Adobe InDesign is a versatile and powerful tool used by designers for creating everything from books and brochures to digital content and posters. To work efficiently in InDesign, it is important to set the units of measurement according to your needs. Many designers prefer working in the metric system, especially when collaborating internationally or handling specific print projects. If you need to change the units to centimeters (cm) in InDesign, this article will guide you through the different ways you can do so effectively.
Why Change Units to Centimeters?
The choice of units in InDesign depends on your personal preferences or client requirements. Here are some common reasons why you might want to change the units to centimeters:
- International Standards: Centimeters are the standard unit in most countries outside the United States, making it easier to work with international clients and print shops.
- Precision: When designing packaging, posters, or layouts, using centimeters can provide a high degree of accuracy, especially if specific physical dimensions are required.
- Consistency: For projects that require consistent measurement across various media, using centimeters helps ensure that all parts of the project are aligned and meet precise specifications.
Step-by-Step Guide to Change Units to CM in InDesign
Changing units in InDesign is straightforward, and you can adjust the settings either globally for all future documents or individually for a specific document. Here’s how to do it.
Method 1: Changing Units Through Preferences
The most common method of changing units is through the Preferences settings. This approach allows you to set the default units for both new and existing documents.
- Open Preferences:
- On Windows: Go to Edit > Preferences > Units & Increments.
- On Mac: Go to InDesign > Preferences > Units & Increments.
- Access Units & Increments:
- In the Preferences dialog box, select Units & Increments from the list of categories on the left-hand side.
- Set Units to Centimeters:
- In the Units & Increments section, you will see options for Horizontal and Vertical units.
- Click on the dropdown menus next to Horizontal and Vertical and select Centimeters (cm).
- You can also set units for Stroke and Type if you prefer to work with centimeters for these elements.
- Click OK:
- Once you have selected Centimeters for both Horizontal and Vertical units, click OK to save your changes. These settings will now be the default for all new documents created in InDesign.
Method 2: Changing Units for an Existing Document
If you’re working on an existing document and need to change the units to centimeters without affecting the global preferences, you can do it directly through the Ruler.
- Select the Document:
- Open the existing document for which you want to change the units.
- Show Rulers:
- Ensure that the Rulers are visible by going to View > Show Rulers or pressing Ctrl + R (Windows) or Cmd + R (Mac).
- Change Units via the Ruler:
- Right-click on the Horizontal Ruler or Vertical Ruler to bring up a context menu.
- From the context menu, select Centimeters. This will immediately change the units for that specific document to centimeters.
Method 3: Entering Measurements in CM Directly
InDesign also allows you to enter measurements directly in centimeters even if your default unit is set to something else, like inches or points. This method is particularly useful when you need to switch between different units for different elements within the same document.
- Select an Object:
- Use the Selection Tool (V) to click on an object, such as a text frame or image.
- Enter Measurements:
- In the Control Panel or Properties Panel, you will see fields for Width
, Height (H), X, and Y coordinates. - Type the desired value followed by “cm” (e.g., 10 cm). InDesign will automatically convert this value and apply it to the selected object, regardless of the default unit settings.
Setting Units for Margins, Columns, and Bleeds in Centimeters
In addition to the general units used for measuring dimensions and positions, you may also need to set specific units for margins, columns, and bleeds to ensure your document is print-ready.
- Document Setup:
- Go to File > Document Setup to adjust the settings for an existing document.
- In the Document Setup dialog box, you can enter values for the Width, Height, and Bleed fields using centimeters.
- Margins and Columns:
- Go to Layout > Margins and Columns.
- In the Margins and Columns dialog box, you can set values for the Top, Bottom, Inside, and Outside margins in centimeters.
- You can also adjust the Number of columns and Gutter Width in centimeters to ensure consistency across your layout.
Using Grids and Guides in Centimeters
Grids and guides are essential tools for maintaining alignment and ensuring consistency in your layout. You can also set up grids and guides in centimeters to match the rest of your document settings.
- Baseline Grid:
- Go to Edit > Preferences > Grids (Windows) or InDesign > Preferences > Grids (Mac).
- Set the Increment Every value to a specific number of centimeters to create a baseline grid that aligns with your overall layout.
- Guides:
- Drag guides from the Rulers to create reference lines. If your units are set to centimeters, the guides will automatically be positioned according to the centimeter markings on the rulers.
Tips for Working in Centimeters in InDesign
- Use the Control Panel for Precision: The Control Panel allows you to enter precise dimensions in centimeters for objects, text frames, and images. This ensures consistency and accuracy in your layout.
- Mix Units for Flexibility: InDesign allows you to mix units if needed. For example, if your document is set to centimeters but you need to enter a value in millimeters or points, you can simply type the value followed by the appropriate unit, and InDesign will convert it automatically.
- Set Default Units Before Starting: To avoid confusion, set the units to centimeters before creating a new document. This will ensure that all measurements—such as page size, margins, and bleed—are set correctly from the beginning.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Units Keep Reverting: If your units keep reverting to the previous setting, make sure that you change the Preferences while no documents are open. Changes made when no documents are open will be applied globally to all new documents.
- Incorrect Measurement Units Display: If you notice that the rulers are not displaying in centimeters even after changing the settings, try restarting InDesign to ensure that the changes take effect.
- Guides Not Aligning Properly: If guides or other layout elements don’t align as expected, ensure that the Snap to Guides or Snap to Grid features are enabled. This will help maintain precise alignment using centimeter units.
Summary
Changing units to centimeters in Adobe InDesign is an essential skill for designers working on international projects, print publications, or any work that requires precise measurement. By adjusting your Preferences, using the Ruler to switch units, or directly entering values in centimeters, you can easily customize your document to meet specific needs. Whether you are designing a brochure, poster, or book layout, using the right units ensures consistency, precision, and a professional finish.
By mastering the ability to change units in InDesign, you can enhance your workflow, maintain accuracy, and create high-quality designs that meet your exact specifications. Whether you need to switch to centimeters for a particular project or make it your default unit, the tools are at your fingertips to make the adjustment quick and easy.
