How to Wrap Text in InDesign Effortlessly?

Jason

By Jason

Update on

Wrap Text in InDesign

InDesign is the ‘go-to’ software for most users when it comes to desktop publishing. So, many individuals are interested in learning all the features associated with this handy tool.

If you are interested in using this software to make the most of its features, this article is just for you.

In this article, we explain one of its most used features to the benefit of our novice users. In simplest terms, this article explains how to wrap text in InDesign.

By the way, if you would like to know how to insert images in InDesign and how to resize an image in InDesign, just click to read more.

What is wrap text in InDesign?

Wrapping text is a feature that allows users to place text around images as well as shapes. This process is exceptionally useful when it comes to creating professional InDesign layouts in desktop publishing.

More importantly, you don’t have to put a lot of effort into this, as it is a super-easy process. Nevertheless, if you’re a novice user who is wondering how to wrap text in InDesign, follow the steps below.

In fact, in this section, we will explain three different ways to use the Text Wrap panel of InDesign. With this beautiful effect, you will be able to create neat, elegant designs that are ideal for professional use.

PS: To know other best InDesign alternatives, these articles are for you.

Part 1. Wrap text in InDesign (around basic shapes)

Under various circumstances, you will have to wrap text around basic shapes to make the layout more professional. In fact, with the inclusion of basic shapes and vector graphics, you can add better contrast to the layout.

Also, the layout will appear to be more dynamic when shapes and vectors are there. These shapes and vectors might contain circles, boxes, callouts, etc., that can appear as pullout quotes in the layout.

So, it is always handy to know how to wrap text around shapes and vectors. In this section, let’s see how to create a pullout quote in a page layout.

Wrap text in InDesign

1) As the first step, you should select any of the shape tools using the Tools panel (L). For instance, you can pick the Ellipse Tool or any other tool.

Once the tool is selected, you can simply drag it to draw the desired shape. To create a perfect circle or a rectangle, make sure that you hold the shift key while drawing.

create a perfect circle or a rectangle

2) Now, the shape is drawn in the desired place; it’s time to fill it with content. To do this, you should right-click on the shape you have just created and choose the option “Content.”

Then, select the option labeled “Text.” Type in the text and apply the formatting you prefer. For instance, you can define the text alignment, font style, font size, and other formatting.

3) Now that the shape is selected, you can head towards the “Object” located in the main menu. Then select “Text Frame Options” as well.

Make sure that you adjust the Inset so the text will be pushed toward the center of the object. This step will give a neat appearance to your shape.

Text Frame Options

Well, that’s about fitting the content into the shape. It’s time to take a look at the text-wrapping process.

4) Now, lay the text columns (which you have created with the Type Tool). Laying text columns should be done over the top of the shape. In addition to that, the text can be aligned behind the shape as well.

lay the text columns

5) You should now select the shape. Then, you should open the Text Wrap panel (go to Window and select Text Wrap). If there is a square shape or a rectangular shape, just choose Wrap Around Bounding Box.

This option is located at the top of the panel. If there is a circular shape, on the other hand, go to Wrap Around Object Shape. Such an option will give it a more natural, neat, and professional text wrap.

6) Make sure that you increase the Offset value as well. In general, an offset amount like 5 mm would do fine in most cases. The key point here is to adjust the offset until the shape is framed by the text perfectly.

Now, under Wrap Options, you should make sure that the “Wrap To” option is set to “Both Right & Left Sides.”

Wrap To -> Both Right & Left Sides

Now, the process is completed, and you will see a simple text wrap in the layout.

simple text wrap in the layout

Part 2. Wrap text in InDesign (around Drop Caps)

Using drop caps at the beginning of the paragraph is a widely used layout style. Generally, this style is included within the same text frame.

So, in this case, you don’t need to worry about a text wrap. InDesign will recognize the element and push the other text on the paragraph further from the letter that is enlarged.

Wrap text in InDesign (around Drop Caps)

Nevertheless, you can make the effect look more elegant and professional simply by creating a stand-alone drop cap. However, this drop cap should be wrapped by the rest of the text.

The steps mentioned below will help you bring up this effect.

1) First of all, create a pretty large text frame on the page layout. To do this, you should use the Type Tool (which is denoted by T). Type in a solitary character, which will be used as the drop cap.

To have text inside the large character, you should obviously pick a suitable option. That means an enclosed letter like O, Q, and D would be better.

However, depending on your creativity, you can use other letters as well. For instance, you can pick letters U, C, E, F, L, and P as well. Also, if you are ok with fitting text outside the character, you can use any letter. Don’t forget to pick a very appropriate font style and font size.

Type in a solitary character

2) Now that you are happy with the formatting of the text, you should focus on outlining the text. Even after outlining the text, you can rescale the letter without putting much effort.

In order to create the outline, you should go to Type and select Create Outlines. Now, the drop cap will appear in the form of a vector graphic on the layout.

go to Type and select Create Outlines

3) You can now create a new text frame. This should be created either over the top or behind the drop cap toy have just put in. You can then allow the text frame to match the size of the drop cap. Let the edges of the text frame match the size of the letter (drop cap) approximately.

create a new text frame

You can now select the vector drop cap. Then, choose the option called “Wrap Around Object Shape,” which is in the Text Wrap panel. You can also increase the offset value of the graphic. This should be done in order to push the text neatly and professionally on the layout.

That’s it!

Part 3. Wrap text in InDesign (around photos)

There are many occasions where you would need to wrap text around photos in your artwork. Well, if you want to do it, it is a pretty simple task. All you need is to create an invisible vector shape around the image you need to be wrapped. Let’s see how to do it.

Wrap text in InDesign (around photos)

Before starting this process, remember that photo-based text wraps should be created on separate layers. With such an approach, you can manipulate the artwork pretty conveniently and reduce the potential for mistakes.

photo-based text wraps

1) To do this, you should go to the Layers panel. Go to Window and select Layers. Then, create three layers to begin the process. Name the layers as follows for your convenience.

  • “Image” for the bottom layer
  • “Text Wrap Silhouette” for the middle layer
  • “Type” for the top layer

Now, go to the Image layer and use the Rectangle Frame Tool. This will allow you to create an image frame. Then, go to File Menu and select place. Choose an image that has a very positive silhouette (with a strong contrast value) for better output. Then, click on Open so you can fill the frame.

2) When the size and the position of the image are fine, lock the layer named “Image.”

3) Then, unlock the middle layer (Text Wrap Silhouette).

4) Now, select the Pen Tool and trace the edges that are around the photo. You should do this around the entire silhouette. Make sure that the line is united to make an enclosed shape.

select the Pen Tool

5) Go to the Swatches panel. This could be done by selecting Window and then Color. You should then go to Swatches. The fill of the shape should be None.

Go to the Swatches panel

6) Unlock the layer named “Typed.” Then, get a text frame to the page. This should overlap the edges of the silhouette.

7) Make sure you lock the Type layer as well. Then, go to the pen outline, which is created earlier on the middle layer.

go to the pen outline

8) When you are on the Text Wrap panel, set the wrap style to the “Wrap Around Object Shape” option. Adjust the offset value and push the text to create a nice effect. If there is any outlying text, just forget it for the moment.

9) Get the Ellipse tool selected and fill the gaps within the silhouette of the image. Now, you will see that the awkward text is gone.

Get the Ellipse tool selected and fill the gaps

10) Now, again, the Fill Color of the ellipse shape should be none. Then, when it comes to text wrap, it should be Wrap Around Object Shape. This should be selected from the Text Wrap panel.

Wrap Around Object Shape

11) Go to the Edit menu and select Copy the ellipse. Then, go to Edit once again and select Paste. Now, the size of the shape should be adjusted on other gaps that look weird.

FAQs

  1. How do I remove text wrap in InDesign? To remove text wrap in InDesign, select the object with text wrap, go to the Text Wrap panel, and click on the “None” option.
  2. Can I apply different text wrap settings to multiple objects? Yes, you can apply different text wrap settings to multiple objects by selecting them simultaneously and adjusting the settings in the Text Wrap panel.
  3. Can I wrap text around a complex shape with holes in InDesign? Yes, InDesign allows you to create custom text wrap contours to wrap text around complex shapes, including those with holes.
  4. How do I adjust the spacing between the wrapped text and the object? You can adjust the spacing by modifying the text wrap offset in the Text Wrap panel. Increase the offset value to create more space, or decrease it for tighter wrapping.
  5. Can I animate text wrap in an interactive document? Yes, InDesign offers animation features that allow you to animate text wrap effects in interactive documents. Explore the animation options in the program to add dynamic effects to your designs.

Conclusion

InDesign’s text wrap feature provides designers with a valuable tool for creating captivating layouts. By mastering the art of wrapping text around objects, you can elevate the visual appeal of your designs and create more engaging publications.

Remember to consider the various text wrap options, experiment with settings, and troubleshoot any issues that arise. With practice and creativity, you’ll become proficient in utilizing text wrap to its full potential.

Jason
Jason

Skilled software testing specialist with expertise in comparisons and research, passionate about blogging, reviews, and creating video tutorials.

THERE’S MORE TO READ.