Learn how to design professional page layouts with text & graphics in Adobe InDesign. This course covers styling, importing, packaging, and advanced techniques like styles, master pages, and tables. Perfect for creating books, magazines, and ads.
Begin your journey as a professional graphic designer by learning the essential skills and tools used by industry experts. Gain hands-on experience in Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator, and create a stunning portfolio to showcase your talent to potential employers or clients.
Advance your layout and design expertise while preparing for the Adobe Certified Professional exam in this hands-on InDesign Certification Program. Through expert-led classes, personalized tutoring, and real-world projects, you'll gain the skills and confidence to create polished magazines, brochures, books, and more.
InDesign is the industry-standard software used for page layout and design. Now part of the Adobe Creative Cloud (CC), InDesign was released 25 years ago and has become one of the most widely used tools by professionals and non-professionals for design-related projects. This app is used in industries such as marketing, graphic design, and publishing. It’s a valuable tool because it helps users manage the process of designing page layouts for print or digital use in publications such as annual reports, newspapers, books, brochures, and magazines. It can create clear single or multi-page document spreads.
One of the perks of working with InDesign is that it’s one of the integrated apps in a set of creative tools, including staples like Illustrator and Photoshop. Those with InDesign training use it to perform tasks like creating Master Pages or grids and guides to create unique design templates. InDesign also has features for creating customized style guides to ensure that paragraph styles remain consistent throughout the document. InDesign users can also select from hundreds of styles and fonts, as well as customized kerning settings.
Learning InDesign can help creative-minded individuals design a range of attention-grabbing page layouts for both print and digital publications. This app can create nearly all types of page layouts, including cookbooks, annual reports, and newsletters. InDesign also has features for incorporating images, text, and color into layouts to ensure the document’s message is accessible to its audience. Users can work with their own templates or replicate pages to form long documents.
Not only is InDesign training useful in the professional setting, but it also helps creative-minded non-professionals make documents like infographics, fliers, or posters. InDesign training is an excellent way to learn how to convey important information to a large audience. Those who own Etsy shops or other small businesses also benefit from InDesign training, as it helps create professional-quality graphic page spreads that can connect with customers and impart important product information to them.
Although each InDesign class in Charlotte varies in terms of the content, its focus (whether it teaches solely InDesign or provides instruction on this program alongside other Adobe CC apps), program length, and difficulty level, there are several essential design skills you’re likely to encounter when enrolled in a class. Read on to learn about skills such as importing photos and images, creating page layouts, threading frames, and paying attention to detail.
InDesign classes typically teach participants how to import images and photos into their page layouts. This adds visual components to the page, breaking up long blocks of text and adding supplemental information that text alone can’t convey. InDesign users can import raster images, logos, or vector graphics into documents and place them in their appropriate spots. Images like JPEGs, TIFFs, and JPGs can be imported from Illustrator, Acrobat, or Photoshop and resized to fit specific page layouts.
InDesign offers many features to assist with page layouts and includes preset and adjustable settings. Students who attend training classes learn how to create parent pages that store information such as page numbers, which are then applied throughout the entire document. Some programs also teach students how to use advanced page layout features, like plugins or InDesign’s built-in features, which can automate page layout.
Another core InDesign skill most courses include is learning how to connect or thread text from one frame to the next. Text frames each have their own in and out ports that can be connected to text frames before and after. InDesign training teaches students how to create threaded frames, link them, import text, and evaluate how changes in paragraph styles or fonts affect frames.
In addition to learning how to create cohesive and engaging page layouts in InDesign, coursework also prepares students to have a more well-developed eye for detail. When creating page layouts, an eye for detail is a must. InDesign users must learn to be aware of specific elements such as font consistency, uniform margins, line spacing, and paragraph threading across pages. Attention to these minute details ensures that audience members can read the document clearly. Errors in formatting or typography can be distracting for readers of newspapers or books.
Before studying InDesign, you may be curious how difficult it will be to learn this app. All learners differ in the challenges they will encounter when learning any skill. The average person will find that it’s fairly easy to learn the basics of InDesign. However, mastering this app will require significantly more time and effort. InDesign novices can begin by spending just a few hours learning how to use its core design tools and features. Those looking to use InDesign professionally will need to learn more advanced skills, which can be time-consuming. Those who already have training in graphic design skills such as composition theory, will likely find the learning process easier and faster than novices. Additionally, students who are already familiar with other Adobe CC apps such as Photoshop, will generally find it easier to learn InDesign’s interface and use its core features.
Each learner will differ in terms of the challenges they face when studying InDesign. Most will find that a core challenge is to understand the hierarchy of style and formatting options, as well as grasp complex page layout concepts. Creating page layouts requires a thorough understanding of how to work with columns, bleeds, gutters, and margins, as well as how these elements interact with one another in page layouts. Some individuals may encounter challenges when working with paragraph styles such as nested styles. Others may find it hard to learn how to use InDesign’s advanced features. This level of proficiency requires knowledge of cross-references, data merging, and creating tables of contents.
The amount of time required to learn InDesign depends largely on the skills you bring to the learning process, your training format, and your ultimate goals for learning document design. InDesign novices will need a few days to learn this app’s basic features. Then, they can build on this foundational knowledge and gradually learn new tools and features. For most, it will take about a week to learn InDesign’s essential features. However, those looking to learn this tool’s advanced capabilities for use in a professional setting will need to spend much longer learning InDesign. For some professionals, this process takes months of practice; for others, it may require years of hands-on experience to fully master InDesign. One of the most effective ways to fully learn InDesign is to enroll in a live course in Charlotte that provides small class sizes and real-time instruction on this application.
All learners must consider whether to study InDesign through online resources or in-person training. Each training format has its own benefits and drawbacks.
Most individuals will find that studying InDesign through in-person coursework in Charlotte is the most interactive and effective way to fully immerse themselves in learning this app. Students complete their training at a computer lab in or near Charlotte that’s equipped with the most up-to-date version of Adobe CC. Those enrolled not only benefit from the expertise and knowledge of their instructor, who has industry experience creating page layouts in InDesign; they also are able to learn alongside other students, which can provide a sense of support and community. It’s important to note that in-person classes require students to attend classes that meet regularly at designated training facilities. Therefore, those who lack access to reliable transportation or who live far from training centers may find this type of study challenging.
Live online InDesign coursework is a good alternative to in-person training. Similar to in-person classes, this training format provides students with real-time access to an instructor. All lessons take place remotely using a teleconferencing platform like Zoom. Students can ask questions in the moment and receive immediate clarification. They can even share their screen with the instructor (with permission) for individualized support. Best of all, there’s no need to battle rush-hour traffic or waste time searching for parking to attend class. All lessons can be completed from the student’s own space. Live online InDesign training does require that students be able to commit to attending classes that meet at regular intervals, often several times a week. This type of study may, therefore, present challenges for those with full-time work schedules or busy personal lives.
On-demand InDesign training is the most flexible way to study this application. Whereas live classes take place in real-time, on-demand coursework was recorded at an earlier time and placed online. Learners can access lessons on their own time and spend as much time as needed completing them. This type of study provides students with the power to dictate their own learning pace, pausing or rewinding as often as necessary. Cost-wise, self-paced courses are typically a much more affordable alternative than live study, which can be an incentive for some students. Those interested in asynchronous InDesign courses should be aware that they won’t have access to a live instructor. This may pose challenges for those who are new to using InDesign and have specific questions about the app or who are hoping to learn its advanced features for professional purposes.
Before you spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on InDesign training, you may wonder if there are free resources available. The good news is that there are many free online InDesign resources that can help you get started with this app. These are an excellent resource for individuals who haven’t fully committed to pursuing a career in graphic design but want to learn the basics of Adobe CC:
Free resources can be a great starting point for those learning InDesign basics, as well as for those with specific questions about the app. However, for individuals who need to learn InDesign for work-related reasons such as completing a time-sensitive project, live coursework is generally a more effective (and faster) way to learn this app.
If you’re interested in learning InDesign, you may be curious if there are other tools or skills you can learn simultaneously to be a more well-rounded Designer. Since InDesign is commonly used with other Adobe CC apps, some individuals find it useful to study this tool at the same time they learn Photoshop or Illustrator. Photoshop is used to edit images or retouch photos, as well as to clean up color and change backgrounds. Illustrator is a graphic design program that helps users create artwork that consists of points, lines, and shapes. These illustrations are scalable and can be resized for use in many contexts. Some coursework such as Noble Desktop’s Creative Cloud Bootcamp, teaches students to work with all three of these core applications.
Those who live in Charlotte and have InDesign training can use their skills in many of the area’s core industries such as banking, manufacturing, or nonprofits. Read on to learn more about the essential role this tool plays in each of these core Charlotte sectors.
Two of the world’s largest financial institutions are located in Charlotte: Wells Fargo and Bank of America. Together, these banks are worth nearly $500 billion in market capital. They also employ approximately 40,000 Charlotte residents. Those who work in the city’s banking sector work with InDesign to create and maintain a consistent and identifiable brand identity, create documents that establish customer trust, and communicate their bank’s values. Design-centric thinking is an asset for banks looking to provide customers with better digital services and user-centered solutions.
The Charlotte manufacturing industry provides 11% of the city’s employment. Major manufacturers in the area include Continental, Electrolux, and Siemens. Manufacturers in this region focus on plastics, biomedical, advanced textiles, energy production, and automotive parts. InDesign can help those who work in manufacturing create visually detailed and accurate layouts for use in contexts that require precise design specifications such as labels or product packaging. This app ensures Manufacturers will be able to provide customers with consistent labeling across product runs and products.
The Triangle Region of North Carolina that Charlotte is a part of has over 3,000 nonprofit organizations. The area’s leading nonprofits include religious institutions, charitable foundations, civic and social services organizations, and NGOs. Within this industry, InDesign training is a useful tool that helps nonprofits create digital or print marketing materials. This app is used to create event posters for walk-a-thons or auctions, as well as to design brochures, newsletters, or direct mail.
InDesign training has a variety of uses for those who live and work in Charlotte. Read on to find out about several popular career paths in which InDesign skills are an asset, as well as the job requirements and salary ranges for each job.
Digital Designers who work in Charlotte are tasked with creating digital assets for use in video games, websites, advertisements, mobile apps, emails, or social media. They work with InDesign and other tools like Dreamweaver or Muse to create documents. Digital Designers must have a firm grasp of design principles like typography and color. Some Digital Designers opt to focus on a particular design use or format such as internet advertising, while others take a more general approach to document design. The average yearly salary for a Digital Designer in Charlotte is $70,000-$80,000.
Those who work as Graphic Designers in Charlotte are hired to use computer apps like Illustrator and InDesign to bring visual concepts to life. They perform tasks like providing customers with information pertaining to services or products, visually communicating ideas, and offering inspiration. These professionals assist with layouts and production design for magazines, brochures, reports, or advertisements. The average yearly salary in Charlotte for a Graphic Designer is $60,000-$70,000.
Web Designers are hired to design digital apps like webpages or mobile interfaces. They draw from both technical knowledge and creative design skills. Some of these professionals focus on creating prototypes for webpages, whereas others create specific website elements or pages. Web Designers who work in Charlotte can expect to earn about $80,000-$90,000 annually.
Those looking to learn graphic design or InDesign can find InDesign classes in Charlotte using Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me Tool.
Noble Desktop has several InDesign courses available for those looking to study this app through live online training. In its InDesign Bootcamp, learners at all levels learn how to create page layouts that span one or more pages. Bootcamp participants explore how to style text, import images, add pages, work with colors, and thread text frames. Those enrolled experiment with magazine and book layouts, which they can then include in their professional portfolios. Tuition includes a 1-on-1 supplemental training session.
Those interested in more comprehensive instruction can opt instead for Noble’s Graphic Design Certificate. This comprehensive class provides students with foundational knowledge in a range of design concepts and skills. Participants work with InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop to create scalable vector graphics, retouch images, and create dynamic page layouts. Those who complete this certificate graduate with a professional portfolio that includes the projects they made in class, which are in keeping with professional design standards. They also learn how to add branding and marketing material such as packaging and logos, to their portfolios. This class includes six 1-on-1 mentoring sessions. All Noble classes offer a free course retake option for up to a year.
In General Assembly’s InDesign Bootcamp, students receive beginner-friendly instruction on how to breathe life into their artistic creations. This program was created to prepare learners to work with InDesign to perform essential tasks such as adding images to page layouts, creating master pages, and designing print-ready files. Learners also become familiar with the industry-standard best practices for typography and page layout design. This class is available live online and in-person in Charlotte.
Introductory-level instruction in InDesign is offered by Certstaffix Training in its Adobe InDesign CC (2020) course. Those who enroll in this program spend several days learning InDesign basics such as how to work with styles, objects, colors, and typography. Participants complete 15 projects during this class that are intended to help them practice the skills needed to create dynamic page layouts and interactive PDF documents. Even those who already have experience with InDesign will benefit from enrolling in this program to take their skills further. This class is taught live online; students can complete their training remotely or use the computer lab in Charlotte.
Ledet Training offers Adobe InDesign 101, which is a short class that teaches students InDesign essentials such as how to design and publish a variety of content. Participants create marketing materials, catalogs, magazines, and newspaper spreads. No prior InDesign training is needed to enroll. Ledet also offers InDesign Advanced for those seeking intermediate-level training in InDesign topics like shape conversion, blending modes, text flow, and advanced transparency techniques. By course completion, students will know how to create and alter multi-page documents, export them into HTML and CSS, and make PDFs of their work. This class is offered in-person in Charlotte and live online.
Would training in InDesign help those at your workplace be more productive employees? If so, let Noble Desktop help. Noble can provide corporate and onsite InDesign training directly at your workplace in Charlotte or through a live online teleconferencing platform. Study options are available specifically in InDesign, as well as options that focus more broadly on the field of graphic design. Employers who are interested in training multiple employees can purchase bulk vouchers at a discount to Noble’s regular enrollment classes. Training options can also be customized so that the InDesign training provided to your employees is at the appropriate difficulty level and will help them learn essential skills for your workplace.
To find out more about the different corporate training options Noble has available in InDesign, please don’t hesitate to contact Noble.
Corey Ginsberg is a professional writer with two decades of experience writing and editing technical and creative content on Adobe CC applications, animation, data analytics, and the educational resources in place to assist with learning.