Learn Adobe InDesign

Learning to use Adobe InDesign is a powerful first step toward entering the field of design. Explore what Adobe InDesign is, how you can choose a learning path that works best for you, and what kinds of career options are available to professionals with this skill set.

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What is Adobe InDesign?

Adobe InDesign is a widely used desktop publishing program. It's used to create, design, and publish page layouts and content for print or digital media. This may include magazines, books, brochures, newspapers, posters, PDFs, and interactive documents. Adobe InDesign is most often utilized by graphic designers, marketers, publishers, and content creators.

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Choosing the right InDesign program for you

Selecting the right Adobe InDesign program starts with assessing your current knowledge of the program. If you're brand new, you may benefit from a more comprehensive option that begins with navigating the interface, creating basic layouts, and publishing finished assets.

If you already have a baseline of knowledge or experience with the program, you may be more interested in a higher-level InDesign training that utilizes more advanced functions of the program and integrations with other Adobe products like Illustrator, Lightroom, or Photoshop.

Here are some of the main ways to go about learning Adobe InDesign:

Courses

Adobe InDesign courses may offer a broad education on how to use the software or laser-focus on a unique skill set within the program.

Certifications

Certifications, such as Adobe Certified Professional, can help you get some of the most comprehensive training in how to use the program. Completing one of these programs can potentially also help your résumé stand out to prospective employers in a crowded job market.

Executive education programs

When busy executives need to learn Adobe InDesign for a new role or to stay current in their job, executive education programs may offer training options that fit their schedule.

Degrees

While bachelor's or master's degree programs focused solely on Adobe InDesign don't exist, training in using the software may be included in a broader degree program in fields such as graphic design, communication, or media.

Jobs in Adobe InDesign

When you become proficient in Adobe InDesign, you may have the skills to work in a wide array of industries that produce print or digital content, such as newspapers, websites, magazines, and publishers. Additionally, Adobe InDesign training may help you secure jobs in marketing, communications, or any role that requires content production and dissemination.

Here are a few positions that having experience with Adobe InDesign may help you qualify for, with each role's required education as well as salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

Graphic designer

Graphic designers use programs like Adobe InDesign to create designs and layouts that help individuals, companies, and organizations achieve their content goals.

Required education: Typically a bachelor's degree in graphic design, fine arts, or a related field
Median annual salary (May 2023): $58,910

Desktop publisher

Desktop publishers help create and design page layouts for use in print or digitally. This may include books, magazines, and publishing houses.

Required education: Associate degree in graphic design or a related field
Median annual salary (May 2023): $51,290

Art director

Art directors work with print publications like magazines and newspapers — and in other industries like television and movies — to help create and guide the visual styles of the products and deliverables.

Required education: Bachelor's degree in fine arts or a related field; some employers also require a master's degree
Median annual salary (May 2023): $106,500

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Frequently asked questions about Adobe InDesign

Why should I learn InDesign?

Adobe InDesign is a popular tool used in many industries to produce page layouts and designs. By learning this skill set, you can help prepare yourself for a host of different career options.

What's the best way to learn Adobe InDesign?

The best way to learn Adobe InDesign is often through a program that provides extensive hands-on training opportunities from an expert with real-world experience using the software.

How long does it take to learn InDesign?

The basics of Adobe InDesign may take only a few weeks to learn. The more intermediate and advanced concepts may take several months to learn. Full proficiency and mastery may require several months to several years of experience.

How hard is it to learn Adobe InDesign?

InDesign is not generally regarded as a challenging program to learn. Adobe has worked hard to make its software user-friendly, but having an eye for design may help to make the process easier.