Skip to main content
J
johnd23566364
Participant
October 18, 2018
Answered

InDesign doesn't allow me to create a text box

  • October 18, 2018
  • 4 replies
  • 6382 views

[Moderator moved from Adobe Creative Cloud to InDesign .]

I just bought this to format and print a book. I created the document in InDesign, but it does not allow me to create a master page for general formatting, or even create a text box to type anything in. This is really frustrating. All I get is this little tiny box that has the file name that I saved. Where do you find a page that you can do something with?

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Derek Cross

    Lynda.com have a number of online video tutorials that would be helpful (you can get a 30-day free trial):

    InDesign CC 2018 Essential Training

    4 replies

    L
    Community Expert
    LaubenderCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    October 18, 2018

    johnd23566364  wrote

    [Moderator moved from Adobe Creative Cloud to InDesign .]

    … or even create a text box to type anything in. This is really frustrating. …

    Hi John,

    what's your version of InDesign?
    What operating system?

    If on CC 2019 there could be an issue with the Type tool at the beginning after starting up InDesign, opening the first document and changing the active tool to the Text tool. Could be, that you have to wait a while, perhaps 20 seconds, to start working with the tool.

    Regards,
    Uwe

    J
    johnd23566364Author
    Participant
    October 19, 2018

    I just want to put the text and graphics in, via blocks, and edit as I need to. When you create a new book it does not give you a page to start from and there is no way to create a block, or a master page, (that I can see) or anything that you can do anything with except change # of columns and margins. It knows I want 220 pages. I feel like this is about the least intuitive program I have ever seen. I'm using a Mac, High Sierra (13.6), and latest v (14.0) of InDesign. Do I have to pay for a 10X8 book format? I simply want to call up 5 different master pages for each of my 220 pages of book. This shouldn't be like rocket science! 

    BobLevine
    Community Expert
    BobLevineCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    October 19, 2018

    InDesign does not come without a learning curve. If you can’t be bothered to buy a book or two and watch some Lynda.com videos I’m afraid you’re going to get nowhere fast.

    Derek Cross
    Community Expert
    Derek CrossCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    October 18, 2018

    Lynda.com have a number of online video tutorials that would be helpful (you can get a 30-day free trial):

    InDesign CC 2018 Essential Training

    Willi Adelberger
    Community Expert
    Willi AdelbergerCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    October 18, 2018

    I suppose you need some basic training in InDesign.

    Why do you need text frames without text or do you talk about primary text frames on the master?

    How do you make your general formatting? Object Styles? Paragraph Styles? Character Styles?

    Or do you mean general structure? Layers and Masters.

      U
      Unger
      Inspiring
      September 15, 2021

      Not a question of basic training, just a basic function that isn't working. VER 16+ suddenly stopped letting me draw new text boxes--the tool won't stick. Nevermind the issues with trying to select text once created.

       

      Why not frame without text? They are graphical elements.

        amaarora
        amaarora
        Inspiring
        October 18, 2018

        Hi,

        Please try to replace/restore your InDesign preferences.Troubleshooting 101: Replace, or "trash" your InDesign preferences [2009 Outdated & Locked]

        -Aman

        Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
        Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices