Create a Brochure Using InDesign

Adobe InDesign is a software product that allows you to create desktop publishing projects quickly and easily. You can make brochures and other documents by using the included templates and adjusting them to your needs. Here's how you can use InDesign to create a brochure.

Steps

  1. Double-clicking on the InDesign icon on your desktop.
    • It may also be in the list of installed programs under your Start Menu or Mac Dock.
  2. Choose "From Template" under the "Create New" command.
    • A separate window will launch with several types of document templates.
  3. Double-click the "Brochures" folder.
  4. Select the size and shape you need to create a brochure.
    • Don't worry about the layout or color themes at this stage. You will change those to your preference at a later stage in the process.
    • Clicking each sample brochure will provide details of the specific layout at the right side of the window.
    • Choose a template that offers the number of pages you want in your brochure.
    • For this example, choose the first template offering a 2-page brochure by double-clicking the icon.
  5. Add rulers to the top and side of your brochure, if not already shown, by clicking the "View Options" button in the uppermost toolbar.
    • You can also use "View Options" to add guides and frame edges for ease in manipulating the layout.
  6. Note the layout of the brochure.
    • The first 8 x 11-inch sheet is split down the middle into 2 brochure pages. These will be the fourth and first pages of your brochure, respectively.
    • Scroll down to see the next sheet, which will be split into pages 2 and 3 from left to right.
    • Scroll back up to work on the first sheet.
  7. Double-click inside the green-edged text box to change the title and description of your brochure.
  8. Change the text font and size by using the "Paragraph Styles" option in the right pane or by making your own selections in the toolbar at the top of the window.
  9. Click anywhere outside the text box to accept your changes.
  10. Click the photograph on the first page of the brochure and then press "Delete" to remove it.
    • You may need press the "V" key first. This changes to the Selection Tool.
  11. Place your own photograph or image file on the first page of your brochure.
    • Click "File" and then "Place" on the drop-down menu. A window will launch.
    • Browse to and select the image file you want to place on your brochure.
    • Use your mouse to draw a rectangle where your image will fit.
    • Once placed, you can resize your image by clicking on a corner and dragging the image.
  12. Change the other text boxes and images on the first sheet of your brochure.
  13. Repeat the process on the second sheet below, keeping in mind that these brochure pages will face each another on the inside.
  14. Make any desired changes to colors, fonts and text sizes.
  15. Print the first sheet of your brochure.
    • Click "File" and then "Print" from the drop-down menu.
    • Change the page range to "1" and click "Print."
  16. Remove the printed sheet, turn it over and reinsert it into your printer.
  17. Print page 2 of your file.
  18. Fold the brochure in half lengthwise.
    • The right half of the first sheet should be page 1.
    • Pages 2 and 3 will be inside the brochure.
    • Page 4 will be the left side of the first sheet.

Tips

  • You can choose to print your brochure on 2 sheets and fold one inside the other. This may work better if your paper is lightweight and the printing from the opposite side shows through.
  • While using InDesign, the keyboard shortcut to "undo" a process in Windows is Ctrl-Z. On a Mac, you will hold "Command" while pressing the Z key. If you make a change you don't like, you can easily reverse the process by using the "undo" command.

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