For Windows PC and Mac - all the important keyboard shortcuts in InDesign CC

Adobe InDesign is undoubtedly an impressive layout tool, but to get the most out of this program, it's crucial to master the use of keyboard shortcuts. Shortcuts are like the key to a smooth, efficient workflow. We'll show you useful keyboard shortcuts that will save you time and effort, whether you're formatting text, placing images or arranging layout elements. In our overview of the shortcuts in Adobe InDesign CC , we summarize the most important shortcuts for you.

15 frequently used shortcuts in Adobe InDesign CC

Customize and reset keyboard shortcuts in InDesign CC

In Adobe InDesign, you can set your own custom keyboard shortcuts to optimize your workflow. We will guide you step by step through the process to achieve this.

Open the "Edit" menu:
Go to "Edit" in the top menu bar of InDesign and select "Keyboard Shortcuts".

Customize keyboard shortcuts:
A window will pop up allowing you to customize the keyboard shortcuts. Now select the desired menu from the "Product area" drop-down list (e.g. "File", "Edit", etc.).

Select command:
Search for the command to which you want to assign a new shortcut. Then tap on this command to highlight it.

Add new keyboard shortcut:
Click on the "New keyboard shortcut" field and press the keys you want to use to execute this command.

Check and assign:
Make sure that your selected keyboard shortcut is not already assigned. InDesign will warn you if this is the case. Then press "Assign" and then "Yes".

Save and apply:
Click on "OK" to save the new keyboard shortcuts. Your individual keyboard shortcuts are now ready for use.

Shortcuts for the InDesign tools in the toolbar

Keyboard shortcuts for InDesign functions in the File menu

The File menu in InDesign CC allows you to perform various actions, such as creating new files, opening existing files and saving and exporting files you are currently working on.

InDesign shortcuts for functions in the Edit menu

InDesign's Edit menu provides you with numerous essential functions that allow you to make changes. The most frequently used functions probably include Undo, Copy and Paste, for which you probably know the keyboard shortcuts. However, it is also advisable to use the corresponding keyboard shortcuts for other actions such as search, duplicate or reset to the original position. This often speeds up the workflow considerably.

Shortcuts for the layout

Adobe InDesign is a powerful tool for designing layouts for print media and digital projects. To make the design process more efficient, InDesign offers a variety of shortcuts that allow you to quickly activate tools and functions without having to constantly click on buttons or menus.

Keyboard shortcuts for text and typography

Working efficiently in Adobe InDesign is made much easier by using keyboard shortcuts for text and typography. Shortcuts make it possible to apply text formatting quickly and easily.

Shortcuts for tables

Tables are an indispensable element in the design of layouts in Adobe InDesign. They enable the clear arrangement of information and data. To make working with tables more efficient, InDesign offers a variety of keyboard shortcuts that allow you to call up various table functions quickly and specifically.

Tips and tricks for Adobe InDesign

To help you make even faster progress in Adobe InDesign, here are a few really good tips and tricks. Did you know ...

• that deleted graphics, text and images are also taken into account when saving documents? The file size remains large, even though it shouldn't actually be that large. If you save with "Save as" instead, the file size is recalculated. The file now has the correct size - and is much smaller than before!
• that you can store frames, tables, graphics, texts, hyperlinks etc. in libraries? In the library (INDL file) you place all elements that you use repeatedly in the same document or in different documents. As the library is not bound to links, you can very quickly place frequently used elements (logos, tables, diagrams, etc.) in the document.
• that you can also add new keyboard shortcuts and change the existing ones? In the Edit => Keyboard shortcuts menu, you can open the dialog box for editing keyboard shortcuts. There you simply create a new set with your desired commands.
• that InDesign distinguishes between program-specific and document-specific presets? Presets that you change during editing only apply to the open document. The program-specific presets can be changed if no layout document has yet been opened.
• that since CS4 you can set an intelligent text wrap in the preferences under typesetting? Activate the intelligent text wrap and deactivate the restriction to sample text frames. Now a new page is automatically created - similar to word processing programs - when you reach the end of the page when entering text.
• that you can split your working file and create it as a book file for very large documents? This allows you to maintain clarity and usability even with hundreds of pages. Page numbering, different format sources and PDF export are no problem. Example: The Commag, PSD-Tutorials.de's online magazine for image editing with over a hundred pages, is created by several editors. All
• editorial contributions are available in separate working files (INDD), which are later merged into the final book file (INDB).

6 points for working with layout files

1. Zero margins for a new document
   If you are designing a free layout - for example for a flyer - then zero the margins when creating the new document! Otherwise the margins will limit your scope in the design and you will be unconsciously influenced by them.
   
2. Grid and guidelines
   Only use the guides, the baseline grid and/or the document grid to position your graphics, frames and text. Then Blender them out again or delete the guides. They quickly distract from the actual layout content.
   
3. Sample templates
   The sample template is a type of fixed sample page for the document. Create sample templates for larger projects such as magazines/brochures to display graphics, images and text (including page numbers) in the same position throughout the document. A document page (print sheet) refers to the sample template as the basic layout for the page. This allows different basic layouts to be taken into account in the document
   e.g. 2/3-column pages, advertising pages, sections, etc.
   
4. Paragraph and character formats
   Use paragraph and character formats to be able to format texts automatically - even across documents. The settings of a text paragraph are defined in paragraph formats, i.e. typography, alignment, separations and breaks. This is a great way to create an article with a title, subtitle, paragraphs, quotations, bulleted lists, etc. The character format can be used to save individual characters and words in the formatting as defaults.
   
5. Object styles
   Create object styles to automate layout optimally. This allows you to define and combine the graphic appearance of layout frames: Contours, areas, paragraph formats, transparency effects, drop shadows ... everything is saved as an object style.
   
6. Effects
   Some graphic effects do not necessarily have to be created in Photoshop or Illustrator. In the Effects panel, you can make fill method offsets (Normal, Multiply, ...) and fill options (Drop shadow, Glow inwards, ...).