InDesign has limited word-processing functions (spelling, editing, etc.). If you plan on working with large stories, you can create your work in Word and import it to InDesign for final formatting.

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USING THE TEXT TOOL:

1. Choose the text tool (T) from the Toolbox.

2. Drag the mouse to describe a rectangle for text. This creates a text block.

3. Start typing.

4. Change format attributes using options under the Type menu.

5. Choose the arrow tool to stop typing within the current text block.

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TO COPY TEXT FROM WORD:

Select text in Word and choose Edit > Copy; in InDesign, use the Type tool to create a text block (or click within an existing block), and choose Edit > Paste.

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TO PLACE TEXT FROM A FILE:

1. Choose the arrow tool from the Tools window.

2. Choose File > Place. Locate your file on disk and click OK.

3. Click in the document at the point where the text should begin (upper left-hand corner). The text will automatically snap to the predefined margins or column guides.

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TO WRAP TEXT AROUND AN IMAGE:

Use the arrow tool to click on the graphic you want to wrap text around. Then choose Window > Text Wrap. Select the appropriate type of wrapping and click OK. In the document, move the image around and text will flow around it appropriately.

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TO PERFORM SPELLCHECK:

Choose Edit > Spelling > Check Spelling.

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THREADED TEXT.

When text does not completely fit in a text block, a red plus-sign appears at the bottom of the block. If you click on the plus-sign with the arrow tool, an insertion icon appears. Click elsewhere (in the next column, or on another page) to start a new text block. As you change the text in the first block, it will flow to the second block accordingly. Such text is called threaded text.

You can adjust the size of text boxes by clicking on them with the arrow tool and dragging the corners.