Master Pages

Learn how to use Master Pages to create a consistent design across your document. Master Pages allow you to set up repeating elements such as headers, footers, and page numbers, which automatically appear on every page where the master is applied. This feature ensures your layout is uniform and saves time by reducing manual edits.

What Are Master Pages?

Master Pages are like templates in InDesign that you can apply to multiple pages in your document. Once you set up a Master Page with elements such as page numbers, headers, or footers, you don’t need to manually add these elements to every single page. Instead, any page you apply the Master Page to will automatically inherit these elements.

Steps to Set Up Master Pages:

Access the Pages Panel

Go to Window > Pages to open the Pages panel.

In the Pages panel, you'll see a list of all your pages and any Master Pages you've set up (usually labeled A-Master by default).

Enter Master Page View

Double-click on A-Master (or any other Master Page you want to edit) in the Pages panel. This will take you to Master Page view.

In this view, any elements you add will be applied to all pages that use this Master Page.

Add a Text Frame for Page Numbers

Select the Type Tool (T) from the Tools panel.

Draw a text frame where you want the page number to appear (usually in the footer or header of the page).

Go to Type > Insert Special Character > Markers > Current Page Number. A placeholder "A" will appear in the text frame. This "A" will automatically update to the page number when the Master Page is applied to regular pages.

Apply the Master Page to Document Pages

Go back to the Pages Panel.

Drag A-Master from the panel and drop it onto the pages you want to apply it to. You can apply the master to multiple pages by selecting and dragging it over the page icons.

The page numbers (and any other elements from the Master Page) will automatically appear on the pages you applied the master to.

Add Additional Elements to the Master Page

You can also add other repeating elements to the Master Page, such as:

Headers/Footers: Use the Type Tool (T) to create text frames for header or footer content.

Logos or Titles: Place logos, titles, or other branding elements that should appear on every page.

Any element you place on the Master Page will appear on all pages where that master is applied.

Customize Master Pages for Different Sections

If you want to create different layouts for different sections (e.g., a title page, chapter headers), you can create additional Master Pages.

In the Pages Panel, click the New Master button to create a new Master Page. Customize it as needed (e.g., with different page numbers or layout styles).

Drag the new Master onto pages to apply the unique layout.

Editing Master Pages and Updates

Once you've set up your Master Page, you can easily make changes to it:

Edit Master Page: Double-click the Master Page in the Pages panel to make edits. Any changes made to the Master Page will automatically update on all pages that have the Master Page applied.

Override Master Items: If you need to make an exception to a Master Page element (for example, changing the page number on a particular page), Shift + Ctrl (Windows) or Shift + Command (Mac) and click the item on the page to override it.

Master Pages are an essential tool for maintaining consistency in your design. Whether you're working on a multi-page document, magazine, or book, using Master Pages ensures that elements like page numbers, headers, and footers are consistent across all pages. Once set up, any edits you make to the Master Page will instantly reflect across your entire document, saving time and ensuring a polished result.

Last updated by Abigail Green - April 2025

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