I believe in developing systems for success. Handling things once now, so you don't have to every time later. And I believe this course will set you up for an easier workflow, not just with the template file itself but by encouraging you to do some extra work upfront. Easier workflow = happier, more productive design time for you. Let's knock a few things off your to-do list!

Do you enjoy creating every text field from scratch?

How about rotating those spine text fields 90 degrees every project? Is File > New how you start? Do you keep thinking, one of these days, I'll make a template? Have you sought out online tutorials but found conflicting recommendations or found them to be too basic?

Right. Let's take care of that.

I'm always making templates or tweaking ones I have, and they are so helpful! Now, I'm not talking about cookie-cutter, insert-your-book-title-here templates. Nor one like you might need for a recurring newsletter. No, I'm referring to a blank starter file to use on new design projects. Blank-ish. Blank but so much more. Stay with me, here.

I doubt you'll encounter any other lesson that builds
a starter template to this extent.

And we'll do more than just create a template file. I will encourage you to organize and invest a little time now so you can have more efficient projects later. Don't worry, I'll walk you through it step by step, and it's broken down into short lessons you can do one at a time.

There are multiple ways to set up a canvas. 

If your book's trim size is 6" x 9" with a .5" spine . . . should you make a large page or artboard 12.5" x 9" and set the bleed outside of that? Or build the full bleed right into the artboard? While these work, I suggest neither. There are several ways to accomplish this, and I'll share my favorite.

Wouldn't it be nice if exporting PDFs took fewer steps? 

We will make PDF presets for your common printers to make exports easier, faster, and more quality-controlled. We will also create type safety guidelines so you can see on the fly if your text complies. While many projects you design won't be pushing the boundaries, thinner books such as graphic novels do, and printers have varying requirements for file submission standards. You want to give your clients files you know are going to pass with flying colors. 

Type safety layers

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I will show you in detail how to build a template you can use for future projects regardless of trim size and that works for paperback, hardcover, and even dust jackets, and for a variety of printer specifications, all in one master file. That's right: one file. (Within reason, that is. You understand.)

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Designed for professionals.

While intended for professional designers, professionals-in-the-making will benefit as well. Why wait?

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Relax and learn at your own pace.

​You can work at your own schedule and come back to continue or review it at any time. For as long as this course is available on this platform (I have no plans to stop!), you'll have indefinite, around-the-clock access to all of the lessons and to any updates I make to it.​ Total video time is just over one hour.

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InDesign CS5 or more recent is required to use most of the features presented; CS6 to use all of them. I also offer versions of this course for Illustrator, Photoshop, and older versions of InDesign, which you can purchase on a standalone basis by following the links, or they can be added on from within this newer InDesign course at a discount. This is the one I most recommend! Register below.