Adobe Indesign CS4 – Targeting layers when placing objects
Adobe InDesign CS4 lets you place objects on different layers. Think of layers as sheets of transparent film that are stacked on top of each other. By using layers, you can create and edit objects on one layer without affecting—or being affected by—objects on other layers. Layers also determine the stacking position of objects.
Before you import a photograph of an armadillo into your design, you’ll make sure that you add the frame to the appropriate layer.
- In the Pages panel, double-click the page 3 icon to center it in the document window.
- Choose Window > Layers to display the Layers panel.
- Click the word “Photos” in the Layers panel to target the Photos layer. Do not click the boxes to the left of the Photos layer because that hides or locks the layer.
- Using the Selection tool, click the pasteboard to make sure that nothing is selected.
- Choose File > Place. If necessary, navigate to the Lesson_02 folder. Click 02_Armadillo.tif, and then Shift+click 02_Gecko.tif. Click Open.
TIP: In the Place dialog box, you can select multiple text and graphic files to import. The files are imported in the order they are listed in the dialog box. InDesign lets you import graphics using a variety of file types, including native Photoshop (PSD) and Illustrator (AI) files.
- Click in the white area above the word “Mexico” to place the armadillo at the top of the page. You’ll move the graphic later, after you crop it.
- Click at the bottom of the far-right column of text to place the gecko graphic.
- With the gecko graphic still selected in the Control panel, type 15 in the Rotation Angle box. Press Enter or Return.
- In the Layers panel, click the box to the left of the Text layer name so that the layer lock icon appears.
- Choose File > Save.
A loaded graphics icon appears with a preview of the armadillo. The number 2 next to the pointer indicates how many graphics will be imported.
Notice that the two new frames are the same color as the Photos layer in the Layers panel. An object’s frame color describes the layer on which it resides.
Locking the Text layer prevents you from selecting or making any changes to it or any objects on the layer. With the Text layer locked, you can edit the frame containing the armadillo without accidentally selecting the frame containing “Hecho en Mexico.”