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DoBE dviser
Edition 1/2012
Adobe Indesign:
Common question asked What is Indesign?
Why a Macintosh platform?
Indesign is a design program, which creates files to be used in print production. It also has the capacity to create a wide range of output formats such as PDF and HTML.
A Macintosh computer configured for specific performance, such as design and pre-press, has superior computing and outputting capabilities than IBM PC’s, particularly in the area of print media. Macintosh computers interface smoothly with many external devices needed for professional printing, such as RIP’s and Imagesetters.
What exactly does Indesign do? It allows design layouts to be created by placing items such as images or vector art into the document where text, line, shape and gradient can then be added. Within the Indesign program a designer can create colour, text, lines, shapes, transparency and masks, all without leaving the program. These items can also incorporate files from programs such as photoshop and illustrator in their native formats e.g. PSD (photoshop documents) and AI (Adobe Illustrator). Indesign documents can be prepared to particular output specifications, including the setting of output resolutions, separations, impositions, registration etc. indesign also has the ability to export PDF’s directly thus improving workflow.
Is Indesign easy to master? Indesign is a complex program that has many tools and therefore requires considerable practice in order to gain proficiency in its use. Arranging items on a page is relatively easy to do; having effectively used Indesign to problem-free output is another matter. ‘Gun’ operators are able to apply knowledge and skills from other fields to achieve optimum performance, such as Typography, Print Methods, Graphic Design etc. Practice makes perfect.
Is Indesign a design program? Through Indesign, designers are able to create, modify and edit a range of items and objects. These may be important design features, but computers and software are slaves… they cannot design. They can only do what we instruct them to do!
How can I build speed? Use short-cut key commands!
Why is Indesign preferred in the design industry?
Short-cut key commands enable users to execute commands much faster than using the mouse and menu items. Also, using the keys allow a controlling hand to remain on the mouse. A short-cut key command is displayed next to each menu item that has a short cut available. Graphic Designers are expected to be adept at using Indesign with speed and accuracy. Speed is also important as design is a deadline driven industry and the use of shortcuts makes a designer more productive hence saving time.
Indesign was designed specifically to handle electronic publishing, and therefore is able to quickly and accurately handle all facets of pre-press production. It also has a user interface that is very similar to Photoshop and Illustrator which makes transferring between the programs less daunting for designers. Many design features such as drop shadows and transparency are also available via palettes in Indesign which is not available in other publishing software.
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