How to Create an Index in InDesign

If you're creating a book in InDesign, follow these step-by-step instructions to compile your index.

Instructions

1. To compile the index, you'll first need to replace spaces between any first names and middle initials with a non-breaking space, as well as for any other entries with a space in them. Select "show hidden characters" under the Type menu so you can see the non-breaking space. Then, highlight the space to replace, and press ctrl+Alt+x.

2. Next, highlight the entire name or term to be indexed and hit ctrl+shift+F8. Do this for all chapters of your book.

3. Open a new file (from the book's template, if you're using one) and save it as Index. In the Index document, choose File > New > Book, then add all chapters and the Index to the book (drag files up or down until they are in the right order).

4. Look for duplicate entries, such as faculty with two lists of page numbers, one with their name with a middle initial and one without. Combine the page numbers under one of these entries, usually the one with the middle initial.

5. Open the index under Window and select "Generate Index" from the drop-down menu. Select "Include Book Documents," and for entry separators, choose "em space" Following Topic and ",[n space]" between page numbers. Select "OK" and the index will run.

6. Carefully proof the index you've generated. Look for duplicate entries which may differ by a typo (and don't forget to correct the term within the document as well). Conserve space by grouping long strings of page numbers. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 can become 4-9.