Key Takeaways
- Overview of Adobe InDesign: Adobe InDesign is a leading desktop publishing software used for creating print and digital media, offering a comprehensive toolkit for layout design, typography control, and multi-page document handling.
- Versatility and Precision: InDesign is widely utilized by graphic designers, marketing professionals, and publishers due to its versatility and precision, enabling users to create complex page layouts with features like master pages and layers.
- Learning Duration: Mastering InDesign requires dedicated study and practice, with beginners typically spending around 30 to 40 hours to grasp fundamental concepts and several months to become proficient in advanced features like working with styles and interactive documents.
- Summer Learning Opportunities: Summer presents an ideal time for high school and college students to learn InDesign, offering them a chance to enhance their skills without the pressure of schoolwork and engage in creative activities that can set them apart in academic and career pursuits.
- Course Offerings: Various InDesign courses cater to different skill levels and learning preferences, ranging from one-day quick start classes to comprehensive bootcamps, with options for beginners, intermediate, and advanced users available both in-person and online.
What Is InDesign?
Adobe InDesign is a leading desktop publishing software developed by Adobe Systems, primarily used for creating and designing print and digital media. It offers a comprehensive toolkit for layout design, allowing users to produce a wide range of publications such as books, magazines, brochures, flyers, posters, and more. InDesign integrates seamlessly with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications like Photoshop and Illustrator, making it easy to incorporate images and graphics into layouts. Its intuitive user interface and powerful features, such as typography controls, multi-page document handling, and advanced styles, enable designers to create professional and visually appealing documents efficiently.
How Is InDesign Used?
InDesign is widely utilized by graphic designers, marketing professionals, and publishers due to its versatility and precision. Users can create complex page layouts with ease, utilizing features like master pages, which allow for consistent design across multiple pages, and layers, which enable the organization and manipulation of different design elements. Additionally, InDesign supports various file formats, ensuring compatibility and easy integration with other software and platforms. For digital publishing, InDesign provides tools for creating interactive PDFs, eBooks, and other digital documents, complete with multimedia elements like audio, video, and hyperlinks, thus catering to the evolving needs of modern content creation and distribution.
How Long Does It Take to Learn InDesign?
Learning InDesign can vary in duration depending on individual factors such as prior experience, learning style, and the depth of knowledge you desire. For beginners with little to no prior experience in graphic design software, mastering the basics of InDesign typically takes around 30 to 40 hours of dedicated study and practice. This initial phase usually covers fundamental concepts such as navigating the interface, creating and formatting text frames, working with images, understanding master pages, and exporting documents.
However, becoming proficient in InDesign, where you can confidently create complex layouts, utilize advanced features, and efficiently troubleshoot design issues, often requires several months of consistent practice and learning. Advanced topics such as working with styles, tables, advanced typography, interactive documents, and print production workflows demand additional time and effort to master. Engaging in hands-on projects, seeking out tutorials, participating in workshops or courses, and exploring real-world design scenarios can expedite the learning process and deepen your expertise in InDesign.
Ultimately, the journey to mastery is ongoing, with opportunities for continuous learning and skill refinement as technology and design trends evolve.
Why Summer Is the Perfect Time to Learn InDesign
Summer is the perfect time for high school students to learn InDesign because it offers a unique opportunity to enhance their skills without the pressure of schoolwork. With fewer academic responsibilities and extracurricular activities, students have more free time to focus on learning new software and developing their creative abilities. InDesign, a leading design tool used for creating everything from posters and flyers to magazines and digital publications, is a valuable skill that can set students apart in both school projects and future career opportunities. By dedicating time during the summer, students can build a solid foundation in design principles and software proficiency, which will be beneficial for their academic and extracurricular pursuits.
Additionally, learning InDesign over the summer can be both a productive and enjoyable way to spend the break. Engaging in creative activities like designing can be a fun and fulfilling way to explore one's artistic talents and interests. It also provides a sense of accomplishment and can lead to tangible outcomes such as a personal portfolio or contributions to school publications. Furthermore, mastering InDesign can open doors to various opportunities, such as internships, freelance projects, or leadership roles in school clubs. By taking advantage of the summer months to learn InDesign, high school students can gain a competitive edge and develop skills that will benefit them in both their academic and professional futures.
InDesign Summer Classes for High School Students and Teenagers
Graphic Design Summer Program - NextGen Bootcamp
NextGen Bootcamp’s live online Graphic Design Summer Program offers high school and college students the opportunity to master Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop through hands-on, project-based learning. Taught by expert instructors in small classes, the program includes real-world projects and interactive training via Zoom, ensuring personalized attention and real-time feedback. Ideal for those with a keen interest in design, the course covers photo retouching, page layout creation, and vector graphic design, culminating in a professional portfolio. The program, held weekdays for 50 hours over two weeks, also provides class recordings for review and a verified certificate of completion. The course requires participants to have a Mac or PC setup, with which the program assists.
Digital Design Summer Program - NextGen Bootcamp
NextGen Bootcamp's Digital Design Summer Program offers high school students a comprehensive learning experience in graphic design and UX/UI design through live online classes. You’ll delve into Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for graphic design, and Figma for UX/UI design, gaining practical skills through hands-on projects and expert instruction. With a focus on real-world applications and small class sizes, you’ll develop a portfolio, learn design concepts, and receive a Certificate of Completion. The program is ideal for those seeking to enhance their design skills for college, jobs, or personal projects.
InDesign Quick Start - Training Connection
Young learners can master the art of InDesign quickly with Training Connection's InDesign Quick Start course. This one-day beginner class, held online, is designed to quickly get students up and running with InDesign by teaching them how to create visually stunning layouts, control typography, and add images. The course spans seven hours and includes five real-world projects such as bulletin design, retro posters, and magazine ads. Participants will receive a certificate of course completion, a color training manual, and the opportunity for a free class repeat within six months. This course is perfect for beginners aged 14 and older looking to unlock their design potential.
Adobe InDesign for Beginners: Level 1 - Digital Workshop Center
Digital Workshop Center's Adobe InDesign for Beginners – Level 1 course helps students master the creation of captivating layouts for catalogs, magazines, and newspapers. The beginner-level class, suitable for ages 16 and older, offers 14 hours of training over four sessions in an interactive online classroom. Learners will discover essential skills such as importing text, working with images, and navigating the InDesign workspace efficiently. Led by an Adobe Certified Expert instructor, the course emphasizes hands-on learning and productivity in this complex software, ensuring students grasp key design concepts and avoid common mistakes. Upon completion, students receive a professional textbook, practice data files, and a certificate of completion, along with one year of free retake opportunities.
InDesign Fundamentals - Training Connection
Aspiring graphic designers can unleash their creativity with the InDesign Fundamentals course at Training Connection. This beginner-friendly, highly-rated course is available online and is designed for students aged 14 and older. Over the span of 21 hours across three sessions, participants will learn essential tools, correct workflows, and useful shortcuts that significantly speed up production. The course offers hands-on experience with real-world publishing projects such as advertisements, magazine covers, brochures, and more, ensuring that students can elevate their design skills and create stunning visual content.
This comprehensive course is perfect for beginners looking to develop their skills in Adobe InDesign and explore their potential in digital publishing and design.
Digital Designer Camp 101 - Designer Camp
Digital Designer Camp 101 is a weeklong virtual camp tailored for students aged 11-17, offering a comprehensive introduction to the design industry. Over the course of one week, participants engage in live online sessions from anywhere, gaining insights into various design fields including fashion, interior design, photography, and personal branding. Guided by industry professionals, students will work on creating their own digital design portfolios, providing them with practical experience and foundational skills in design. This beginner-friendly camp is an accessible opportunity for young aspiring designers to explore their interests and develop their talents in a supportive and interactive environment. Classes are held on weekdays, ensuring a structured yet immersive learning experience.
Related Classes
In addition to learning InDesign, students can explore a range of classes focused on creativity, cloud computing, and mastering other Adobe programs. These offerings are perfect for both beginners and advanced users looking to enhance their design skills. These related subjects cover everything from creative visualization to comic book creation to interior design.
Graphic Design Certificate - Noble Desktop
Begin your journey as a professional graphic designer with Noble Desktop’s Graphic Design Certificate, offering hands-on training from experts in NYC or live online. You’ll gain essential skills in Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator, creating a stunning portfolio. Plus, you’ll enjoy benefits like free retakes, setup assistance, payment plans, and 1:1 mentoring. In this comprehensive program, you’ll learn state-of-the-art design applications, graphic design concepts, and create a portfolio featuring projects such as social media graphics, logos, and cover art.
This program, approved by the New York State Department of Education, requires no prior experience and offers pathways to UI Design or Digital Design. No prerequisites or prior experience with graphic design are required, as long as you’re comfortable using computers.
Adobe InDesign Bootcamp - Noble Desktop
The Adobe InDesign Bootcamp offered by Noble Desktop provides comprehensive training on creating professional page layouts with text and graphics. The course covers essential skills such as styling, importing, and packaging, along with advanced techniques like using master pages, tables, and professional typesetting. You’ll work on various projects including books, magazines, and advertisements. The bootcamp is available both in-person in NYC and live online, ensuring accessibility for all students. Additionally, it includes benefits like free retakes, setup assistance, expert instruction, and one-on-one bonus training sessions.
Students have highly praised the bootcamp for its detailed and hands-on approach, excellent instructors, and practical real-world projects. The course aims to equip you with the necessary skills to create polished documents and prepare them for printing or digital distribution. Alumni testimonials highlight the thoroughness of the instruction and the confidence gained in using InDesign for various design projects. Noble Desktop also offers you a certificate of completion and ongoing support to ensure that you can continue to build on the skills you learned during the course.
Adobe InDesign Bootcamp - NYIM Training
Students will master the vital skills of Adobe InDesign with this intensive bootcamp tailored for professionals in print, advertising, or graphic design fields. From practical table and column usage to advanced text styles and 4-color printing techniques, this course equips you with the essential industry knowledge to excel in the program. Learners will gain confidence in utilizing InDesign for various projects, including books, magazines, and news publications, by focusing on in-demand skills such as publication layout, color management, and XML integration. Whether students aim for career advancement or to enhance their skills, this comprehensive bootcamp at NYIM Training will empower them to achieve their Adobe InDesign goals.
Adobe Blast-Off: Private Lesson! - Outschool
Outschool’s Adobe Blast-Off: Private Lesson! is an introductory course designed for middle school and high school students to learn Adobe software basics, with a focus on Illustrator. Suitable for beginners and experienced learners, the class covers Adobe's functionality through private, repeatable sessions that adapt to the student’s pace. The course begins with an overview of Adobe, followed by hands-on practice with Illustrator to create images using vector lines and points. Each lesson builds on previous knowledge, ensuring continuous skill enhancement in Adobe tools.
An architectural designer, educator, and artist leads the course and combines design precision with artistic creativity. The instructor emphasizes mentorship and independent thought, aiming to inspire and educate with joy and structure. Classes are one-on-one, last just under an hour, and are scheduled on demand for learners ages 10-15.
Digital Picture Book Private (Ages 11-18) - Young Gates
Young Gates offers an immersive digital picture book workshop for ages 11-18, providing an opportunity to explore creativity through concept design, digital illustration, and interactive storytelling. This beginner-level class spans seven hours and 30 minutes over five interactive live online sessions. Participants will learn to develop captivating narratives, design digital illustrations, and craft interactive stories, culminating in the creation of their own illustrated picture book. Led by expert instructors, the workshop guides students through each step of the comic writing journey, from concept development to layout design and voice narration. With a focus on remote learning, the course ensures accessibility to all with internet access, offering a platform for budding authors and illustrators to bring their imagination to life in the digital realm.
Summer Springboard - New York School of Interior Design
Summer Springboard is a dynamic two-week pre-college program for ambitious high school students on the campus of the New York School of Interior Design (NYSID) in NYC. Students can choose to focus on Interior Design I or II, gaining hands-on experience through residential design projects and advanced techniques. Participants will attend classes at NYSID and reside at Fordham University’s Lincoln Center Campus if they opt for the residential program, which includes additional weekend excursions. The program also features onsite visits to design showrooms and shops around NYC.
Summer Springboard is designed to immerse students in their chosen academic track with courses taught by industry professionals and engaging professors. Commuter and residential options are available to accommodate local and out-of-town students. The program aims to provide a true taste of college life, enhance career exploration, and prepare students for the college admissions process through hands-on learning, excursions, and guest speakers. Students will have the opportunity to explore a major, discover a potential career path, and make new friends from around the world.
Creative Visualization - Outschool
Creative Visualization, offered by Outschool via live video meetings, is an eight-week course for middle school and high school students that employs guided imagery to enhance relaxation, focus, concentration, listening skills, and creativity. The course includes relaxation exercises, journaling, and artwork, progressing in complexity each week. It helps students visualize auditory or written inputs, a crucial skill for effective note-taking and strong reading. Topics covered include using imagery, relaxation, multisensory learning, verbal and non-verbal learning, skill improvement through imagery, self-expression, positive self-image, and achieving inner and outer harmony.
Assignments, mainly creative writing, journaling, and artwork, start in class and are completed outside, requiring less than an hour of homework weekly. Students are graded on participation, effort, and assignment completion. The course is particularly beneficial for students with ADHD or anxiety. Classes are held weekly for 75 minutes and priced either per session or in a package for all eight sessions. The course emphasizes "restful" learning, ensuring students’ thorough understanding without rushing through material.
The Essentials of Creative and Innovative Thinking - Outschool
The Essentials of Creative and Innovative Thinking is a highly-rated one-time class offered by Outschool. Aimed at high school students, this intermediate-level course explores why some individuals struggle with creativity and innovation, debunking common myths and identifying barriers. The class covers problem identification, idea generation, selection, and implementation using imaginative approaches to decision-making and critical thinking. It also emphasizes techniques for increasing creativity and guards against mistaking myths for evidence-based practices.
Upon completion, students will be able to identify personal barriers to creativity, engage as effective problem solvers, and apply proven techniques to enhance their innovative thinking. The class includes a homework assignment related to reducing waste emissions in response to a climate emergency, and assessments based on engagement, understanding, and quality of participation. The course, which includes recommended readings, is available for a two week period, with live video meetings on Sundays and Thursdays.
Design Fundamentals for Beginners - Digital Workshop Center
Digital Workshop Center offers a comprehensive Design Fundamentals for Beginners course, providing an essential introduction to design principles and elements crucial for success in digital projects. This beginner-level class spans seven hours over two interactive online sessions. Led by local graphic designers, students will gain insights into the history and basic principles of digital design, equipping them with the vocabulary and skills to execute creative visions effectively.
With a focus on remote learning, the course ensures accessibility to all with internet access, offering a platform for beginners to understand what constitutes good design and stay updated on design trends. Upon completion, students receive a certificate of completion and gain access to one month of technical support, along with the option for a free retake within one year for attended students of public classes.
Cloud Computing: Young Engineers, Computer Science, STEM - Outschool
Outschool offers a 40-minute interactive class on Cloud Computing tailored for middle school students, utilizing the game-based learning platform Kahoot! to teach concepts like Cloud Models and Service Models. The class includes fun trivia questions to engage learners and demonstrate how cloud computing enables activities like streaming movies. The class instructor, who has an engineering degree and a strong passion for math, has received a high average rating from reviewers The class aims to spark interest in STEM fields and is available at multiple times for convenience.
In addition to the Cloud Computing class, Outschool offers several other courses and provides incentives for enrolling in multiple classes or bringing a friend, offering additional discounts for group and private sessions. The classes are designed to make learning fun and interactive, encouraging young learners to explore various STEM and math topics.
InDesign Summer Classes for Adults and College Students
InDesign in a Day - Noble Desktop
This accelerated class—available in-person in NYC or live online— is perfect for beginners or those needing a refresher. It teaches you the fundamentals of Adobe InDesign, including page layout, typography, and image manipulation. With expert instructors, hands-on training, and small class sizes, you’ll learn to control typography, add photos, create colors, and more, all within a six-hour session.
The course is highly rated, with alumni praising the knowledgeable instructors and practical curriculum. InDesign in a Day is ideal for those who need a quick yet comprehensive introduction to the software, and includes benefits like a free retake, setup assistance, and a verified digital certificate of completion. For more in-depth learning, consider upgrading to the Adobe InDesign Bootcamp or the Graphic Design Certificate program.
Adobe InDesign (2024) - Certstaffix Training
Certstaffix Training offers a three-day Adobe InDesign (2024) course that covers essential typographic and page layout skills, expert color techniques, seamless integration with Photoshop and Illustrator, collaborative workflows using Adobe Creative Cloud, powerful layers and transparency effects, and professional printing, web, and social media export options. It is taught by live instructors and is available in various formats, including live online for individuals and onsite/online for private groups. Upon completion, students will receive a Certificate of Completion, a Digital Badge, and courseware in print format, along with a free six-month online retake option.
This course prepares students for the ACP in Print & Digital Media Publication Using Adobe InDesign Exam and offers certification options through the ACP: Adobe InDesign Certification.
Adobe InDesign Core Skills: Level 1 - ONLC Training Centers
ONLC Training Centers offers the Adobe InDesign Core Skills: Level 1 course, available both in-person and remotely. Students will learn essential skills such as navigating the interface, creating text and graphic frames, setting up documents, and working with objects. Learners will also discover typography techniques, color management, and exporting options, all while receiving expert instruction. Whether a beginner or looking to fill in knowledge gaps, this course is designed to enhance a student’s proficiency in Adobe InDesign.
Adobe InDesign 101 - Ledet Training
Ledet Training offers a comprehensive Adobe InDesign 101 course designed to equip participants with the skills needed to create professional page layouts for both print and digital publishing. The two-day training covers essential techniques and tools in Adobe InDesign CC, focusing on type controls, graphics management, document setup, productivity shortcuts, and best practices. Led by certified industry professionals, the course utilizes hands-on exercises to ensure practical learning and covers the latest features of InDesign CC, making it suitable for users of InDesign CC and later versions. Upon completion, participants will be proficient in creating polished marketing materials, proposals, catalogs, magazines, and other professional documents for both print and online use.
Strong working knowledge of Mac or Windows operating systems is recommended as a prerequisite, along with access to Adobe InDesign software. Ledet Training provides live instructor-led classes in various locations, ensuring an interactive learning environment and real-world insights from experienced instructors. Students will gain the necessary skills to efficiently navigate InDesign's design environment, create complex page layouts, and produce professional-quality documents tailored to their specific needs and objectives.
Adobe InDesign Core Skills: Level 2 - ONLC Training Centers
Students will discover the next level of Adobe InDesign proficiency with ONLC Training Centers' Adobe InDesign Core Skills: Level 2 course. Designed for those who have mastered the fundamentals, Level 2 offers accelerated content coverage with an emphasis on shortcuts and real-world efficiency techniques. Learners will dive into advanced topics such as working with objects, typography, color management, and exporting options, all while honing their skills with challenging project files. Available for in-person instruction or remote learning, ONLC offers flexible options to suit learners’ schedules.
Adobe CC Graphic Design Bootcamp - ONLC Training Centers
Aspiring graphic designers can explore the Adobe CC Graphic Design Bootcamp offered by ONLC Training Centers, designed for those seeking a comprehensive introduction to Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. This course covers essential skills necessary for working with these applications, preparing participants for advanced training. Whether new to Creative Cloud or seeking to enhance existing skills, this bootcamp is suitable for beginners and experienced users alike. Participants can attend instructor-led classes at over 300 locations or join remotely via Remote Classroom Instruction (RCI) technology.
Dual Certificate in Web and Graphic Design - Pace University Continuing and Professional Education
The Dual Certificate in Web and Graphic Design, offered through Pace University's Continuing and Professional Education department, focuses on cross-media marketing and design integration, covering a range of Adobe Creative Cloud software including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Adobe XD, and WordPress, as well as HTML5, CSS3, and PDF technologies. Students learn to design and build responsive websites, manage digital assets, create marketing materials, and prepare print-ready files. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and offers a variety of benefits, including digital assets management, photo editing, vector graphics design, website prototyping, WordPress website creation, HTML and CSS fundamentals, and PDF preparation. The final projects encompass graphic and web design elements, allowing students to showcase their skills through portfolio creation and web development. Numerous payment methods are available, as well as tuition assistance.
How to Choose the Right InDesign Class
Choosing the right InDesign class involves several key considerations to ensure that the course meets your learning needs and goals. First, assess your current skill level and the specific aspects of InDesign you wish to master. Beginners should look for introductory courses that cover the basics, such as navigating the interface, understanding tools, and creating simple layouts. Intermediate or advanced users might prefer classes focusing on more complex features like advanced typography, interactive PDF creation, or integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications. Additionally, consider the course format—whether you prefer in-person instruction, live online classes, or self-paced tutorials. Each format has its advantages, such as hands-on practice in in-person classes or the flexibility of online learning.
Furthermore, evaluate the credentials and experience of the instructor and the reputation of the institution offering the course. Experienced instructors with a strong background in design and practical industry knowledge can provide valuable insights and real-world applications of InDesign skills. Look for classes that include practical projects and assignments, which allow you to apply what you've learned and build a portfolio of work. Reviews and testimonials from past students can also provide helpful insights into the course's effectiveness and quality. Finally, consider the cost and time commitment required, ensuring that the class fits within your budget and schedule.
By carefully considering the above factors, you can select an InDesign class that best supports your learning objectives and professional development.