You can easily curve (round) the corners of shapes and frames in InDesign using the Corner Options feature. This is the standard method to change a standard shape, like a square, and give it smooth, round corners, as demonstrated in many tutorials.
Accessing Corner Options
InDesign provides a dedicated panel and control bar options to modify the appearance of corners on rectangular frames and drawn shapes.
Using the Control Panel
The quickest way is often via the Control panel, which appears horizontally near the top of your workspace when an object is selected. Look for the corner icon (it often looks like a square with a small handle on one corner).
Using the Object Menu
Alternatively, you can access more detailed options through the menu:
- Select the object with the Selection Tool (V).
- Go to Object > Corner Options.
Steps to Curve Corners
Here's a simple guide on how to apply curved (round) corners:
- Select Your Object: Use the Selection Tool (V) to click on the shape or frame you want to modify.
- Open Corner Options:
- If using the Control Panel, click the corner options icon (often shows a square with a curved corner or a diamond) to open the options pop-up.
- If using the Object Menu, select Object > Corner Options.
- Choose a Corner Style: In the Corner Options dialog box or Control panel pop-up, select "Round" from the Shape dropdown menu. (Other styles like Inverted Round, Fancy, Bevel, and Inverse Bevel are also available).
- Set the Corner Size (Radius): Enter a value in the Size field. This value determines the radius of the curve. A larger number creates a more pronounced curve.
- Apply to All or Individual Corners:
- By default, the corners are linked (the chain icon looks connected). Changing the Size value will apply it to all four corners simultaneously.
- Click the chain icon to unlink the corners. You can then enter different Size values for each corner individually (Top Left, Top Right, Bottom Left, Bottom Right).
- Confirm: If using the dialog box, click OK. If using the Control panel pop-up, the changes apply automatically as you adjust the values.
Different Corner Styles
While "Round" is the most common for curving corners, InDesign offers several styles:
- None: No corner effect (default square).
- Fancy: A decorative, inward-pointing curve.
- Inverse Fancy: An outward-pointing decorative curve.
- Bevel: Creates a straight, angled cut across the corner.
- Inverse Bevel: An outward-pointing straight cut.
- Round: The standard smooth, curved corner.
- Inverted Round: A curve that goes inward, creating a concave shape.
By using the Corner Options feature, you can easily transform the sharp angles of your shapes and frames into smooth curves or other decorative styles.
