inDesign Tip #18 Using layers effectively in inDesign

What we are accomplishing: Using layers to optimize workflow and to create alternative document settings.

Sometimes you have a project that requires an alternate version, say a 20 page document with 2 different backgrounds.  The most obvious plan of action would be to create a 2nd document that has the alternative background.  However, this can be frustrating as you must modify that second file every time you modify the first.  There is a better solution however, and that solution is layers.

To view your layers go to Window>Layers or press F7.  A tab will show up where you can view your layers.  For those used to illustrator, using the layers in inDesign is not very different from using layers in illustrator.  The major difference is in application.  What we want to do for the inDesign document is to create a new layer to hold our backgrounds.  Click on the “new” icon to create a second and third layer.  The top layer should be labeled “content” while the other two should be named “background 1” and “background 2”.  Now that you have your layers positioned, you can put them to work.  Go to the master page for your document.  Once here, you can place the two separate backgrounds on their corresponding layers.  Make sure that anything that is not the background is in the contents layer (selection borders will match the color of the layer you are currently on, making it easier to tell which layer your object is on).  After that, just change the visibility of the two background layers to change the image for the entire document. Voila!  The document now has the ability to interchange backgrounds quickly and efficiently.

That is it for today’s tip, be sure to leave comments or suggestions.

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