Easiest way to create a consistent master page layout?

Question

I’m trying to create a consistent master page layout in InDesign, but I’m not sure if I’m setting it up the right way. What’s the easiest and most efficient method to build master pages that keep my headings, footers, and margins uniform across the entire document? Any tips or best practices would be really helpful.

Willi Adelberger · Accepted Answer

Create a master with the margins on both sides. Give it a useful name, not the generic.

Create a master based on the first in. Add page number on the most top layer.
cCreate another master, bases on the second one, add the text frames filled with text variables based on the headlines.

text dields for page numbers and running headers must be outside the margins.

Save the file with all layers and masters and styles as INDT template file for future projects.

Use styles for everything.

Dave Creamer of IDEAS · Answer

I would start with a parent page that has the most common elements on it, such as your header, footer, etc. This would be the typical content page, not a special page like a chapter opener or title page.

What you put in the header/footer is up to you. For example, you can put the page number in the header or in the footer.

You are not required to have both a header and a footer--it's up to you.

Make sure your margins DON'T include the header/footer area--only the page-by-page content area (sometimes known as live area).

Create based-on parent pages for any variation of the most common page. For example, a chapter opener may not include the header but could include the footer.

When you create based-on parents, the original items are locked so you don't accidently move them. If you want remove something, such as the header, you can Cntl/Cmd-shift-click on it. If you unlock something and edit it (as opposed to delete it), the content will no longer be linked to the parent (but the position could still be linked).

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