One of the big challenges of any project is figuring out how to maximize your time and get the best result. When the project is creating a layout in InDesign the solution to that challenge is the proper use of styles. Whether character, paragraph, or object, getting them all to integrate nicely together can be a bit daunting even for the most experienced designer. While there’s been plenty written and said on the subject, there’s never been one single extensive source of information…until now.
Michael Murphy, known to most of us as host of “The InDesigner” podcasts and the man who’s figuratively written the book on using styles in InDesign has now literally written the book on using styles in InDesign.
Entitled Adobe InDesign CS4 Styles: How to Create Better, Faster Text & Layouts, this in depth look at the use of styles to improve layouts and workflow is going to be must have for any serious InDesign user. Anyone familiar with Michael’s podcasts knows that he can push the limits of styles like no one else and he brings all of that experience to his first book.
Broken down into three parts–Text Styles which looks at the fundamentals of text styles, nested styles and grep styles; Styles beyond text which describes object, table and cell styles and their interaction with text styles; and finally a look at combining styles with the other features of InDesign such as drop caps, number lists, tables of contents, and style management. There will be two bonus chapter available online on the use of stroke styles and planning projects.
While it focuses on the use of InDesign CS4 there’s plenty here for users of earlier versions. With the exception of grep styles, most of the features are available in CS3 and earlier.
Adobe InDesign CS4 Styles: How to Create Better, Faster Text & Layouts is scheduled to ship April 15 and can be pre-ordered directly from Peachpit by clicking here. Use the code INDESIGNSTYLES for a 35% discount.
This article was last modified on December 19, 2021
This article was first published on April 4, 2009
Commenting is easier and faster when you're logged in!
Leave a Reply
Tony, Please visit Micheal’s site: http://www.theindesigner.com to contact Michael.
Sir:
I’m buying your new book about
InDesign on peachpit.
BUT, will the 2 new webcasts be in your book?
Please reply with info. on how to access your
new webcasts. Please.
I?m a little overwhelmed by this learning
procedure ? it?s rather new to me.
Thanks!!
@Roland —
I can’t solve the “cheaper” problem for you, but there is a Digital Editions version of the book available from both Peachpit and Adobe Press. Here’s the link:
https://www.peachpit.com/store/product.aspx?isbn=0321637852
@42itous —
The videocast has returned already, and another new episode is in the works. Thanks to you and the whole audience for your patience.
I really miss Michael Murphy’s outstanding The InDesigner (silent on iTunes since September 2008), so I hope that now, that the book is done, perhaps the podcast will resume, even if with less frequency? If the quality of tips, ideas, and creative solutions in the podcast is any indication of the quality of the book, I just can’t wait to see what’s in it!
The pre-order is cheaper and besides, it is well worth the price. I am grateful that there are people passionate about making ID easier for the rest of us.
Thanks!
Ted
You know, at times like these I long for cheaper ebook versions as I’m interested in the subject, but in no way interested in spending $40 + S&H on a book. Perhaps after it’s been out for a bit I’ll try to get it used, if I don’t forget about it (which I will).
@Jochen — I just tried to buy the book myself using the code INDESIGNSTYLES and it properly applied the 35% discount. Perhaps it was mistyped when you tried?
@Christophe — You can view the book using Peachpit’s Rough Cuts/Safari Books service, but first you’ll have to sign up for a free trial account. I believe the entire book is up there in their online format for review.
Is there a way to see one or two pages of this book?
Code INDESIGNSTYLES is not accepted by Peachpit.
This is already in my Amazon shopping list. After watching a lot of the InDesigner videos, I want to grow up to be Michael Murphy. He works with InDesign the way I do, but times ten.