- #17 Creating Text Frames
- #18 Modifying Text Frames
- #19 Threading Text Frames
- #20 Creating Type Paths
- #21 Importing Text
- #22 Entering and Editing Text
- #23 Applying Character and Paragraph Formats
- #24 Composing Type
- #25 Creating Bulleted and Numbered Lists
- #26 Setting Tabs
- #27 Setting Text Defaults
- #28 Working with Fonts
- #29 Using Paragraph and Character Styles
- #30 Using the Story Editor
- #31 Checking Spelling
- #32 Correcting Spelling Automatically
- #33 Searching and Replacing Text
#27 Setting Text Defaults
Whenever you start typing in a new text frame or on a new type path, InDesign applies the formatting specified in the default paragraph style, which is called Basic Paragraph. You can override the settings in the Basic Paragraph style by making changes in the Paragraph and Character panels in the Control palette before you start typing. You can modify this default formatting for the active document or for all new documents.
Editing the Basic Paragraph Style
To modify the Basic Paragraph style:
- Choose Type > Paragraph Styles.
- In the Paragraph Styles palette, double-click Basic Paragraph.
- Change any options in the panels in the Paragraph Style Options dialog box ( Figure 27a ).
Figure 27a The Basic Character Formats panel in the Paragraph Style Options dialog box lets you specify the font, size, leading, and other character formats for the default Basic Paragraph style.
Overriding the Basic Paragraph Style
Before you start typing, you can override the settings in the Basic Paragraph Style. With the Type tool selected, you can make changes in the Character panel and the Paragraph panel in the Control palette. In addition, you can make changes in the Character palette ( Figure 27b ) and the Paragraph palette, both of which are available in the Type menu.
Figure 27b Override the Basic Paragraph Style character formats by making changes in either the Character panel in the Control palette or the Character palette (Type menu).