Learn how to optimize your workspace by transforming a panel into a docked toolbar and viewing a document in multiple views simultaneously. These essential features can enhance productivity during your design process.
Key Insights
- You can convert a panel, whether floating or docked, into a toolbar by dragging its name tab to the toolbar located at the top or bottom of the screen, creating a more compact interface.
- Not all panels can be turned into toolbars, limiting the customization of your workspace.
- To view a document in multiple views at the same time, a file must be open.
- The Arrange Documents button in the Application Bar allows you to select the New Window option, which enables simultaneous viewing of documents.
- The Tile All in Grid option positions the windows next to each other for an organized comparison.
- Changes made in one window will be mirrored in the other, ensuring consistency across different views.
This exercise is excerpted from past InCopy training materials and is compatible with InCopy updates through 2021. To learn current skills in Adobe Creative Cloud and graphic design, check out our graphic design classes in NYC and live online.
InCopy vs Word
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Layout-Aware
InCopy shows real fonts, sizes, and copy fit; Word doesn't.
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Paragraph Styles
Editor sees the actual styled output, not Word's approximation.
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Live Sync
Changes appear in InDesign instantly, no copy-paste round trip.
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Editorial Tools
Track changes, notes, and copy fit — built for editors.
Creating Toolbars & Multiple Document Windows
Turning a Panel into a Docked Toolbar
While toolbars sometimes display fewer options than a panel, they do save screen space. You can turn a panel (floating or docked on the side of the side) into a toolbar by dragging the name tab of a panel onto the toolbar at the top or bottom of the screen. Not all panels can become toolbars.
Simultaneously Seeing a Document in Multiple Views
Make sure a file is open.
In the Application Bar at the top of the screen, click the Arrange Documents button
and choose New Window (or choose Window > Arrange > New Window).
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As shown below, click the Arrange Documents button
In one of the windows, choose your preferred view (for example Layout view).
In the other window, choose a different view (such as Story view).
A change made in one window will also be displayed in the other window.
