InDesign Practice Assignment

Top Dog Communication Postcard

Assignment Details

InDesign is the most commonly used design program within Top Dog, so it is important
that we ensure each new firm member understands or learns how it functions. In order
to familiarize yourself with InDesign or simply gain more practice, you will be creating a
TDC postcard. An example of the final document you are making is pictured below
followed by guided instructions on how to achieve it.

TOP DOG COMMUNICATION

Before You Begin
• The photo you will be putting on this postcard can be found on the website
directly underneath this document. Download and save the picture to a folder that
you will be able to access easily later.

Setting up the Document

• Open InDesign and select “Create new”
• Create a custom document and title it
• Change measurements to 6 inches in width and 4.25 inches in height
o Make sure units are in INCHES, not picas, etc.
• Select landscape for the orientation
• Add a second page
• Add a bleed of .125 inches to all sides
• Press “Create” or enter
Adding Images and Text
• Go to File > Place…
• Select the image you downloaded
• Adjust the image to fit the document
• Add text by using the Type Tool
• Type “TOP DOG COMMUNICATION” in white text
• Format the text accordingly
Adding Lines and Shapes
• On the second page, use the Line Tool to create a vertical divider in the middle of
the postcard
• Increase the point stroke of the line to 1 pt.
• Make the fill of the line black
• Create three more horizontal lines
• Increase the point stroke of the line to 1 pt.
• Make the fill of the line black
• Select the Rectangle Tool and make a small rectangle on the top right side of the
postcard (the size of a stamp)
• Increase the point stroke of the line to 1 pt.
• Make the fill of the line black
• Use the Text Tool to type “TOP DOG COMMUNICATION” in black text on the top
left side of the postcard

Final Steps and Printing
• Double check that the postcard looks exactly how you want it to
• Go to File > Save As
• Save the document to its respective location
• After the initial save is completed, go to File > Package
• Select “Package”
• Insert a filename
• Select “Continue”
• Check all of the available boxes
• Press “Package”
• You should now be able to locate the folder that contains all of the necessary
files for your postcard. Within this folder there will be a PDF version, which is
preferred when printing. When you go to print your postcard, simply print the PDF
file.