How to Create a Background in InDesign

Launch InDesign., Place an image., Open the Swatches panel., Expand the graphic frame.

4 Steps 2 min read Medium

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Launch InDesign.

    Create a new document by clicking on the the Document icon in the Create New window, and specifying the settings for your new document.
  2. Step 2: Place an image.

    From the File menu, select Place.

    Navigate to the file you would like to import and double click the file name.

    Move your cursor to the location where you want to place your graphic and click your mouse.

    This will place the image on your page.

    Adjust the size of your graphic, if necessary, by selecting the picture using the Select tool (V) and dragging a handle while holding the Control + Shift keys (Command + Shift on a Macintosh).

    This will adjust the graphic's size proportionally. , You can access this from a tab group which is located at the right-hand side of your InDesign workspace, or from the toolbar at the top.

    Click the Fill button and select your desired background color.

    This will apply your selected color behind the graphic and extend it to the edge of the graphic frame. , Pull from a corner of the image while holding the Shift + Alt keys (Shift + Option on a Mac).

    Don't like the color you chose? Select the eyedropper tool (I) and Alt-click (Option-click) a color in the image to find a background color that matches your image perfectly.
  3. Step 3: Open the Swatches panel.

  4. Step 4: Expand the graphic frame.

Detailed Guide

Create a new document by clicking on the the Document icon in the Create New window, and specifying the settings for your new document.

From the File menu, select Place.

Navigate to the file you would like to import and double click the file name.

Move your cursor to the location where you want to place your graphic and click your mouse.

This will place the image on your page.

Adjust the size of your graphic, if necessary, by selecting the picture using the Select tool (V) and dragging a handle while holding the Control + Shift keys (Command + Shift on a Macintosh).

This will adjust the graphic's size proportionally. , You can access this from a tab group which is located at the right-hand side of your InDesign workspace, or from the toolbar at the top.

Click the Fill button and select your desired background color.

This will apply your selected color behind the graphic and extend it to the edge of the graphic frame. , Pull from a corner of the image while holding the Shift + Alt keys (Shift + Option on a Mac).

Don't like the color you chose? Select the eyedropper tool (I) and Alt-click (Option-click) a color in the image to find a background color that matches your image perfectly.

About the Author

J

Judith Simmons

A passionate writer with expertise in lifestyle topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.

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