How to Change the Color of a Layer or Objects on a Layer in InDesign?

In Adobe InDesign, when you talk about changing the "color" related to a layer, you might be referring to two different things: the layer indicator color shown in the Layers panel, or the fill and stroke colors of the objects placed on that layer.

Here's how to address both:

Changing the Color of Objects on a Layer

This is the most common scenario where you want to apply visual color (fill or stroke) to elements placed on a specific layer. You change the color of the objects themselves, not the layer as a whole.

You can change the fill or stroke color of selected objects using the Color Panel.

Here are the steps, incorporating information from the reference:

• Open the Color Panel:
  • Go to the Window menu.
  • Select Color, then Color again (or press F6). This will display the Color Panel.
• Select the Object(s): Use the Selection Tool (V) to select the text frame, shape, or other object(s) on your layer whose color you want to change.
• Target Fill or Stroke: In the Color Panel (or the Tools panel), click on the Fill icon (solid square) or the Stroke icon (outline square) to bring it to the front. This determines whether you are changing the fill color or the stroke color of the selected object(s).
• Choose Your Color:
  • Double-click on the active Fill icon or Stroke icon in the Color Panel.
  • A dialog box will appear (often the Color Picker).
  • Use the thin color bar (the vertical slider) in the dialog box to select the desired hue family (like red, blue, green).
  • Then, click on a specific color within the large color box to choose the exact shade and saturation you want within that hue range.
• Apply the Color: Once you have the color you want selected in the dialog box, click OK. The selected color will be applied to the Fill or Stroke (whichever you targeted) of your selected object(s).

You can also apply colors using the Swatches Panel, which is generally recommended for consistency in your document.

Changing the Layer Indicator Color

The color associated with a layer in the Layers panel is a visual aid. It controls the color of the bounding box and selection handles when you select objects on that specific layer in your layout. It does not change the actual fill or stroke color of the objects.

To change this indicator color:

1. Open the Layers Panel (Window > Layers).
2. Double-click the name of the layer you want to modify.
3. The Layer Options dialog box will appear.
4. Click on the Color dropdown menu.
5. Choose a new color from the list.
6. Click OK.

The bounding boxes and selection handles for objects on that layer will now appear in the newly selected color.

By understanding these two methods, you can effectively manage the visual appearance of your design elements and the organizational display in the Layers panel.