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Adani5C60
New Participant
January 5, 2022
Answered

How to add an arrow with a border?

  • January 5, 2022
  • 3 replies
  • 2645 views

I've used the stroke tool to add a line with an arrowhead, but I don't see an option to add a colored border to the line.

 

Is there a workaround to add a border? 

 

I have tried duplicating the arrow, changing the color of one arrow, then overlaying them manually, but because my lines are so thin/small it is very hard to align them correctly.

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Barb Binder

Hi @Adani5C60:

 

The issue is that an arrowhead is already a stroke, and you can't add a stroke to a stroke in InDesign. (You can in Adobe Illustrator and if that is an option, I can explain how.)

 

~Barb

3 replies

P
Prepress26710313guar
New Participant
October 20, 2022

 

Barb Binder
Barb Binder
Community Expert
October 20, 2022

Yes, @Prepress26710313guar. That is how you add an arrowhead to a stroke in InDesign. The OP wanted to add a stroke around the stroke with the arrowhead. That still isn't a feature in InDesign. We've outlined the various workarounds above.

I've used the stroke tool to add a line with an arrowhead, but I don't see an option to add a colored border to the line.

 

~Barb

~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training
Spenno
Spenno
Inspiring
January 5, 2022

As Barb says, your best bet is to use Illustrator, as you can convert strokes to vectors in llustrator (then copy paste back into InDesign, if you wish).

A workaround if you don't have this option is to use an outerglow or drop shadow, if it's a case of making it pop.

And if you are struggling to line up two objects manually, instead of 'paste' use 'paste in place' - it will appear directly on top of the original object.

    Barb Binder
    Barb BinderCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    January 5, 2022

    Hi @Adani5C60:

     

    The issue is that an arrowhead is already a stroke, and you can't add a stroke to a stroke in InDesign. (You can in Adobe Illustrator and if that is an option, I can explain how.)

     

    ~Barb

    ~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training
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