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Creating a New InDesign Document
by Ron Kurtus (revised 2 December 2020)
Although you can create a new document with Adobe InDesign using a template or an existing document, a common way is to create the document from scratch. This is especially true for simple documents.
To create a new InDesign document, you open the New Document dialog box and enter new options, if necessary. If you made changes, you can save them as a new Preset.
Questions you may have include:
- How do your open the New Document dialog box?
- How do you change options?
- How do your save preset?
This lesson will answer those questions.
Open New Document dialog box
To create a new document click File > New > Document from the menu bar or simply key in Ctrl+n to open the New Document dialog box.
New Document dialog box
The default settings are displayed. Any changes will change the Document Preset item to [Custom].
Note that the default settings for dimensions are in PostScript points. You can type in your settings in different units—such as 8.5 in—to make changes.
Also, you can change your units from Edit > Preferences > Units & Dimensions.
See Setting InDesign Units and Increments.
The Gutter setting only concerns multiple columns.
You can select an existing Document Preset or choose your own options to create a custom document.
Enter your own options
If you have already set a Document Preset, you can select it now, and all your settings will change to those for the preset. You can enter your own options.
Intent
The intent of your document can be:
- Web
- Digital Publishing
Number of pages
Set the number of pages for your document. You can add pages later, if necessary.
Facing Pages
Checking Facing Pages creates a document with left and right pages, such as for books and magazines. De-select option to let each page stand alone.
Primary Text Frame
Checking Primary Text Frame (formerly Master Text Frame) puts a full empty text frame on your pages. You can resize the text frames, if necessary.
Page size
The Page Size menu allows you to select specific formats or designate a Custom size.
Columns
You can set the number of columns and the gutter between them.
Margins
Set the Margins. The default sets all the same.
Bleed and Slug
The bleed area allows you to print objects that are arranged at the outer edge of the defined page size. This is especially used for colored areas, so there is no white showing due to slight misalignment during printing or trimming.
The slug area is discarded when the document is trimmed to its final page size. Objects (including text frames) positioned in the slug area are printed but will disappear when the document is trimmed to its final page size.
Save preset
If you are going to use this document design again, you can click the Save Preset button near the Document Preset menu. A dialog box appears, asking you to name the Preset.
Click button to save Preset
Otherwise, you can click the OK button to create your new document.
Summary
To create a new document, you open the New Document dialog box and enter new options if necessary. If you made changes, you can save them as a new Preset.
Know your goals
Resources and references
Websites
How to Create a New Document in Adobe InDesign CS6 - InDesign for Dummies
Create New Documents - Adobe InDesign Help
Books
(Notice: The School for Champions may earn commissions from book purchases)
Students and researchers
The Web address of this page is:
www.school-for-champions.com/indesign/
new_document.htm
Please include it as a link on your website or as a reference in your report, document, or thesis.
Where are you now?
Creating a New Document with InDesign