I want to get a deeper understanding of what InDesign is capable of

[PapierProductions]

I am a professional print production artist and InDesign is my primary tool. I want to get a deeper understanding of what InDesign is capable of and learn how to make the best use of all it has to offer. I've got an intermediate to advanced understanding of a lot of InDesign's functions, but want to improve that status to advanced to expert knowledge.

In particular, I really want to learn more about working with and creating templates in InDesign. So, I was wondering if anyone here might be able to recommend any resources that could help me with that. Any book titles, YouTube videos, tutorials, or online courses? I know there is a much deeper knowledge of InDesign that I’m missing and I want to be better at what I do. If anyone can recommend anything that might help me, I would appreciate knowing about it now while I’m in between projects.

Thank you!

[Derek Cross · Accepted solution]

Some ideas (and this friendly forum can be helpful with specific issues):

https://indesignsecrets.libsyn.com 

(inc InDesign Magazine)

https://www.linkedin.com/learning/indesign-2021-essential-training?trk=learning-serp_learning_search... 

(Online digital tutorials – you can get 30-days free access)

https://www.pluralsight.com/paths/indesign-cc-creative-professionals 

(Online digital tutorials – you can get 10-days free access)

https://creativeproweek.com/savethedate2021/  (Conference)

https://www.peachpit.com/store/adobe-indesign-classroom-in-a-book-2021-release-9780136870289  

(A book and accompanying website)

[Barb Binder · Accepted solution]

Hi @PapierProductions

You didn't mention what types of documents you are designing now, so I'll keep this somewhat generic. As a career trainer and someone who does template design work, my recommendation would be to skip the general courses and focus on the following topics:

• Everything you can learn about styles—paragraph, character, object, cell, table and GREP, and optimizing nested styles. One of our ACPs, @Nigel French, has an advanced styles course: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/indesign-advanced-styles/introduction
• Speaking of Nigel, he also has books on advanced typography and two online courses on the same topic. Building his recommendations into your styles will greatly enhance your publications.: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/indesign-typography-part-1/welcome and https://www.linkedin.com/learning/indesign-typography-part-2/welcome.
• Learn everything about pages—master pages, linked master pages, layout adjustments and alternate layouts. Also look into how to leverage grids and guides—including baseline grids—in your page design.
• Take some time to examine some of InDesign's free templates—take them apart to see how they were designed and how you can do the same thing.

There are so many other topics you can delve into, but with your stated focus, I'd start with these. 

~Barb

[PapierProductions]

Hi Barb,

Thank you so much for your thoughtful answer. I mostly work on curricula, but I also do book layouts, brochures, and annual reports. This is an excellent jumping off point and I really appreciate your help.

~Susan

[Creamer Training]

Each type of document that you mention requires a different approach, but they all use the basics that Barb mentioned to one extent or another. When you start examining templates and documents and realize they could have been built much more efficiently, you will be ready...

"When you can snatch the pebble from my hand, it will be time for you to leave."

— Master Kan