InDesign, which is part of the Adobe Creative Cloud (CC), is the industry-standard software for page design and layout. This application was initially released twenty-five years ago and has remained one of the most popular tools for professional and personal creative design projects. InDesign is a widely used tool in many industries, including graphic design, marketing, and publishing. This application helps users streamline the process of creating page layouts for print or digital publications such as magazines, newspapers, flyers, annual reports, posters, brochures, or interactive digital publications. Those who work with InDesign can create stunning and clear single- or multi-page document layouts.
One of the main benefits of using InDesign is that it is one of several applications in an integrated array of creative tools, which includes other Adobe CC apps like Photoshop and Illustrator. InDesign provides users with many features; those who are familiar with this application can use it to create custom grids and guides and work with Master Pages to design their own templates. There are also features for creating customized style guides for consistent paragraph styles. Hundreds of fonts and styles are available in InDesign, as well as options to customize kerning.
What Can You Do with InDesign Training?
Knowledge of InDesign can help you create a plethora of attention-grabbing design layouts for use in print and digital publications. Virtually all print layouts can be easily created in InDesign, including promotional brochures, cookbooks, newsletters, and annual reports. Those who work with this industry-standard application can incorporate color, text, or images into any layout so the message they wish to convey is easily accessible to the intended audience. This application also has features that let users design their own templates or replicate pages as needed when creating long documents.
InDesign integrates seamlessly with many other applications in the Adobe Creative Cloud. This means that those who have a background working with other Adobe CC apps like Photoshop or Illustrator can create or edit illustrations or photographs and bring them into InDesign to populate their page layout and add color. Layouts created in InDesign can also be transferred to XD to create web layout prototypes.
In addition to its range of professional uses, InDesign is also a popular tool for creative-minded individuals who want to use this app to create documents like flyers, infographics, or posters for their community or organization. Knowledge of visual design is a powerful tool that can be used to effectively convey information to large audiences. Small business owners, as well as those with Etsy shops, also benefit from InDesign knowledge since it can help them create their own professional-level graphic page layouts capable of connecting with customers and conveying essential product information.
What Will I Learn in an InDesign Class?
Before you enroll in an InDesign course, you may wonder what to expect from the training. No two programs are the same; some focus entirely on InDesign, whereas other courses provide a broader educational foundation in several graphic design tools. Additionally, the duration and difficulty level of the program will also affect the content that’s taught. Regardless of which InDesign program you select, there are several core skills you’re likely to encounter through training such as how to create page layouts, thread frames, work with text and object styles, and import photos and images. Read on to learn more about each useful skill.
Create Page Layouts
When working with InDesign, many features are available to help with page layouts for documents like brochures, books, and magazines. Coursework often teaches students how to work with preset and adjustable settings. Students explore how to create parent pages, which are single pages that store elements like page numbers, shared throughout the whole document. Some programs may also provide tips on more advanced InDesign features such as how to work with plug-ins and the app’s built-in tools to automate page layout. Instruction may also be provided on how to add designs created in other Adobe CC apps into InDesign layouts.
Thread Frames
Another core InDesign skill most programs teach students is how to thread frames or connect text from one frame to the next. Each text frame has its own in and out ports, which can be connected to the text frames before or after. Programs that teach InDesign provide tips for how students can create threaded frames, link them to one another, import text into them, and consider how changes in font or paragraph style can affect these frames.
Work with Text & Object Styles
Those who want to format text or objects in InDesign will need to know how to use object and text styles. Object styles alter how objects, frames, or groups appear. These changes may pertain to text wrap, paragraph styles, color, or transparency. Object styles can also format frames and graphics or fix a shape or logo’s position and size. Text styles are formatting attributes that pertain to paragraph or character styles.
Import Photos & Images
InDesign users may wish to import images or photographs into the page layouts they create. This can add a visual element to the pages and is a great way to break up long text chunks or provide supplementary information not contained in the text. InDesign allows users to bring raster images such as vector graphics or logos into documents. Coursework often teaches students how to select and place images. InDesign supports many file formats such as JPEGs, JPGs, and TIFFs. These can be imported from other Adobe apps, including Acrobat, Illustrator, or Photoshop. Images can also be resized to fit different page layouts.
Attention to Detail
Those interested in effectively using InDesign for work or personal projects will need to learn soft skills, too. In addition to collaboration, clear communication, and a creative mindset, a soft skill that’s also a must for InDesign users is attention to detail. In all types of print and digital design layouts, an eye for detail is essential. Paying attention to the nitty-gritty elements such as ensuring fonts are consistent in the document, that line spacing and margins are uniform, and that paragraphs thread from one page to the next, is important when working with InDesign. Focusing on these details ensures that audience members can clearly read and understand the document and that the layout supports the information it contains. Errors with typography or formatting can greatly distract those who purchase books or newspapers.
How Hard is It to Learn InDesign?
Before you get started learning InDesign, you may wonder how hard it will be to work with this application. No two learners are the same, which means that every person will encounter different challenges as they study this tool. Most people will find that it’s fairly easy to learn InDesign basics, but mastering this application will require much more effort. Those who are new to InDesign can often get started with this tool’s core features and design tools in just a few hours of experimentation. Those interested in using InDesign for professional purposes such as creating professional-grade book layouts for publication, will require more advanced knowledge. This can be labor-intensive and time-consuming.
Learners who already have knowledge of composition theory and other graphic design skills may find it easier to learn InDesign than those who are just getting started with design. Similarly, students who already know how to work with other Adobe CC applications such as Illustrator may find it much easier to become familiar with InDesign’s interface and basic features.
What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning InDesign?
For some learners, the most difficult aspects of learning InDesign pertain to understanding the hierarchy of formatting and style options and grasping complicated page layout concepts. In order to be able to create various page layouts, InDesign users must have a robust understanding of how to work with margins, gutters, columns, and bleeds, as well as how these elements interact with one another in document layout. Some learners may find it challenging to work with paragraph styles like nested styles and to ensure the content in the document is consistent throughout. Learning how to work with InDesign’s advanced features is another challenging aspect of learning this program. This requires knowledge of data merging, cross-references, and how to create tables of contents.
How Long Does It Take to Learn InDesign?
The time it takes you to learn InDesign largely depends on factors like the skills you bring to the table, the training format you select, and your ultimate goals for using this application. If you’re new to InDesign, you’ll need to begin by becoming familiar with this app’s interface and how to use its basic features. This takes the average learner a few days. After this time, you can build on this knowledge as you gradually learn new features and tools. You likely will be able to become familiar with InDesign’s core features in less than one week. However, if you want to master InDesign’s advanced capabilities for professional purposes, you may need to devote months to practice; some individuals may even require years of hands-on experience to fully learn this tool.
Several factors dictate the time it will take you to learn InDesign. The first is the amount of time you spend working with this app. Like any new skill, the more you practice with InDesign, the quicker you will learn how to create a range of page layouts. Those who have flexible schedules with more downtime can often learn InDesign much faster than those who work full-time or have busy personal lives. Another factor that affects InDesign learning speed is the complementary skills you have previously acquired. Most professionals interested in working with InDesign are employed in fields that use other tools alongside this application. This means that those who already know Adobe CC apps like Photoshop or Illustrator will likely be able to learn InDesign faster than those who have never worked with Adobe products. One of the most effective ways to quickly learn InDesign is to enroll in a live course that provides hands-on training for learners at all levels.
Should I Learn InDesign in Person or Online?
One important decision all InDesign learners will need to make is whether to study this application through in-person coursework or online. Both learning environments have unique advantages and drawbacks to consider.
For most individuals, studying InDesign through in-person training is the most interactive and engaging way to study this app. Many top educators offer in-person training classes in or near Houston. These courses are taught at a training facility that provides learners with the most up-to-date version of Adobe CC already installed on the computers. In-person training provides participants with the opportunity to learn from an expert instructor who has real-world experience using InDesign and other Adobe CC apps. All students can ask questions at any point during their training and receive in-the-moment clarification and guidance. Those attending live classes also have the opportunity to learn alongside other creative-minded students, which can provide an added sense of community and support in the classroom. One important consideration of in-person training is that classes are taught in or near the city, which means that participants must have a reliable form of transportation to attend. For this reason, in-person classes can be prohibitive for those who live in remote areas or who don’t have access to transportation.
Learners who still want the benefits of live training but want to avoid having to commute to and from class can opt instead for live online InDesign classes. Many of the top educators around the globe offer live online InDesign classes for learners at all levels, including those just getting started with this app. Live online training provides participants with the same learning outcomes as in-person training, including real-time support from an expert instructor, collaboration with classmates, and hands-on instruction in a small class environment. Rather than battling rush-hour traffic or spending money on parking, live online courses can be completed entirely remotely from the comfort of the learner’s own space. Students can ask questions in the moment and receive individualized support and clarification. Those enrolled can even opt to share their screen with the instructor (with permission) for additional assistance.
When selecting live online InDesign training, it’s important to remember that classes still take place at regularly scheduled intervals, which may be multiple times a week. Therefore, those interested in this format of training need to have schedules flexible enough to allow them to attend class. For individuals with demanding work or personal schedules, live training may not be the best fit.
For those who want the flexibility to study InDesign at their own pace and on their own time, asynchronous coursework is a good option. Whereas live study options occur in real time, self-paced InDesign classes were recorded earlier and placed online. Students choose when they want to complete their training, how long they spend on each lesson, and what learning pace is most conducive to their success. Asynchronous coursework allows students to pause, rewind, or even rewatch entire lessons, which can facilitate note-taking and retention. Those enrolled can decide whether to spread out their studies over several weeks during lunch breaks at work or devote an entire weekend to learning how to create multi-page book layouts. Another advantage of on-demand training is affordability; because no live instructor is present, these courses are usually less expensive than live study options.
Those interested in on-demand InDesign training should keep in mind that they’ll need to find answers to questions on their own, since all course material is pre-recorded. This can pose challenges for learners who are new to Adobe CC and need to learn the basics. Additionally, those who plan to use InDesign for professional purposes may find it difficult to master advanced concepts through self-paced study. This is why many people begin with on-demand coursework, then transition to live instruction to fully explore InDesign’s advanced capabilities.
Can I Learn InDesign Free Online?
If you want to learn InDesign but don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars or more on your studies, free online InDesign resources can be a great place to start. There are many types of free online InDesign resources, including blogs, tutorials, YouTube videos, and on-demand classes. Unlike live training seminars and bootcamps, which can cost hundreds of dollars (or more), free resources provide a low-stakes way to learn this industry-standard application. They are a great option for learners who aren’t completely certain whether they want to pursue a career in graphic design but still want to learn Adobe CC basics. Noble Desktop, an educator based in Manhattan, offers a range of free online InDesign resources, including the articles on its blog. The interviews and articles included on this page break down basic InDesign concepts and also provide participants with access to free online graphic design and InDesign classes. Noble also offers a graphic design YouTube playlist with beginner-friendly content and videos that deal with InDesign and graphic design-related concepts and skills.
Other educators also provide free InDesign resources. Adobe has free video content for those who are just getting started with InDesign. Students can watch videos on how to create business cards, add or transform graphics, and add placeholder text. Udemy provides a free class, Adobe InDesign Made Easy: A Beginner’s Guide to InDesign. This program includes 11 hours of on-demand content on topics like workplace basics, frames and objects, character formatting, and styles.
While free online resources can be a great way to find specific answers to InDesign-related questions or begin learning how to work with this app, this type of training usually isn’t sufficient to fully master InDesign. For professionals who need to learn InDesign for work-related projects, live coursework is often a quicker and more effective training format.
What Should I Learn Alongside InDesign?
Once you’re committed to learning InDesign, you may wonder if there are other skills or tools you can study alongside this application to make you a more well-rounded learner. Because InDesign is often used alongside other Adobe CC applications, some learners opt to study this tool alongside Illustrator or Photoshop. Illustrator is a vector graphics design tool. This application is popular for creating illustrations and artwork that are made up of points, lines, and shapes, which are scalable and can be resized or repurposed for various uses. Photoshop, on the other hand, is an Adobe CC app used to edit images and retouch photos. It’s a popular tool for those interested in creating or enhancing photos, artwork, or illustrations by cleaning up color, changing backgrounds, or eliminating red-eye. Photoshop can be used to manipulate individual images or large batches of photos.
Some coursework, including Noble Desktop’s Adobe Creative Cloud Bootcamp, provides participants with a well-rounded education in all three of these core Adobe CC applications. Graduates will be able to put their training to use in a range of creative tasks. They can create logos using Illustrator and then make edits to them in Photoshop. Graphics that were created in Illustrator can be imported directly into InDesign and incorporated into book layouts. InDesign can also arrange text and incorporate photos that have already been edited in Photoshop.
Industries That Use InDesign
InDesign is a valuable tool that’s used across industries in Houston. Because so many Houston-based companies reach customers through marketing materials, InDesign can assist them with creating professional and accessible layouts. The following sections provide an overview of how InDesign is used in Houston industries like computer systems design, advertising and marketing, publishing, and nonprofits.
Computer Systems Design & Related Services
Houston enjoys a long history of being a leader in technology. The city has recently experienced one of the highest growth rates in IT talent in the U.S. Many accelerators and incubators have moved to the city and are thriving in fields like software and computer systems design. Houston is a prime location for this type of work because of its high concentration of cybersecurity, robotics, and logistics sub-industries. Those who work in computer systems design in Houston are involved with designing computer systems, operating processing facilities, and integrating hardware and software. These professionals work as Hardware Programmers, Software Engineers, Web Developers, and Computer Systems Analysts.
Those who work in computer systems design or a related field can use InDesign’s IDML file format to exchange data from one design app to another, which can streamline workflow and make collaboration with Designers easier. Additionally, InDesign Server is a version of InDesign that’s popular among Developers for generating client-server solutions. This app can also assist those who work in web design in creating easy-to-navigate webpages.
Advertising & Marketing
Another Houston sector in which InDesign training is an asset is in advertising and marketing-related career paths. Houston currently ranks seventh in the country for its media market and is in tenth place for its TV market. Advertising agencies in the city seek individuals who can help them with content marketing, brand awareness, digital advertising, and SEO. Some of the major powerhouses in advertising in Houston are Comcast, Geico, TD Ameritrade, and the Texas State Lottery. Although traditional forms of advertising such as billboards and TV commercials are still prevalent in the city, one of the most popular forms of advertisement is digital marketing. Those who work in marketing or advertising often rely on materials that consist of a combination of graphics and text. InDesign was created for this purpose, making it a go-to tool for professionals in these sectors. Within the field of marketing, InDesign can be used to create assets like catalogs, email marketing content, or promotional materials.
Publishing
One of the most prominent industries in which InDesign training is needed is publishing. Many publishing houses are located in the city, including Bayou City Press, Adobe Press, Brown Books Publishing, and FlowerSong Press. Those who work in Houston’s publishing sector create print or digital content, including literature, music, or software. Publishing houses in Houston employ professionals who design, sell, promote, and distribute published content. Although the job outlook in print publishing is declining, digital publishing jobs are becoming more prevalent as more readers rely on the internet to find information. InDesign helps Houston-based Publishers perform essential tasks such as designing book covers, creating interior layouts, manipulating typesetting, and producing eBooks.
Nonprofits
The nonprofit sector in Texas has been experiencing rapid growth over the past 30 years. Each decade, the sector doubles in size. There are nearly 16,000 nonprofits located in Houston. More than 2,000 foundations are based in the city, with assets estimated at approximately $83 billion. In the nonprofit industry in Houston, InDesign training is useful because it can help create both print and digital marketing materials. Those who work in nonprofits rely on this application to create event posters for auctions and walk-a-thons, newsletters, brochures, and direct mail. InDesign is also useful for creating interactive EPUB books that contain animations, illustrations, or photos that promote the organization and its mission.
InDesign Job Titles and Salaries
Those who live in Houston and have InDesign training can put their skills to use in one of many creative career paths. The following sections provide an overview of the job responsibilities associated with several roles—book publishing, web design, digital design, and graphic design—as well as the salary ranges for each.
Publisher
Houston residents who work at publishing houses create and distribute content like newspapers, magazines, and books. These professionals are often involved in a project’s entire lifecycle, from conception to distribution. On a daily basis, they perform tasks such as reviewing materials to determine whether they should be published, working with creators and editors, negotiating publishing terms and contracts, creating budgets, marketing publications, and tracking book sales. Houston-based Publishers make a competitive salary of approximately $183,000–$193,000 a year.
Web Designer
Web Designers in Houston create digital applications such as mobile interfaces and webpages. They rely on both technical expertise and creative design knowledge. Web Designers apply their programming knowledge to develop a website’s structure and use creativity to shape its look and feel. Some Web Designers create webpage prototypes, while others focus on designing specific website elements. In Houston, Web Designers earn a yearly salary of about $72,000–$82,000.
Digital Designer
Digital Designers in Houston create digital assets for outlets like emails, social media, video games, advertising, websites, and mobile apps. These professionals often use apps and programs such as Dreamweaver, Muse, After Effects, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, InDesign, and Illustrator. They must also have a strong grasp of design principles such as color theory and typography. Some specialize in a specific design format—like digital advertising—while others have broader roles. In Houston, Digital Designers earn between $64,000 and $74,000 annually.
Graphic Designer
Graphic Designers in Houston are responsible for bringing visual concepts to life using tools like InDesign and Illustrator. These professionals are hired to communicate ideas, inform consumers, inspire them, and capture their attention. Daily tasks often involve creating layouts for brochures, reports, advertisements, and magazines. Since graphic design is essential to many Houston industries, there’s a wide range of opportunities—such as promotional materials and packaging designs. The average annual salary for a Graphic Designer in Houston ranges from $61,000 to $71,000.
InDesign Classes Near Me
If you’re interested in learning how to work with the industry-standard application for page layout and design, you can search for InDesign classes in Houston using Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool. Coursework is available that focuses exclusively on InDesign, as well as more general programs that provide comprehensive instruction on a range of graphic design tools.
Noble Desktop offers several InDesign courses taught in the live online environment. Noble’s InDesign Bootcamp is open to learners at all levels who want to work with graphics and text to create page layouts that span one or more pages. Participants in this bootcamp receive instruction on how to import photos, style text, use colors, add pages, and thread text frames. Students create book and magazine layouts, which can be included in professional portfolios. All learners leave this program with training in how to print InDesign files or transform them into PDFs. A supplemental 1-on-1 training session is included with tuition.
Noble also offers a Graphic Design Certificate for those seeking instruction in several popular design-related applications. This comprehensive class provides learners with a foundational understanding of various design skills and concepts. Students work with apps like Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign to retouch images, create scalable vector graphics, and design page layouts. Design concepts like typography and composition are also taught. Graduates of this certificate leave with a professional portfolio that features the projects they created during the class, which adhere to professional design standards. Learners also add marketing and branding materials like logos and packaging to these portfolios. Six 1-on-1 mentoring sessions are included with tuition.
In addition to Noble’s course listings, other top educators in Houston offer in-person training options. Ledet Training’s Adobe InDesign 101 is a short program that covers InDesign essentials, including how to create and publish a variety of content. Students create newspaper spreads, magazines, marketing materials, and catalogs. Those interested in enrolling don’t need to have any prior experience working with InDesign. Ledet also offers InDesign Advanced, a short course that provides intermediate-level training in a range of InDesign topics, including blending modes, shape conversion, advanced transparency techniques, and text flow. By the end of this class, students will be able to manage multi-page InDesign documents, export them into CSS/HTML, and create accessible PDFs of their work. Ledet’s classes are available in-person in Houston and live online.
The InDesign Bootcamp is available from General Assembly for those seeking introductory-level instruction on how to bring their artistic creations to life. This hands-on program prepares participants to use InDesign to perform tasks like creating master pages, adding images to page layouts, and creating print-ready files. Additionally, those enrolled explore the industry standards for page layout design and typography basics. This program is available in-person in Houston and live online.
Introductory-level InDesign training is also available from Certstaffix Training. In Adobe InDesign CC (2020), students devote several days to exploring InDesign fundamentals. Coursework begins with instruction on objects, colors, typography, and styles. Over the course of this program, learners complete 15 projects that provide practice in creating dynamic page layouts and interactive PDFs. Although this class is beginner-friendly, advanced learners who already have InDesign knowledge will benefit from enrolling and taking their skills even further. This class is taught live online; students can complete their training remotely from their own space or use the computer lab that’s provided in Houston.
InDesign Corporate Training
Would the employees at your workplace benefit from learning how to use Adobe InDesign to create innovative layouts? If so, let Noble Desktop help. Noble offers corporate and onsite InDesign training sessions that can be booked for some or all of your employees. Noble can come directly to your workplace in Houston or conduct sessions remotely using a teleconferencing platform. Training options are available that focus entirely on InDesign, as well as on graphic design as a broader field.
If you are interested in training multiple employees to work with InDesign, bulk vouchers can be purchased at a discount for Noble’s regular classes. Course offerings can also be customized to ensure the training provided is at the appropriate difficulty level and challenges your employees. Courses can even be scheduled on weeknights or weekends to accommodate busy schedules.
To learn more about the exciting InDesign corporate training options available for your employees, don’t hesitate to contact Noble today to learn more.