Inset Controls for Non-Text Frames in Adobe InDesign

Feature Summary
Introduce inset spacing controls for graphic/image frames and undefined frames in Adobe InDesign, similar to existing text frame inset functionality.

Problem Statement
InDesign currently allows inset spacing only within text frames. When designers create callout elements—particularly those with rounded or curved corners—this limitation introduces workflow inefficiencies and layout compromises.

Specifically, when rounding the corners of a text frame, the curved geometry affects the inset behavior, forcing designers to rely on a single, uniform inset value rather than allowing independent control per side (top, right, bottom, left). This makes it difficult to achieve precise, visually balanced padding—especially in asymmetrical or compact callout designs.

Current Workaround
To maintain control and visual accuracy, designers often:

• Create an undefined (or graphic) frame as the visual background

• Place a separate text frame on top

• Manually align and adjust spacing

• Group the objects for consistency

While effective, this approach adds unnecessary complexity, increases alignment risk, and slows down iterative layout work—especially in document-heavy or production-driven environments.

Proposed Solution
Allow inset spacing controls (top, right, bottom, left) to be applied to:

• Graphic/Image frames

• Undefined frames

These inset values would define an internal padding area, enabling more precise alignment of overlaid text frames or other content—independent of stroke weight or corner radius.

Key Benefits

• Greater precision when designing callouts, labels, and UI-style elements

• Reduced reliance on multi-frame workarounds

• Improved consistency across layouts and document revisions

• Faster production workflows for editorial, marketing, and print designers

• Feature parity with text frames, improving overall usability and predictability

Use Case Example
A designer creating a rounded callout box could define exact inset spacing within the background frame, then place a text frame aligned to those inset guides—ensuring consistent padding without trial-and-error adjustments or grouping hacks.