How to Add a White Border in InDesign

White borders on dark colors create an interesting contrast.

Adding borders to your document can add organization and help direct your readers’ attention. Since most borders are black printed on white, add a white border around an object that contains a black background or when printing on color paper for an interesting contrast that draws the eye. Adobe InDesign makes it easy to create white borders whether you want a small border around a single object, or a large border around the entire page.

Instructions

Frame Border

1. Click on the object or text to which you want to add the border. A blue box will appear around the object indicating that it is selected, and displaying the frame border.

2. Click on the “Window” menu and select “Stroke” to open the Stroke panel.

3. Select the desired stroke size from the “Weight” drop-down menu.

4. Click on the “Window” menu, hover over “Color” and select “Color.”

5. Click on the “White” box

Page Border

1. Click on the “Rectangle,” "Circle" or "Polygon" tool, depending on the desired tool for the shape of the border.

2. Click on the “Window” menu and select “Stroke” to open the Stroke panel.

3. Select the desired stroke size from the “Weight” drop-down menu.

4. Click on the “Window” menu, hover over “Color” and select “Color.”

5. Click on the “White” box

6. Draw the border around page.

References

• Adobe InDesign CS5 & CS5.5: Create a Border or Backgronds