To fill a layer in InDesign, you'll actually be filling the objects within that layer, as InDesign layers themselves do not have fill properties. Here's how to do it:
Steps to Fill Objects Within an InDesign Layer
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Select the Object: First, select the object or text you want to fill. You can do this by clicking directly on it with the Selection tool (the black arrow). If you have multiple objects to fill within the layer, select them all simultaneously.
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Access the Fill Options: In the Toolbox, click the Fill button (which looks like a small paint bucket icon) to apply the color to the object's interior. Alternatively, you can use the Stroke button to color the outline of the object, if desired. These options are found within the Tools panel usually located on the left side of your screen.
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Choose a Color: Do one of the following:
- Click the Color button to apply the last selected solid color. This color is either selected from the Swatches panel or through the Color panel.
- Alternatively, you can open the Swatches panel (Window > Color > Swatches) or the Color panel (Window > Color > Color) to select the desired color, gradient, or pattern.
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Applying Color to the Selected Objects: Once you've chosen the color, it will be applied directly to the selected object's fill or stroke.
Example: Filling a Rectangle with Color
- Step 1: Create a rectangle in your InDesign document. This can be placed on the layer of your choice.
- Step 2: Select the rectangle with the Selection tool.
- Step 3: In the Toolbox, click the Fill button to select the fill properties.
- Step 4: Open the Color or Swatches panel, and select a solid color, such as blue.
- Result: The rectangle will now be filled with a solid blue color.
Key Points
- InDesign layers cannot be filled directly. You fill the individual objects (text boxes, shapes, images, etc.) that reside within a particular layer.
- The Fill and Stroke buttons in the Toolbox are the primary tools for changing the color properties of your objects.
- The Swatches and Color panels are where you manage and select your colors, gradients, and patterns.
- You can select multiple objects at once to apply the same fill or stroke color simultaneously.
By following these steps, you can effectively fill the objects in your InDesign layers with the desired colors or patterns.
