Objective

To learn InDesign layout and production techniques by recreating the form below.

Procedure

prepping for the exercise

1. download starter files
2. examine downloaded files
3. open "form.indd" in InDesign
4. practice Adobe navigation keyboard shortcuts: space=hand; space+cmd=zoom in; space+cmd+opt=zoom out; cmd+zero=fit in window
5. practice InDesign preview shortcuts: cmd+opt+I (show/hide hidden characters); W (normal/preview mode)
6. window > pages: note page numbers
7. window > layers: note layer names
8. view document at 150%
9. horizontal guides at 3p, 30p; vertical guides at 2p, 4p6, 10p6, 16p6, 21p6, 26p6

creating the form

1. file > place "form.doc" (cmd+D); draw text frame
2. window > paragraph styles: edit "normal" style: 7/8.5 Helvetica Cond
3. type > tabs (position above text frame): add left tabs 6pts to right of guides
4. window > paragraph styles: redefine style (flyout menu)
5. cut and paste "our guarantee..." text onto a new layer
6. make bold heads: Helvetica Black, all caps, horizontal scale=120% (make new style sheet "head"); apply style
7. return to "type" layer; lock others
8. apply "head" style to "call toll free..."; make 8 pt, white, centered
9. type > paragraph > paragraph rules (flyout): rule above=11pt,
   offset=-0p3 (preview=on)
10. select form text
11. type > character: 6/16, all caps (flyout)
12. type > paragraph > paragraph rules (flyout): rule under=.5 pt,
    offset=0p3 (preview=on)
13. make new style sheet "form + rule under "; apply
14. adjust line breaks (replace ¶ with tabs)
15. select "QTY" line; make type bold, white
16. type > paragraph > paragraph rules (flyout): rule above=9pt,
    offset=-0p2 (preview=on)
17. add blank lines as needed, add tabs as needed
18. make ballot boxes with Zapf Dingbats, white, stroke=.5pt
19. select text for tax & totals
20. type > paragraph > paragraph rules (flyout): left indent=14p6
21. make tax amount 10pt, use "en" space to align (cmd+shift+N)
22. new layer "vertical rules": draw rules (.5pt)
23. adjust layout until it matches the reference file
24. add slug at bottom with your name (color=registration)
25. print as a spread with all printers' marks & bleeds

grading

1. submit b&w laser with your name on it for grading
2. file graded proof in your 3-ring binder for individual review