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Bill Hopcraft
Inspiring
August 27, 2017
Answered

Defining a default stroke

  • August 27, 2017
  • 2 replies
  • 6864 views

I'm new to Indesign.  I've imported an image that shows an exploded view of a machine.  For each part I want to use a 0.5-pt. line with a solid circle at the end to call out the individual parts.  How can I save that line style so I don't have to redefine it each time I draw one?

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer winterm

    Define desired stroke with document open and active, and nothing selected. Only then draw actual lines. Your custom settings will stay as 'default'.

    Same technique goes for text styles, fill / stroke color, some other things.

    2 replies

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    smoothsea
    Inspiring
    August 28, 2017

    This is true. The only thing that I would add is to create an object style for your line and then select that object style nothing selected. Then you will be able to change all the lines globally should you (or your client) wish to do so.

    Regards,

    Malcolm

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      Bill HopcraftAuthor
      Inspiring
      August 28, 2017

      This is helpful.  Can you explain how to create an object style? Thanks!

      S
      smoothsea
      Inspiring
      August 28, 2017

      Hi Bill,

      Make a single line which appears as you would like, then select it and go to Window>Styles>Object Styles and from the palette menu choose New Object Style. The values that you see filled in will be taken from your selected line.

      Under the Basic Attributes of the New Object Style panel you'll see that most have ticks and some will have lines. Untick most of these - you will probably only need the Stroke and Stroke & Corner Options ones.

      At the bottom of the New Object Style palette check both Preview and Apply Style to Selection. Your line appearance shouldn't change. Give the style a meaningful name and click OK to finish.

      Regards,

      Malcolm

        winterm
        wintermCorrect answer
        Legend
        August 27, 2017

        Define desired stroke with document open and active, and nothing selected. Only then draw actual lines. Your custom settings will stay as 'default'.

        Same technique goes for text styles, fill / stroke color, some other things.

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