Skip to main content
M
Mike30329819dvii
Participant
May 6, 2025
Question

Editible and expandible text box

  • May 6, 2025
  • 3 replies
  • 312 views

I have a text box that sits under a custom shape so it makes it looks like the copy underneath sits within the shape (AB-123). Is there a way in InDesign to have a custom shape and have it editible and expand to the right as the copy grows? And is it possible to keep it within this main text box?

3 replies

Bill Silbert
Community Expert
Bill SilbertCommunity Expert
Community Expert
May 6, 2025

You can do this by setting autosize attributes for both the main text frame and the custom object text frame through the Text Frame Options dialog window (Command/Control-B). Then you can insert the custom object into the main text as an inline object. See more complete instructions in the screenshot below:

Please note the final instruction about the actual proportion of the width of the inline object will change as more numbers are added. Unfortunately, the only options available for retaining proportions exist for both the height and the width of a text frame. That option would make the height of your inlined object also grow as more text is added to it.

    J
    Community Expert
    Jeffrey_SmithCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    May 6, 2025

    The hexagon can be pasted into the rectangle, with both frames applied with Auto-Size options that can expand and shrink with input.

     

    The one problem with this method is maintaining the shape of the hexagon. If the Auto-Size is applied with "Width Only", this will unproportionally distort the shape. If the difference of minimum to maximum amount of characters is not that great, then the distorted shape may not be an issue.

    Mike Witherell
    Community Expert
    Mike WitherellCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    May 6, 2025

    Hi Mike,

    Have you tried selecting a textframe and then pressing Cmd/Ctrl+B to get to Text Frame Options Dialog Box? And within that dialog box clicking to the Auto Size pane?

    Secondary smaller textframes can be pasted inline into the line of text.

    Basically, by making use of 2 paragraph styles and an Object Style, you should be able to build it.

    You might be able to build the <AB-123> thing as a character style, too. Or at least character style something like it, if not the angled side shapes.

    Mike Witherell
      Joel Cherney
      Community Expert
      Joel CherneyCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      May 6, 2025

      I tried to make a single hexagonal object that could have Auto-Size turned on and be an inline anchored object, but I found that longer values distortd the hexagon, like Jeffery did. So before I gave up and waited for some compound-paths wizard to figure out a workaround, I played around with an idea a lot like this:

       

      Basically, by making use of 2 paragraph styles and an Object Style, you should be able to build it.

      You might be able to build the <AB-123> thing as a character style, too. Or at least character style something like it, if not the angled side shapes.

       

      What I wound up with was an anchored object with the AB-123 inside, with a paragraph style that had Rule Above and Rule Below. I then distorted some greater-than and less-than glyphs with a character style, and kerned 'em into place. It feels like a hacky workaround to me, but not unacceptably so. It'd be possible to do a much better job on the pointy ends than I did in five minutes of experimentation, I'm sure. 

       

       

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