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nikunj.m
Community Manager
Community Manager
October 30, 2025
Question

Check out what you can do with Flex layout in InDesign 21.0

  • October 30, 2025
  • 2 replies
  • 395 views

 

Hey everyone, happy MAX!

We are thrilled to introduce the new Flex Layout feature in InDesign. Flex Layout lets you create frames that automatically adjust as content changes. Objects are arranged using properties such as direction, spacing, padding, and alignment. As content is added, removed, or resized, the layout adapts seamlessly, eliminating the need for manual adjustments.


Update the App

Download the latest version and dive into the new Adobe InDesign features.

To update InDesign 21.0, click "Update" in the Creative Cloud desktop app next to InDesign. More detailed instructions for updating.

Check out how you can leverage Flex Layout in Adobe InDesign

Access Flex Layout options

Select an object/group/multiple objects in your document and do one of the following to access Flex Layout options:

  • Go to Object > Flex Layout
  • Go to Window > Flex Layout
  • Right-click the Object to access the Flex Layout


Want to dive deeper into Flex Layouts? Just check out the link here.


Create a Flex layout

1. Select an object/group/multiple objects in your document.

2. Select the Flex layout icon from the Properties panel. The Object is converted into a Flex layout container.

3. Drag objects into the container. They adjust automatically based on the container's row or column direction.

Want to learn more about Creating Flex Layouts? Just check out the link here.


Redesign an existing file using Flex Layout

1. Group related elements (like cards, buttons, or lists).

2. Convert groups to Flex Layout (right-click → Convert to Flex Layout).

3. Refine Flex properties—direction, spacing, alignment, and container size.

4. Move up the hierarchy by converting parent groups for more structure.

5. Test by adding/removing items and tweak until it adapts seamlessly.


Want to learn more about applying Flex Layouts to existing documents? Just check out the link here.


Curious about what more you can do with Flex Layouts? Click here to find out more.

 

Wish to learn more about the new features in InDesign 21.0? Click here.

 

To ensure your system can support the latest version of InDesign, click here.


We'd love to hear from you!

Try out Flex Layout in InDesign 21.0, and let us know your thoughts. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or suggestions!

If this was helpful, please click the Upvote icon in the top left corner of this post. Your feedback helps us improve the experience. Thank you!

 

We'd love to see what you've created and hear about your experience or feedback! Click 'Reply' below.

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For other questions, feel free to start a new post in the community.

2 replies

Participant
November 19, 2025

Great post — thanks for diving into the Flex Layout feature!
This tool looks like a game-changer for responsive and dynamic layouts, especially when working with content that frequently changes size or orientation. I’m excited about how containers can automatically adjust spacing, alignment, and direction based on content — that alone can save so much manual tweaking.

One thing I’m especially interested in: how well this works for multi-page documents and print workflows. If the container and object styles hold up well when pages are added or re-ordered, this could really improve productivity. Thanks again for the detailed overview — looking forward to trying this in my next project!

Participating Frequently
November 17, 2025

Is there a way to vertically align to the bottom with flex layout? Let say I have 4 boxes set using flex layout and as a column. I remove box 3 but I want 1 and 2 go down towards 4 instead of 4 going up... make sense? Am I missing something?

 

Abhishek Rao
Community Manager
Community Manager
November 17, 2025

Hello @Alain Bolduc,

 

I appreciate your clear explanation. I have reviewed this on my end, and with the existing Flex Layout configuration, items within a column container will consistently reflow from the top. When one item is removed, the others move up, and currently, there is no option to have them align naturally at the bottom instead. To fully verify this, I am consulting with the product team to determine if this type of bottom alignment is either supported or in the works. I will keep you updated as soon as I receive a response.

 

Best, 

Abhishek

Participating Frequently
November 17, 2025

Thank you! Nice update to propose!