Creating Special Effects with InDesign

Course details

Are you looking to take your graphic design skills to the next level? Knowing how to create stunning effects InDesign can definitely help. In this course, instructor and InDesign expert Mike Rankin curates a fast-paced joyride full of user tips to help you become a more creative designer using InDesign special effects.

Get started with the basics of the Effects panel, the wide variety of blending modes, and outputting effects to print. Mike takes a deep dive into shadow effects including how to use drop shadows, simulate volume, create cast shadows, and blur objects to your desired level of focus. Along the way, find out how to leverage bevel, emboss, and frame effects as well as gradient and text effects for extra shine. Upon completing this course, you’ll be able to wield a new set of techniques for adding reflections, putting images in live text, making speech bubbles, and typesetting on a curve.

Concepts

0. Introduction

01 - Good graphic design has impact

1. Getting Started with Effects

02 - Using the Effects panel and dialog box
03 - Getting creative with blending modes
04 - Outputting effects to print
05 - Understanding global light
06 - Understanding Knockout Group and Isolate Blending

2. Shadow Effects

07 - Working with drop shadows
08 - Simulating volume with inner shadows
09 - Making cast shadows
10 - Blurring objects

3. Bevel and Emboss Effects

11 - Working with Bevel and Emboss
12 - Making translucent effects

4. Frame Effects

13 - Unlocking the power of masking
14 - Making stickers and cutout paper effects
15 - Creating custom corner effects
16 - Applying multiple strokes to objects

5. Gradient Effects

17 - Creating chrome effects
18 - Making objects shine
19 - Adding reflections with Gradient Feather

6. Text Effects

20 - Putting images in live text
21 - Making speech bubbles
22 - Setting vertical text
23 - Setting type on a curve

Conclusion

24 - Next steps