When edit and create paragraphs in our texts and printing projects, Adobe Indesign offers a complete automated menu. From there we can configure the most relevant aspects of our paragraphs, and then apply it quickly to increase productivity and save time.
The key when creating paragraph styles in Indesign is knowing exactly the parameter we want to alter. Then, it is as easy as selecting the specific characteristics that we are going to add and configuring the different paragraphs of the text. As the application is mainly used for designing brochures and other printed presentations, its interface and application is simple, fast and intuitive.
Paragraph and character styles in Indesign, what are they?
When we talk about styles in Adobe Indesign, we refer to attribute configurations that are applied with a single click. In this way we save time when adding a specific effect or characteristic, since otherwise we would have to go element by element configuring each parameter in a personalized way. Styles serve to improve productivity and save work time, since once the main style is created, we can automatically apply it to different paragraphs. We can also create other alternative styles, and with a simple menu switch between them.
Explain through an example in applications like Adobe Indesign It makes the work a lot easier, that's why we start with this idea: you have an article that you are working on with Indesign and you have divided the different editing bricks for each part of the article. From the body to the headings, subtitles and other components. On each brick you want to have a particular configuration for the text, from font to size. You can leave specific line spacing and many other parameters. But when creating styles you differentiate the ones you will use in titles, subtitles and paragraphs. This way, you can apply the set of attributes directly according to the type of text you are going to place.
Paragraph styles are essential to use Indesign well
Layout design tools arrived for make work easier and faster. If we do not learn to use its main tools, editing in Indesign is the same as in a traditional word processor. The key is learning how to take advantage of the Adobe platform. It has numerous advantages that, once you overcome the lack of knowledge, will help you improve your performance.
- They speed up the editing process. With a well-configured paragraph style, you won't have to repeatedly make changes to the body of your project. Another advantage is that any changes you make to the style will automatically be applied to the blocks you have previously configured. This way you will be able to visualize in less time how you want your project to look.
- Avoid mistakes. It may be that when editing manually you forget to set a font size or some particular attribute. When configuring paragraph styles in Adobe Indesign, all modifications are made automatically. Human error in format configuration is significantly reduced.
- Content automation. The program has a wide variety of automation features, such as tables of contents or PDF bookmarks. By learning to use them correctly, your paragraphs will be better designed and the general result will be much more careful.
Differences between paragraph and character styles
Paragraph and character styles can be found in Differentiated menus within the application. While the paragraph style includes general formatting attributes (alignment, indentation) and other character attributes (typography, body, etc.): But they are applied as a group. On the other hand, character styles only apply to a previously indicated set of characters. They are only character modifications, therefore they do not modify the general formatting section of the text. While character styles specify an element or set of elements within a paragraph, paragraph styles apply to the entire general set of text. .
Tips for working with paragraph and character styles
Every time you start editing work for a project in Adobe Indesign, it is important to be organized and know how to apply different tools and effects. Always respect the original paragraph style so as not to lose the idea of the type of text. It is normal to add different styles as we progress through the publication, but it is necessary to have a source paragraph that serves as a reference point.
The risk is that the publication ends up having too many variants and ends up generating a visual spectacle that is not very pleasant or practical. Pay attention to the original text to detect if the work requires any particular modifications, or if you can work directly at your discretion.
Before end up choosing a particular style, it is advisable to try the different variants. Perhaps when you see them in action, some of them generate a more attractive effect, but without seeing them as a whole you may not fully appreciate it.