Apply text wrap settings to make the text flow around the "V" shape. Go to the "Text Wrap" tab and select "Wrap around object shape" with a margin (e.g., 0.2 inches).
Position the text to wrap around the "V" shape and adjust its placement within the grid.
Anchor the image with the text to ensure they stay together.
To balance the layout, add another large image on the opposite page, fitting it within the margins.
Create two-column text boxes that align with the image and fill them with text.
Adjust the text layout and font style to match the design.
As before, use a small rectangle to balance white space and add a caption text box.
Customize the caption text and placement according to your preferences.
And there you have it, folks – two amazing InDesign layouts in just nine minutes! 🎉 If you followed along and created your own designs, give yourself a virtual high-five! 🙌 But hey, don't forget, design is all about creativity, so feel free to put your own spin on things, break a few layout rules, and let your imagination run wild.
