Activity

Using templates and reusable assets in InDesignActivity Overview

Reusable design is the practice of developing elements that can be used in a variety of contexts while maintaining their usefulness each time they are reused. In this activity students learn techniques for creating reusable objects, assets, templates and layouts to implement thematic and design consistency throughout a project.

Note: Portions of this activity align to the Adobe Certified Associate objectives. Within the instruction steps and

technical guides, the specific learning objectives for the exam(s) are referenced with the following format: 1.1

Activity Objectives

Technical skills

Illustrator

• Reusing assets

• Creating templates

• Creating master pages

• Using books

Project Assets

• InDesign guide: How to reuse objects 4.5, 4.6

• InDesign guide: How to use document templates

• InDesign guide: How to use master pages 2.5, 4.1

• InDesign guide: How to use books

Background preparation resources

Technical and content information

ISTE NETS*S Standards for Students

Adobe Certified Associate objectives

Timing: 1 to 2 hoursLevel: Ages 15 and up

2Using templates and reusable assets in InDesign Activity

Activity Steps

1. Discuss the advantages of using templates and creating reusable assets. The discussion might include:

• Reusable design is the practice of developing elements–such as patterns, templates, components, frameworks, assets, and content–that can be used in a variety of contexts while maintaining their useful-ness each time they are reused.

• Reusable does not mean the design will always be perfect - nearly everything that is designed will likely need to be adapted each time it is reused, so all elements should be adaptable, depending on the context in which they are used.

2. Explain that streamlining the production process is always advantageous. Discuss the advantages of the following:

• Creating and working with reusable assets (layout elements, images, graphics, illustrations, etc.).

• Creating and implementing a style guide with lists of fonts, colors, heading styles, and so on for design projects (this is especially helpful for consistency and in passing knowledge on to new workers).

• Creating and using templates.

3. Explain that they will now learn to implement how to create and use templates and reusable images by using InDesign. Using the “I do, we do, you do” method, demonstrate how to use the Library, the Content Collector tool, and linked content, and create templates that utilize reusable content.

InDesign guide: How to reuse objects 4.5, 4.6

InDesign guide: How to use document templates

4. Discuss other techniques for maintaining consistency across a document like master pages and books. Demonstrate these techniques to help students implement their layout designs:

• Use master pages.

• Use books that can share styles, swatches, master pages, and other items.

InDesign guide: How to use master pages 2.5, 4.1

InDesign guide: How to use books

5. Ask students to create a template for a simple design project, like creating a business card for themselves or a poster for a school club, or for a design project they are currently working on.

6. Explain that when they work on design projects whenever possible use reusable design because it:

• Enables designers to use a variety of elements multiple times in multiple ways in a variety of contexts.

• Maintains its value and usefulness across projects.

• Saves time and money.

Assessment:

0 – Does not meet expectations

3 – Meets expectations 5 – Exceeds expectations

Document template

Absent or incomplete. Students create a template for a page layout that includes reusable content and at least one master page.

Students create a template for a page layout that includes reusable content and more than one master page.

3

Background preparation resources:

• To view video tutorials aligned with the skills required to complete this project, visit Adobe TV: http://tv.adobe.com/.

• For more teaching and learning resources on the topics in this project, search for resources from the community on the Adobe Education Exchange: http://edex.adobe.com/.

• For an overview of the interface and for more information on the technical aspects of Adobe InDesign, see InDesign Help.

ISTE NETS*S Standards for Students

This project is aligned to the ISTE NETS*S Technology Standards. Depending on the subject and content area the student selects you may research your own state content standards to see how this project aligns to your state requirements.

ISTE NETS*S: Curriculum and Content Area Standards – NETS for Students

6. Technology Operations and ConceptsStudents demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. Students:

a. understand and use technology systems.

b. select and use applications effectively and productively.

d. transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies.

Adobe Certified Associate Exam Objectives

Adobe Certified Associate, Print & Digital Media Publication objectives2.5 Understand key terminology of page layouts.

4.1 Demonstrate knowledge of how to create multiple-page documents.

4.5 Add graphic, image, and video content to a page layout.

4.6 Demonstrate knowledge of how to create special page elements using InDesign tools.

For more informationFind more teaching materials for using Adobe software in your classroom on the Adobe Education Exchange: http://edex.adobe.com/. Adobe Systems Incorporated

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