Level 2 coursework accelerates the pace of content delivery while emphasizing professional productivity enhancement through keyboard shortcuts and industry-proven workflow optimizations. This intermediate curriculum incorporates sophisticated project files that build upon foundational knowledge, while also exploring advanced topics using expanded versions of materials introduced in Level 1 instruction.
Required Prerequisites:
Participants should maintain active proficiency with InDesign and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of Level 1 core competencies. Essential prerequisite knowledge includes familiarity with the InDesign workspace; competence in document and page creation; and working proficiency with object manipulation, text formatting, typographic control, and style application. For additional information regarding Level 1 content, consult the InDesign CC Core Skills: Level 1 course description.
Comprehensive Course Content
Object Management and Graphic Frames
Creating and modifying graphics frames; designing multiple frames with single commands; incorporating metadata captions within graphic frames; placing and establishing links between graphics frames; transforming frame geometry; advanced shape modification techniques; generating QR codes for interactive content
Text Flow and Placement
Placing and threading text across multiple frames; review of foundational threading techniques; generating text frames during text placement operations; automating threaded frame creation; implementing automatic text flow functionality across complex page layouts
Advanced Text Editing
Locating and replacing missing font specifications; text editing utilizing drag-and-drop methodology; leveraging the Story Editor for comprehensive text revision; implementing tracked changes for collaborative editing workflows
Professional Typography
Tab stop configuration and management; applying paragraph rule lines and borders; incorporating paragraph shading and background elements
Color Management and Application
Working with tint-based color swatches, creating and applying gradient fills, organizing and managing color groupings for workflow efficiency
Style Development and Application
Embedding character styles within paragraph style hierarchies, designing and implementing object styles, and developing and applying table and cell styles for consistent formatting
Graphics Import and Integration
Sourcing graphics from external programs; comparing vector-based and raster-based image formats; maintaining and monitoring links to external graphic files; updating graphics when source files are revised; controlling image display resolution and quality; implementing background image effects; managing alpha channel transparency in imported images; integrating native Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop files; organizing objects using InDesign libraries; utilizing Adobe Bridge for streamlined graphic asset management
Table Creation and Formatting
Table creation methodologies; converting existing text content into structured tables; modifying table structure; applying comprehensive table formatting; embedding images within table cells; designing header row functionality; implementing table and cell styling systems for consistency
Transparency and Visual Effects
Importing and recoloring grayscale images; applying transparency effects and blending modes; adding transparency to imported vector and raster graphics; integrating Illustrator files utilizing transparency features; applying transparency to typography; working with advanced effects and blending modes
Print Production and File Export
Color space management and optimization; transparency effect previewing in print context; page preview functionality; generating PDF proofs and press-ready PDF files; establishing and saving PDF output presets; creating print proofs and saving print settings; packaging files with all linked assets for handoff to production partners
Interactive Form Development in Adobe PDF
Configuring workspace for form development; inserting interactive form fields; establishing field tab order for user navigation; implementing submit buttons; exporting interactive PDF documents; validating form functionality through Adobe Acrobat Reader testing
