InDesign Type: Professional Typography with Adobe InDesign, Fourth Edition

Chapter 6

Alignment

Usually when we speak of the alignment of type, we’re referring to the horizontal position of text on the page. Each of the alignment options — left, center, right, and justified — creates its own vibe, has its own strengths, and asks to be treated in particular ways. In this chapter, we’ll look at when and how to use each method of alignment, as well as how to avoid the common shortcomings associated with each. We’ll also take a look at how to vertically align type within a frame.

Horizontal Alignment

First, let’s define our terms. What InDesign refers to as Left alignment is commonly referred to as ragged right or flush left. What InDesign refers to as Left Justify is commonly referred to simply as justified. Justified means ...