Adobe InDesign Quickstart

$550.00 (plus taxes)

Need to get up to speed on InDesign fast? If all you need to do is edit a bit of text or replace an image, this course is for you. InDesign Quickstart is a great way to get started with InDesign (and, seriously, this is software you could use for the rest of your life). InDesign is so easy to use, and does so much!

Duration: 1 Day (7 Hours)

Level: Beginner

Delivery Mode: Online, instructor-led

Course Type: Hands-on workshop

Prerequisites: Basic computer and design familiarity (no prior InDesign experience required)

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Course Overview

Learning Outcomes

This fast-paced Quickstart course is designed for new users who want to become productive in Adobe InDesign in just one day. Through guided practice, you’ll learn how to navigate the interface, work with text and images, and produce a clean, professional one-page layout ready for print or PDF export.

  • Confidently navigate the InDesign interface and tools

  • Create and configure new documents using industry-standard settings

  • Add and format text and images within frames

  • Align and arrange layout elements effectively

  • Export and package print-ready files

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction & Interface Tour (1 hour)

Topics:

  • Understanding the workspace and panels

  • Navigating pages and zoom controls

  • Customizing the toolbar and workspace

  • Saving and resetting workspaces

Hands-On Exercise:

  • Explore and rearrange panels

  • Save a custom workspace configuration

Module 2: Creating a New Document (1 hour)

Topics:

  • Page setup: size, orientation, margins, bleed

  • Facing vs. non-facing pages

  • Using master pages

  • Understanding units, rulers, and guides

Exercise:

  • Create a new Letter-sized document with effective margins and bleeds

  • Add a logo and company colour scheme

Module 3: Working with Text (1 hour)

Topics:

  • Creating and resizing text frames

  • Formatting text: font, size, alignment, leading, kerning

  • Using paragraph alignment and spacing

  • Applying basic text wraps

Exercise:

  • Create a text block with a headline, subhead, and body text

  • Apply consistent formatting

Module 4: Working with Graphics (1 hour)

Topics:

  • Placing images and understanding links

  • Fitting content to frames

  • Cropping and scaling images proportionally

  • Managing image resolution and formats

Exercise:

  • Place and fit multiple images in a layout

  • Experiment with frame fitting options

Module 5: Basic Layout Techniques (1 hour)

Topics:

  • Aligning and distributing objects

  • Grouping and arranging layers

  • Using smart guides and grids

  • Consistency and visual balance

Exercise:

  • Create a balanced layout combining text and images

  • Align content using smart guides and grid lines

Module 6: Exporting & Packaging (1 hour)

Topics:

  • Preflight checks for errors

  • Exporting print and PDF files

  • Understanding PDF presets (High Quality Print, Press Quality)

  • Packaging files for printers or collaborators

Exercise:

  • Export the flyer as a print PDF and package the InDesign file

Module 7: Mini Project – One-Page Flyer (1 hour)

Project Brief:

  • Design a one-page promotional flyer for a fictional event or product using text, images, and basic layout principles.

Skills Applied:

  • Document setup

  • Text and image integration

  • Alignment and color use

  • Exporting print-ready files

Deliverables:

  • One-page flyer PDF

  • Packaged InDesign file

Assessment Criteria:

  • Layout balance and alignment

  • Legibility and hierarchy

  • Proper file export and packaging

Post-Course Resources

Participants receive:

  • Quick reference guide (workspace, shortcuts, PDF presets)

  • Sample files and completed project

Ready to Get Started?

Register for a scheduled class.

Check our calendar for availability and dates.

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