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InDesign CS4 by Adobe is traditionally only used by designers; but what happens when you decide that your admin staff need to use the software as well? Most InDesign users have some awareness of master pages. In this article, we will look at some of the finer points of using master pages in InDesign. Firstly, it is possible to base a new master page on an existing one. From the Pages panel menu, choose New Master Page and, when the New Master dialog appears, choose the name of an existing master page from the drop-down menu labelled “Based on Master”.

As well as inheriting all of the elements on the existing master, the new master will also be linked to it; so that, if you make a change to the elements on the original master page, those changes will be reflected on the new one. It’s very easy to tell if a master is based on another master. The page icon of any master page which is based on another master will display the letter prefix of the parent master page.

In InDesign, master elements are not editable on any child document or master pages. However, in both cases master elements can be unlocked on the child page by holding down the Control and Shift keys and clicking on the master item.

InDesign also allows users to base a new master page on a document page or spread. To do highlight a document page or spread and choose Save As Master from the Pages panel menu. It is also sometimes useful to create a master page by duplicating an existing one. Just highlight the master in question and choose Duplicate Master Spread from the Pages panel menu.

Just as styles and swatches can be loaded into one document from another, so master pages created in one document can be transferred into another document. Choose Load Master Pages from the Pages panel menu then browse for the document that contains the required master(s). Please note, however, that InDesign always imports all of the master pages that the document contains. It does not offer the option of selecting only certain items as is the case with swatches and styles. If one of the master pages being important has the same name as an existing master page, a dialog box will appear offering you the option of replacing the existing master page or renaming the new one.

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Adobe InDesign is one of the best and most popular programs for graphic design and formatting. Layers are a feature in several programs within the Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Flash, Illustrator and InDesign. Their function differs from program to program but, in general, the use of layers serves to offer flexibility of composition. Items of related content can be placed on their own individual layers. Layers can then be made visible or hidden or can be locked to prevent their content being changed. Equally, the stacking order of layers can be changed to determine which elements are displayed in front of which other elements. Layers are not always required when creating documents in InDesign but they can beneficial in several situations.

1. The most common scenario is where you need to produce several different versions of a publication. For example, there may be one version of a catalogue for in-house use and another for clients; or you may need to create different language versions of the same document.

2. Perhaps the most common reason for using layers is where you need to produce several different versions of a publication. For example, there may be one version of a catalogue for in-house use and another for clients; or you may need to create different language versions of the same document.

3. Since layers can be made none-printing simply by hiding them, it is also possible to use layers to store text and other elements which are relevant to the publication but are not to be included in the final version. Such layers could also be used for comments and reminders and can simply be deleted once the publication has been completed.

4. Since layers can be made none-printing simply by hiding them, it is also possible to use layers to store text and other elements which are relevant to the publication but are not to be included in the final version. Such layers could also be used for comments and reminders and can simply be deleted once the publication has been completed.

5. Another trick is to use layers for creating a document by using a similar publication as a template. A full sized scan of the original document can be placed on a locked background layer and used to ensure that each part of the layout is in the right place, has the right dimensions and so forth.

4. Many complex page layouts demand the creation and intricate manipulation of numerous InDesign elements. The process of manipulation of these elements can sometimes be made much easier by placing elements on a series of layers.

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