Interface design is confusing

[chrisc86557942]

Hello Adobe experts.

I've been struggling to get to grips with the long ribbon across the top of the interface (I don't even know what it's called, but in terms of function it's the text tool subpanel). It seems very non intuitive. Some issue I have:

1. In Paragraph mode, if you change the font without selecting some text, nothing happens.

2. In Character mode, a bunch of options to the right apply to the whole paragraph, even if you only have one word selected.

I've been unable to find any documentation on this, but it seems insane. Can anyone point me to a clear explanation of this?

Thanks, Chris.

[Mike Bro]

Hello Chris,

There's way to much to know that anyone could explain here on the fourm,

I would suggest taking a Indesign training course or google around to look for some documentation on this....take a look at the link below for some basics.

https://www.acuitytraining.co.uk/news-tips/understanding-the-indesign-workspace/

Regards,

Mike

[Derek Cross]

Linkedin Learning have outstanding InDesign online video tutorials and you can get 30-days free access.

And of course, return this friendly forum for specific questions.

[chrisc86557942]

Thanks both for your responses.

I've already tried the Adobe doducmentation without any joy, and am a member of LIL.

Well I thought those were fairly specific questions Derek.

Best Regards, Chris.

[BobLevine]

It's called the Control panel and has been there forever. As you may have noticed it's contextual and it's also customizable by clicking the small gear icon on the right of the panel.

[rob day · Accepted solution]

1. In Paragraph mode, if you change the font without selecting some text, nothing happens.

It’s changing the default font family—if you create a new text frame the first insertion point will be set to the chosen font.

2. In Character mode, a bunch of options to the right apply to the whole paragraph, even if you only have one word selected.

Toggling between the character and paragraph formatting controls rearranges the panel. On a large screen, selecting the Character Formatting Contols doesn’t hide the paragraph controls, it simply moves the group of controls relative to character formatting to the left of the control panel where they would be visible on a smaller screen or when the control panel is resized.

Here’s the Adobe helpx page:

https://helpx.adobe.com/indesign/user-guide.html/indesign/using/workspace-basics.ug.html

[chrisc86557942]

Perfect. Many thanks Rob!