Recently in Tips and Tricks Category

Shortcuts to Success: FREE Shortcuts Poster for Your Wall!

Shortcuts to Success: FREE Shortcuts Poster for Your Wall!

SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK

A few weeks back we hit our 50th Shortcut to Success! To celebrate, we're releasing this super-handy poster that you can tack up on your dorm room wall and share with classmates.  Learn more and download it after the jump.
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Shortcuts to Success: Get A Perfect Fit for Graphics

Shortcuts to Success: Get A Perfect Fit for Graphics


Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUTS OF THE WEEK
 
Fit Frame to Content
command + option + C

Fit Content Proportionally
command + option + shift + E

Fill Frame Proportionally
command + option + shift + C

Every graphic in InDesign has two parts: the content and the frame, and you'll often have to resize one or both when designing a layout. These shortcut triplets let you decide what you want to fit and how, and do it in seconds. Learn more after the jump.
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Shortcuts to Success: One Step Scaling

Shortcuts to Success: One Step Scaling


Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Proportionately Scale both Container and Content 
command + shift + drag bounding box handle

Every graphic placed in InDesign has two parts: a graphic frame, which is the container, and the placed image file, which is the content. Making them bigger and smaller is a big part of doing a layout, but working with each part individually takes more time than it needs to. To proportionately scale the content and container together, while holding down the command and shift keys, click hold and drag a handle of the bounding box with the Selection Tool (black arrow).

HOT TIP: This works with text and text frames, too.


Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto
Shortcuts to Success: Flipping for Ruler Guides

Shortcuts to Success: Flipping for Ruler Guides


Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Change Orientation of a New Ruler Guide
option + drag guide

You probably know that you can make a new guide by clicking holding and dragging on one of the rulers, but did you know that as you do it, you can quickly convert a horizontal guide to a vertical one, and vice versa? To switch the orientation of a new ruler guide as you create it, hold down the option key while dragging it out. 

HOT TIP: Check out our shortcut from January 2013 to see how to quickly show and hide your rulers.


Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto
Shortcuts to Success: Dollars and Cents

Shortcuts to Success: Dollars and Cents

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
The Cents Sign
option + 4

ShortCut_cents.jpg
Many of us write prices that include cents as $0.25 for the simple reason that we don't know how to access the cents sign. In fact, each font has a version of it that was created specifically by the type designer. Type option + 4 to insert the cents sign.

HOT TIP: This is a Mac OS shortcut, so it will work in any application. 

DID YOU KNOW? The c in the sign stands for cents, and the line through it is to distinguish the currency symbol from the letter c in the regular alphabet.


Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto
Shortcuts to Success: Learn to Kern and Track

Shortcuts to Success: Learn to Kern and Track


Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Adjust Kerning or Tracking
option left or right arrow

ShortCut_Kerning_Keyboard.jpg
The keys you need are the left and right arrows, not the greater than or less than arrows, which are above the comma and period.

Kerning is adjusting the space between a pair of typographic characters, and doing it right is a sure sign that you're a pro. Tracking is the same, but that term applies to the process when more than one pair is involved. 

KERNING: To tighten the space between two characters, click between them with the Type Tool to insert your cursor, hold down option and type the left arrow. To open the space, hold down option and type the right arrow.

TRACKING: To tighten the spaces between more than two characters, click hold and drag to select and highlight them with the Type Tool, hold down option and type the left arrow. To open the spaces, hold down option and type the right arrow.

Learn more, and watch a 1 minute video about kerning after the jump.
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Shortcuts to Success: Zip through Panels

Shortcuts to Success: Zip through Panels


Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Move to Next Field in a Panel
tab

Move to Previous Field in a Panel
shift + tab

This week's shortcut is a twofer. Let's say you're entering info in a field of a panel, and you want to move to the next field. Type the Tab key to jump to the next field of the panel you're working in. Need to go back? No problem. Hold down Shift and type Tab to jump to the previous field of the panel. Remember, though, that Tab is also a text character, so make sure you've moved your cursor out of live text, and into the panel you want to work with, or you'll end up with a typo.

HOT TIP: This works across Adobe applications, and beyond. Use it in Microsoft Office, in a web browser, and pretty much anywhere.



Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto
Shortcuts to Success: Number Pages Automatically

Shortcuts to Success: Number Pages Automatically


Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Current Page Number
command + option + shift + N

Manually adding page numbers to a document in sequence, a process know as paginating, can be tedious, especially when the order of the pages changes. Save yourself lots of time and effort and let InDesign do the work for you. Click in a text frame with the Type Tool, and type command + option + shift + N to insert the Current Page Number Marker. 

HOT TIP: Do this on the file's Master Page(s), and any existing or new Document Page based on those Master(s) will automatically paginate, even if moved to a different position.


Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto
Shortcuts to Success: Indent Text, Fast!

Shortcuts to Success: Indent Text, Fast!


Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Indent to Here
command + \

ShortCuts_IndentToHere.jpg

The easiest and fastest way to add a left indent to a paragraph is to use the Indent to Here CharacterTo insert the Indent to Here Character, type command + \ (backslash). See it in action after the jump. 
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Shortcuts to Success: A Hyphen that Knows Where it Belongs

Shortcuts to Success: A Hyphen that Knows Where it Belongs


Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Discretionary Hyphen
command + shift + hyphen

A hyphen can be one of the most dangerous characters to use, because it can lead to a typo if your text reflows. InDesign has a special character called a discretionary hyphen, which appears when it's needed, and goes away when it isn't. To insert a discretionary hyphen, type command + shift + hyphen. See it in action after the jump. 


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Shortcuts to Success: Find Type in a Flash with the Glyphs Panel

Shortcuts to Success: Find Type in a Flash with the Glyphs Panel


Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Access the Glyphs Panel
option + shift + F11


Shortcuts_Glyphs_0.png

If you don't know about the Glyphs Panel, your life is about to be changed, forever! But, first, what is a glyph? Well, in typography, it simply means any mark. A character can have more than one glyph. Let's say a font has two versions of the letter F. The F is the character, and each version is a glyph. The Glyphs Panel is a great tool, because it lets you see and select every glyph for any font loaded in your system. See how it's done, after the jump.

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Shortcuts to Success: Foreign Accents

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Acute and Grave Accents
option + e + character; option + `  + character

Shortcuts_Accents.jpg

Every so often, you'll need to use a word that requires an acute or grave accent. This is frequently the case if you're working in a language other than English, like our friends and Pub Crawl hosts at People en EspaƱol. Here's how to do it:

ACUTE ACCENT: type option + e, release the keys, then type the character.

GRAVE ACCENT: type option + ` (found to the left of the number 1, on the keyboard), release the keys, then type the character.



Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto
Shortcuts to Success: Toggle between Fill and Stroke

Shortcuts to Success: Toggle between Fill and Stroke

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Activate Fill or Stroke to Apply a Swatch
X

You probably know that using swatches to manage color is a big time-saver, because you can define them, apply them, and once you edit them, the change will be applied throughout your document. Save even more time with this shortcut that lets you choose how you want to apply your swatch to a selected object. Type X to toggle between the fill and stroke, activating one and deactivating the other. Just make sure, as usual, that you're not in live text, or you'll end up with an unwanted X.

HOT TIP: Check out our shortcut from September to learn how to swap the fill and stroke.


Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto
Shortcuts to Success: Help, Quick!

Shortcuts to Success: Help, Quick!


Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Access the Help Menu
command + shift + ?

The Help Menu is an often overlooked resource for getting yourself unstuck when you're not quite sure how to do what you want to do. Type command + shift + ? to access the Help Menu, and type what you're looking for into the search field, or choose a menu item. See an example after the jump.
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Shortcuts to Success: Open Preferences

Shortcuts to Success: Open Preferences


Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Access General Preferences
command + K

Shortcuts_PrefsGeneral.png


Some of us like to work in picas, others in inches, and some even in centimeters. You can easily customize InDesign to suit your needs by changing Preferences. To open the Preferences dialog box and select the General tab, type command + K. Simply click a different tab to change to it.


Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto
Shortcuts to Success: Move Text to the Next Column

Shortcuts to Success: Move Text to the Next Column

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Force Text to the Next Column
enter

Let's say you want to push a subhead to the top of the next column in a chain of text. Instead of resizing the text frame, or adding more words, click with the Type Tool in front of the text that you want to push to the next column, and type enter.


Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto
Shortcuts to Success: Open a Linked File for Editing

Shortcuts to Success: Open a Linked File for Editing


Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Edit Original
Double click the file name in the Links Panel

Shortcuts to Success took last week off to give you last-minute info on our 2013 Student Design Competition, but we promise that this week's shortcut is worth the wait. Some of InDesign's most powerful features are related to importing and managing graphics from its sister applications, Photoshop and Illustrator. Here's a great example: double click any filename in the Links Panel to open a linked graphic file in its native application for editing. Don't worry if Illustrator or Photoshop isn't open, yet; this shortcut will do that for you, too.


Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto
Shortcuts to Success: Make a Grid in Seconds!

Shortcuts to Success: Make a Grid in Seconds!


Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Make a Grid (CS5 or later)
drag to draw an object with the shape or frame tool, then use arrows to create rows and columns

Shortcuts_Grid_Squares.jpg
This one will blow your mind! If you've ever needed to build a grid, you know how tedious it is to get the alignment and spacing consistent. Well, with this shortcut, you can draw a grid in about 10 seconds: draw a rectangle, and before you release your mouse, use the up, down, left, and right arrows to add columns and rows. Don't believe it? Check out the video after the jump.

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Shortcuts to Success: Shoot to the Arrows

Shortcuts to Success: Shoot to the Arrows

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Access the Selection and Direct Selection Tools
Selection Tool (black arrow): V
Direct Selection Tool (white arrow): A

What better choice for our Valentines Day shortcut than to make like Cupid and pull out some arrows? What's more, we're showin' the love with a twofer. Quickly access the Selection Tool by typing V, and the Direct Selection Tool by typing A. Just don't try it in live text, or you'll end up with an unwanted V or A, and brokenhearted.


Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto
Shortcuts to Success: Access Dialog Boxes with the Control Panel

Shortcuts to Success: Access Dialog Boxes with the Control Panel

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Open a Dialog Box using the Control Panel
option+click Control Panel icon

Last week, we showed you how to jump to the Control Panel. Now that you're up there, if you see an attribute of your selected item that has dialog box--rotate for example--you can quickly open it. Hold down Option and click on a Control Panel icon to open its related dialog box.

ID_ControlPanel_RotationAngle.png

ID_RotateDialogBox.png


Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto
Shortcuts to Success: Get to the Control Panel in a Flash

Shortcuts to Success: Get to the Control Panel in a Flash

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Jump to Control Panel
command+6

ID_ControlPanel.png

The Control Panel (above) is that long bar at the top of your screen, and it's InDesign's command center. It's contextual, meaning that it changes to let you quickly view or change what you're working on. Select type, and it lets you change character and paragraph attributes. Select an object and it lets you change its position and dimensions. Jump to the Control Panel by typing command+6.  


Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto
Shortcuts to Success: Go to a Specific Page

Shortcuts to Success: Go to a Specific Page

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Go to Page
command + J

Ever want to get to a certain page quick? You can get there without your fingers ever leaving the keyboard. Type command + J (think J for jump) and enter the page number in the Page field of the dialogue box that pops up. 

HOT TIP: If your file doesn't start on page 1, you can use absolute page numbers to go to a page without using its specific number (i.e. first page, second page, etc.). Say your first page number is 66. Instead of typing 66, you can just add a plus in front of its absolute number in the document: +1 for first, +2 for second, etc. So, after typing command + J, you would enter 66 or +1, and get the same result.


Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto
Shortcuts to Success: Show Rulers

Shortcuts to Success: Show Rulers

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Show/Hide Rulers
command + R

Type command + R to show rulers, and get a quick visual guide to help figure out an object's measurements or coordinates. Want them to disappear? Just do it, again. 


Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto
Shortcuts to Success: Navigate between Pages

Shortcuts to Success: Navigate between Pages

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUTS OF THE WEEK
 
Go to First Page
home, or command + shift + page up

Go to Last Page
end, or command + shift + page down

Go to Previous Page
shift + page up

Go to Next Page
shift + page down

Go to Previous Spread
option + page up

Go to Next Spread
option + page down

Happy New Year! We're starting off 2013 with a feast of shortcuts for you. These will help you dash around your document at warp speed. Find detailed explanations after the jump...
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Shortcuts to Success: Change Document Setup

Shortcuts to Success: Change Document Setup

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Document Setup
command + option + P

ShortCut_DocumentSetup.png

Design is a process, so it's common that you'll want to adjust some of the specs you started with, once you start working on a solution. Type command+option+p to access Document Setup and revise your file's overall specs. You'll be able to change the height, width, orientation, number of pages and more. Click More Options button to bring up the bleed and slug settings.


Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto
Shortcuts to Success: Insert a Round Bullet

Shortcuts to Success: Insert a Round Bullet

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Round Bullet
option + 8

ShortCut_Bullets_HolidayList.jpg
A bulleted list is a clean and graphic way to present information to readers. The bullets signify the start of a new item, and can give the page texture, and when color is added, energy. The shortcut for a round bullet is option + 8. 

HOT TIP: This one is a Mac OS system shortcut, so it works in other applications, too.

No matter what holiday you celebrate, whether on this list or not, SPD-U wishes you a happy and healthy one!


Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto
Shortcuts to Success: Download Our Free Poster!

Shortcuts to Success: Download Our Free Poster!

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
Shortcuts to Success has reached a milestone: 25 shortcuts in 25 weeks. To celebrate, we've got this nifty free poster for you, available for download after the jump...
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Shortcuts to Success: Toggle to the Hand Tool

Shortcuts to Success: Toggle to the Hand Tool

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Temporarily Access the Grabber Hand 
Space Bar
option + Space Bar (if using type tool in active text)

The hand tool is a faster way than using the scroll bars of your document window to navigate around your pages, because you can also move diagonally. You can save the time it takes to switch tools, too. Hold down the space bar to get the Grabber Hand Tool, and you can click hold and drag with your mouse to move around. Add the option key if you're in live text, so you don't end up with an unwanted space.


Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto






Shortcuts to Success: Use the Magnifying Glass Tools

Shortcuts to Success: Use the Magnifying Glass Tools

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.

 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Temporarily Access the Magnifying Glass Tools
command + Space Bar (Zoom In)
option + command + Space Bar (Zoom Out)


We're adding to your Thanksgiving feast with two shortcuts this week! If you want to use one of the magnifying glass tools, you don't have to click on them in the Tool Panel. Type command + Space Bar to zoom in, or option + command + Space Bar to zoom out. As long as you're not in active text, press space bar first to prevent Spotlight from popping up.


Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto

Shortcuts to Success: Specify Text Frame Options

Shortcuts to Success: Specify Text Frame Options

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Access Text Frame Options
command + B

There's a whole slew of things you can do to a text frame with this command, including moving text away from the edges, changing the vertical alignment, adding columns, and ignoring text wrap. With the text frame selected, type command + B to bring up the Text Frame Options. See more after the jump.

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto
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Shortcuts to Success: Take The Dot Off a Lower-Case I

Shortcuts to Success: Take The Dot Off a Lower-Case I

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Dotless I
option + shift + B

Sometimes, the dot over an i can look awkward. When that happens, type option + shift + B to get a dotless lower-case i.

For typography purists, who would never do this for a design element, there's actually a legitimate reason to remove an i's dot. From wikipedia: "The Turkish alphabet, which is a variant of the Latin alphabet, includes two distinct versions of the letter I, one dotted and the other dotless." 

See an example after the jump.

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto
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Shortcuts to Success: Switch a Fill or Stroke to None

Shortcuts to Success: Switch a Fill or Stroke to None

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Apply the Color "None"
/

If you want to remove the color from a selected object, first click the fill or stroke box in the Swatches or Tools Panel, and then type / (forward slash). As with any single character shortcut, this won't work with live type.


Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto
Shortcuts to Success: Check for Spelling Errors

Shortcuts to Success: Check for Spelling Errors

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Check Spelling
command + I

If your resume has a spelling error in it, you're toast. Type command + I to run InDesign's spell check, before you print a final document. While that's a good habit, it's also smart to get it proofread, too. "I hope your well," has no misspellings, but it's still grammatically incorrect. 

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto
Shortcuts to Success: Use That Color Again

Shortcuts to Success: Use That Color Again

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Apply the Last-Used Swatch
comma

If you want to apply the same color swatch to multiple objects, select the object and type comma. The last color you used will be applied to either the fill or the stroke, depending on which one you've activated. 


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Shortcuts to Success: Change Type Size

Shortcuts to Success: Change Type Size

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Increase or Decrease Type Size
command + shift >
command + shift < 

This week's shortcut is a twofer! Changing the size of your type couldn't be easier. Select type with the Type Tool. To make it bigger, hold down the command and shift keys, and type the greater-than symbol (period key), or to make it smaller, type the less-than symbol (comma key). 

The default increment is 2 pt, but I always change it to 1 pt. Go to the InDesign Menu > Preferences > Units and Increments, and type 1 pt in the Size/Leadiing field.


Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto
Shortcuts to Success: Instantly Match Text Formatting

Shortcuts to Success: Instantly Match Text Formatting

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Paste without Formatting
command + shift + V

You're just about to send a layout on its way, when a new deck lands in your email inbox. Make the change in lightning speed! 

More...
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Shortcuts to Success: Bring in Text and Images

Shortcuts to Success: Bring in Text and Images

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Place Text and Image Files
command + D

Publication Designers always use files from other applications in their InDesign layouts using the place command. 

More...
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Shortcuts to Success: Make Panels Disappear

Shortcuts to Success: Make Panels Disappear

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Show or Hide Panels
tab

If you use a lot of panels when you work, you can get them to disappear, fast. Type the tab key to hide all panels; do it a second time to show them, again.  Just make sure you're not working in live type, or you'll insert a tab character. 


Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto
Shortcuts to Success: My Type Tool, Please!

Shortcuts to Success: My Type Tool, Please!

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Select the Type Tool
T

So, you just finished drawing an object, and now you need to switch tools so you can put type on the page. Type T to select the Type Tool in the Toolbox. That's T for type. And, this works in Adobe's other programs, too!


Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto
Shortcuts to Success: Switching Swatches

Shortcuts to Success: Switching Swatches

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Swap an Object's Fill and Stroke
shift + X

Accidentally applied a swatch to an object's fill, instead of it's stroke? No problem! With the object selected, hold down shift and type X to swap the colors of the fill and stroke.


Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto
Shortcuts to Success: Generate a PDF or jpg from InDesign

Shortcuts to Success: Generate a PDF or jpg from InDesign

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Export to a Different Format
command + E

InDesign makes it easy to make a pdf or a jpg of your file. Type command + E to export to a different file format. There's still a little more work to do: choose the file type from the Format menu, pick a spot to save your file, click Save, and choose a few more options, which will vary depending on the format that you selected. 


Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto
Shortcuts to Success: Get the Selection Tool while in Type

Shortcuts to Success: Get the Selection Tool while in Type

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Temporarily Access the Selection Tool
hold down command 

Say you're working with type, and you need to resize the frame. Sure, you can go to the Toolbox, switch to the Selection tool, and then repeat to switch back to the Type Tool, but there's a faster way. Access the Selection Tool from the Type Tool by holding down the command key. Once you're done using it, release the command key, and you're back where you started. 

HOT TIP: 
This works with many other tools (Pen, Line, Frame), and also across CS applications, which means you can use it in Photoshop and Illustrator, too!


Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto
Shortcuts to Success: Hide the Pasteboard

Shortcuts to Success: Hide the Pasteboard

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Toggle Screen Modes
W

So, you've got all kinds of stuff on your pasteboard that you might need to use while you design, but what happens when you want to see what the page looks like trimmed? Switch your screen mode to Preview to hide everything outside the trim, or Bleed or Slug to hide everything outside those areas. To toggle between Normal and the other view mode you've selected, type W. It's a great shortcut, unless you're working in live text. Try to use it then, and you'll end up with a pesky, unwanted W.
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Shortcuts to Success: See an Entire Spread

Shortcuts to Success: See an Entire Spread

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Fit Spread in Window
command + option + 0 

It's important to consider both pages when designing a spread. To quickly fit the entire layout into the document window, type command + option + 0. (That's the number zero, not the letter O!)

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto
Shortcuts to Success: See Spaces and Non-Printing Type

Shortcuts to Success: See Spaces and Non-Printing Type

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Show or Hide Hidden Characters
command + option + I

Not all typos involve letters and numbers, so InDesign helps you stay on top of things with hidden characters, which indicate non-printing type, like spaces and paragraph returns. To show hidden characters, type command + option + I. As long as you're working in Normal screen mode, you'll see all your type, not just what will print.


ID_HiddenCharacters.png

Designers don't add more than one space after a period. Typists do.  

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto
Shortcuts to Success: The Text Wrap Panel

Shortcuts to Success: The Text Wrap Panel

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Show/Hide the Text Wrap Panel
command + option + W

ID_TextWrapPanel.png

Integrating images and text on a page is the name of our game, so it makes sense that we wrap a lot of text. Type command + option + W to show or hide the Text Wrap Panel.


Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto
Shortcuts to Success: Save Multiple Documents at Once

Shortcuts to Success: Save Multiple Documents at Once

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Save All Open Documents
command + option + shift + s

This week's shortcut lets us multi-taskers save all our open files at once! So, if you have to dash to an important meeting, your hard work won't get wiped out if you trip over your computer's power cord and unplug it on the way. 

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut was submitted by Mr. Povilas Zaleskis, Freelance graphic designer, Luxembourg www.bernardinai.lt/zurnalas. Commentary was brought to you by Joseph Caserto.

Shortcuts to Success: Choose Text Alignment

Shortcuts to Success: Choose Text Alignment


Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Text Alignment
command + shift + L, R, or C

When you're working with text, there's no need to open your Paragraph Panel to change the alignment, just use these shortcuts...
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Shortcuts to Success: Add the Copyright Symbol

Shortcuts to Success: Add the Copyright Symbol

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Copyright Symbol
option + G

Thumbnail image for Thumbnail image for Thumbnail image for Copyright.png
What's more American than business? In honor of our Nation's birthday, this week's shortcut lets 'em know you mean it! Type option + G to get the Copyright Symbol. Even better, this is a universal Mac shortcut, so you can use it beyond InDesign.

FYI, to learn more about protecting your work, check out Copyright Myths, by our friends at the Graphic Artists Guild. It's free!

Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto

Shortcuts to Success: View a Full-Screen Layout

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Enter Presentation Screen Mode (CS5 or later)
shift + W

If you want to give a nice clean presentation but your screen has all those messy panels, toolbars, and windows, shift + W will switch your Screen Mode to Presentation, and display only your file, full-screen, on a black background. Use the left or right arrow keys to change pages, and escape to go back to normal mode.


Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto

Shortcuts to Success: Fill=None & Stroke=Black

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Set an object's fill to None, and its stroke to Black
D

If you love color, like we do, you've probably got a lot of swatches in your panel, and often have to change the color of an object...
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Shortcuts to Success: Paste in Place

Sure, there are huge lists of InDesign keyboard shortcuts out there, but are you going to sit down and memorize them all? We're here to help you learn some handy new ones, one by one, making it easier to add them to your mental list. Each week, we'll highlight a different shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter.
 
SPD-U SHORTCUT OF THE WEEK
 
Paste in Place
command + option + shift + V

If you want to put stuff in the same exact place on a different page, this is for you. Select the original object(s) with the Selection Tool (black arrow), go to the new page, and Paste in Place. (It's also in the Edit Menu). Everything will be in the exact same position! It works with different documents, too, as long as the pages are the same size and orientation.


Got a favorite keyboard shortcut you'd like to share with everyone? Email it to us at spdstudentoutreach@gmail.com and we'll include it in our series, along with your own commentary if you'd like.

This week's shortcut brought to you by Joseph Caserto
Shortcuts to (InDesign) Success

Shortcuts to (InDesign) Success

Ask any designer or art director what their favorite InDesign keyboard shortcut is and 99% will probably say Command-Z. The cut-and-paste commands seem so second-nature it feels like we were all born knowing them. And losing hours of work when your computer crashes quickly teaches you the value of Command-S. But what about the command for Paste-in-Place? Or to quickly access the clipping path options? Or to change the fill color of something to none? 

Here at SPD-U headquarters, even after years and years of working, we're still learning shortcuts and tricks that change our lives ... well, our InDesign lives anyway. The more you know about InDesign, the faster you'll be able to work and the more you'll be able to look like a pro and impress your boss. 

So to help you do just that, we're introducing a new series: Shortcuts to Success. Sure, there are huge lists of these shortcuts available online and elsewhere, but who really sits down and memorizes all those? It's the ones you learn one-by-one and practice little-by-little that get permanently added to the mental list. So each week, we'll highlight a different keyboard shortcut to help you work faster, better and smarter. 

Look for our first shortcut this Thursday.

29 Ways to Keep On Keepin' On

All creatives have moments when we're just not feelin' it. This nifty poster shows 29 ways to get your juices flowing, and keep them that way (click on the image to see it bigger). (Poster by Ed Hall)

29_ways_to_stay_creative_by_edhall-d3gsug4.jpg