Skip to main content
jcjessup
jcjessup
Participant
June 2, 2025
Answered

Is it possible to add a roughen effect to text in InDesign?

  • June 2, 2025
  • 4 replies
  • 831 views

I've got a project where I'm using both Illustrator and InDesign. I have a font I want to use, and was able to use a Distort and Transform Effect in Illustrator to make the text match the stylized illustration.

I would like to match that text style for some headers in my InDesign document (keeping the type editable). Is there a way to apply the same effect (or the same type of effect) in InDesign?

The attached image shows the text with and without the effect applied for reference.

Correct answer Dave Creamer of IDEAS

As others have said, it's not possible in InDesign. 

Not knowing all the requirements of your project, there is what I would do:

Create the effect in Illustrator keeping the type editable,

Save as an Illustrator file (.ai),

Place in InDesign, anchoring the graphic if necessary.

 

To edit, simply right-click and edit original. Keep Illustrator open for faster editing.

 

If you want to cut down on file management, keep your text on separate layers. Then activate the layer you want when you place. 

 

4 replies

Mike Witherell
Community Expert
Mike WitherellCommunity Expert
Community Expert
June 3, 2025

Just for fun, I uploaded your screenshot to whatthefont (part of myfonts.com) and it showed me 60 similar typefaces!

Mike Witherell
    Dave Creamer of IDEAS
    Community Expert
    Dave Creamer of IDEASCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    June 3, 2025

    As others have said, it's not possible in InDesign. 

    Not knowing all the requirements of your project, there is what I would do:

    Create the effect in Illustrator keeping the type editable,

    Save as an Illustrator file (.ai),

    Place in InDesign, anchoring the graphic if necessary.

     

    To edit, simply right-click and edit original. Keep Illustrator open for faster editing.

     

    If you want to cut down on file management, keep your text on separate layers. Then activate the layer you want when you place. 

     

    David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)
      Mike Witherell
      Community Expert
      Mike WitherellCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      June 2, 2025

      Hi Jeremy,

      No, that is not possible, but why not go to fonts.adobe.com and see if you can find a font that resembles that look? Of course, there are many typeface resources besides fonts.adobe.com, but they have over 30,000 typefaces.

      I saw a lot of rough-shaped typefaces on:

      https://www.fontspace.com/category/distorted,rough?

      Mike Witherell
      jcjessup
      jcjessupAuthor
      Participant
      June 2, 2025

      Thanks. I was hoping to make something custom by using the same effects in InDesign that I had in Illustrator (I have over 5,000 fonts installed but haven't found one that suits the style as well). I appreciate the suggestion though. It would be nice if they were to add that feature in the future, but I'll make due for now.

      jmlevy
      Community Expert
      jmlevyCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      June 2, 2025

      No, it is not possible to do this in InDesign.

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