Objective
To learn InDesign layout and production techniques by recreating
this table:
Procedure
prepping for the exercise
- download starter files
- examine downloaded files
- launch InDesign
- file > new: letter, facing pages=no, landscape, margins: top/bottom 3p6, left/right 2p6
- practice Adobe navigation keyboard shortcuts: space=hand; space+cmd=zoom
in; space+cmd+opt=zoom out; cmd+zero=fit in window
- practice InDesign preview shortcuts: cmd+opt+I (show/hide hidden
characters); W (normal/preview mode)
creating a chart with tables
- file > place "chart.doc" (cmd+D); snap text frame to margins
- window > paragraph styles: edit "normal" style: 11/14 Helvetica Neue LT Std 55 Roman
- replace hyphens with en dashes (add thin space before/after)
- cut "intro" and "footer" copy and into separate text frame (temporarily)
- select chart info: tables > convert text to table
- table > insert > column (before column 1)
- table > insert > row (after last row)
- table > merge cells (column 1 and last row)
- paste "intro" into first column
- paste "footer" into last row
- adjust column width
styling the table
- select cells for chart area
- table > cell options > fills & strokes: bottom stroke=1pt
- table > cell options > rows & columns: row height=at least 1p7
- table > cell options > text: adjust top & bottom insets; left/right insets=0
- window > styles > cell styles > new: "classes"
- apply style to other cells as needed
- make rules for top row 3pt; adjust text insets
- style head: 14/16 Helvetica Neue 95 Black, tracking=-20; space after=1p
- add your name and exercise number
grading
- submit b&w proof with your name and exercise number on it for grading
- file your graded proof in your Process Book for individual review