If you think of constructing a long document like building a house, the parent pages (also called master pages) are like the foundation, and flowing text is like putting up the walls. Make a mistake with either, and it’ll cost you dearly down the line.

In this session, we’ll explore building parent pages and flowing text into your InDesign files.

Topics include:

• How to decide what to put on parent pages vs. document pages
• Primary text frames (when to use them… and when not to!)
• Handling facing page documents (vs. single-sided)

Unless you’re the one writing the copy for the InDesign layouts you design, chances are someone else is using Microsoft Word and giving you the file to flow in. And there’s the rub: Two different software companies. Two different text engines. Two different ways to format text. And it’s up to you to solve it!

In this fast-paced session, we’ll show you how to quickly fix the most common problems you’ll encounter. You’ll be amazed to see how most of the solutions are easy, free, and built right into the program.

This session includes:

• Importing Word files the smart way: choosing the best options
• Cleaning up formatting glitches after the first import
• Dealing with unwanted interlopers like embedded graphics and ugly hyperlinks
• Suspect the Word file is damaged? There’s a fix for that!

Every InDesign user knows that styles are essential for efficiently formatting text. They allow us to quickly format content and easily make changes later on. Using styles is also a requirement if you want to take advantage of InDesign’s powerful automation features.

In this session, you’ll learn how to use styles the right way! Topics include:

• The fastest way to create and redefine styles
• Thinking creatively with styles
• Leveraging Nested Styles to apply text formatting automatically

Yes, it’s time — once again! — for that fun-filled, action-packed, highly-educational, and mind-blowing session: Three Minutes Max! Each of our instructors will have no more than three minutes to share their favorite InDesign tip… and then you get to vote for a winner.

In past years, some of the best tips have been held for this session… so you don’t want to miss it!

Data Merge is InDesign’s built-in, go-to tool for creating direct mail campaigns, business cards, sequential stationery, and many other “data publishing” documents. Using techniques already present in InDesign, it is possible to take a regular “stencil” to another level and provide a truly unique experience for each recipient.

Topics include:

• Best practices for preparing Data Merge projects
• Harnessing InDesign’s features to make projects more dynamic
• Building marketing or project flyers, charts, and even org charts!