How to Make Big First Letter in InDesign
Creating a big first letter, also known as a drop cap, is a great way to draw attention to the beginning of a text block in InDesign. Whether you’re designing a magazine, a book, or any other publication, learning how to make a big first letter can enhance the visual appeal of your content. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of creating a large first letter in InDesign, step by step.
Step 1: Select the Text Frame
First, you need to have a text frame in your InDesign document. If you haven’t created one yet, you can easily do so by clicking on the “Type Tool” (T) in the toolbar and clicking and dragging to create a new text frame on the page.
Step 2: Enter the Text
Once you have a text frame, enter the text you want to start with the big first letter. Make sure the text is selected and click on the “Type Menu” (the A with a triangle in the toolbar) to open the Type Options dialog box.
Step 3: Open the Character Panel
In the Type Options dialog box, click on the “Character” tab to open the Character Panel. This panel allows you to adjust the font, size, and other properties of the selected text.
Step 4: Increase the Font Size
In the Character Panel, locate the “Font Size” field and increase the value to make the first letter larger than the rest of the text. The size of the letter will depend on the overall design of your publication, but a good starting point is to make the first letter about three times the size of the body text.
Step 5: Create the Drop Cap
With the first letter selected, go to the “Type Menu” and choose “Drop Cap.” In the Drop Cap dialog box, you can specify the number of lines of text to include in the drop cap, as well as the type of drop cap (e.g., straight, curled, or decorative). Choose the desired option and click “OK.”
Step 6: Adjust the Position and Style
After creating the drop cap, you may need to adjust its position and style to fit the design of your publication. You can use the “Control” panel or the “Object” menu to move and resize the drop cap. Additionally, you can change the font style, color, and other properties to match the rest of the text.
Step 7: Final Touches
Now that you have your big first letter in place, take a moment to review the overall design and make any necessary adjustments. Ensure that the drop cap is aligned correctly with the text frame and that it doesn’t disrupt the readability of the content.
In conclusion, making a big first letter in InDesign is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance the visual appeal of your publication. By following these steps, you can create an eye-catching drop cap that will draw readers’ attention to the beginning of your text block. Happy designing!
