How to Make an Object in InDesign
Since InDesign is a document layout program, most of the objects within an InDesign document are imported or linked from another program; however, to create your own object, InDesign offers you a variety of drawing tools. The Pen tool creates vector paths using points and curve handles that you specify. The Pencil tool creates freehand drawings, adding points and handles as you draw. The line and shape tools create your specified shape.
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Instructions
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Pen Tool
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Select the “Pen” tool from the Tool panel on the left side of the screen.
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Click inside the document to place the first point of the object.
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Click another location to place your second point.
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Hold down the mouse and drag to create a curved shape.
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Select the “Direct Selection” tool. Select a point. Drag the point to reposition it. Drag a direction line to change the shape of the curve.
Pencil Tool
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Select the “Pencil” tool from the Tool panel.
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Click and drag a freehand object inside the document.
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Select the “Smooth” tool located under the Pencil tool.
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Click and drag over the freehand path to smooth the curves.
Line or Shape Tool
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Select the “Line” tool from the Tool panel. Click and drag a line in the document window.
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Select the “Rectangle” tool from the Tool panel. Double-click inside the document window. Enter the desired width and height in the corresponding boxes.
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Select the “Ellipse” tool from the Tool panel. Double-click inside the document window. Enter the desired width and height in the corresponding boxes.
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Select the “Polygon” tool from the Tool panel. Double-click inside the document window. Enter the desired width and height in the corresponding boxes. Enter the desired number of sides in the “Number of Sides” box.
Change Fill and Stroke
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Select the path that you want to change.
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Click on the “Stroke” icon in the Tools panel.
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Click on the “Window” menu and select “Stroke.”
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Select the desired stroke size from the “Weight” drop down menu.
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Click on the “Window” menu, hover over “Color and select “Color.”
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Select the desired color for the stroke.
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Click on the “Fill” icon in the Tools panel.
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Select the desired fill color from the Color panel.
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References
- Photo Credit Burke/Triolo Productions/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
