Applying master pages

Just like publication pages, a master page can be a single page or a spread with two or more pages. A master can be applied to all or some of another spread's pages.

Initial master page

When creating a new document, a default master can be created and applied to all publication pages created at this time. After this, you can apply any new master at any time using the Pages panel.

Using multiple hierarchical masters

Masters can be applied to other masters in more complex documents.

For example, a 'parent' master containing just page numbering could be applied to multiple 'child' masters colored separately for each of your publication's sections. This means that to change your page numbering style, you only need to do so on the parent master.

Also, as you create new publication pages, applying a child master to them adds the section coloring and automatically inherits page numbering from its parent.

Multiple masters
Parent Masters (top) with footer information and child masters (middle) with multi-color headers and their combined effect on publication pages (bottom).

Applying masters using drag and drop

Masters can be dragged and dropped at the following positions to apply the master to existing publication pages, or to create new pages with the master automatically applied to them.

Positions and cursors Action
Master being applied to a left page, replacing existing masters Master being applied to a whole spread, replacing existing masters Master being applied to a right page, replacing existing masters
Applies the master to the targeted pages, replacing any masters already applied to them.
Master being added to a left page without replacing existing masters Master being added to a whole spread without replacing existing masters Master being added to a right page without replacing existing masters

With the held, applies the master to the targeted pages in addition to any masters already applied to them.

With the held, applies the master to the targeted pages in addition to any masters already applied to them.

Using a master to create a new spread before an existing one Using a master to create a new spread after an existing one
Creates a new spread at the targeted position with the same page count as the master, and applies the master to the spread's pages.

Identifying applied masters

You can identify the masters applied to a page by hovering over the page's thumbnail on the Pages panel.

In documents with facing pages, the tooltip indicates which master pages are each page.

Thumbnail of a color-tagged master
A two-page spread with the same master applied to both pages.
Thumbnail of a color-tagged master
A two-page spread with different masters applied to each page.

Optionally, any master can be tagged with a color, which is indicated at the corner of the master's thumbnail.

Thumbnail of a color-tagged master
A two-page master that has been tagged red.

Tag color

A master's tag color can be set when the master is created, or later via the master's thumbnail.

The tag color is shown above the thumbnails of pages to which the master is applied.

Thumbnail of a two-page spread with a color-tagged master applied
A spread with different numbers of tagged masters applied to its pages.

Masters as layers

An applied master is actually a layer, which shows on the Layers panel as a vertical solid turquoise marker prefixing the thumbnail on the layer entry.

The layer can be expanded to expose the elements inherited from the master, which display vertical solid turquoise markers on their entries.

Master page layers
Expanded master page entry on the Layers panel, showing unedited and edited master content (indicated with solid and dotted vertical turquoise markers, respectively).

When an element of a master page is edited on a page where it's applied, that page's layer entries for the element and its master page display dotted turquoise markers.

By dragging a master's layer to the top of the layer stack, you can present the master's items in front of all other items on the page.

By selecting the master page's layer entry, the inherited content can be collectively transformed. Individual objects can only be transformed by detaching the master page. The content of text objects and picture frames can be edited, though.

To prevent inadvertent transformation or editing of inherited content (other than text/picture frame content), select and then lock the master layer on the Layers panel.

Master placement

You can manage how a master is applied using the Master Properties dialog, where you can specify:

The following scaling behaviors are available:

To apply a master:

On the Pages panel, do one of the following:

The newly applied master replaces any existing master that's applied to the target.

To apply an additional master:

Do one of the following:

To edit an applied master's properties:
  1. On the Layers panel, -click the master's layer entry and select Properties.
  2. On the Master Properties dialog that appears:
    1. Edit the properties as required.
    2. Select Close.
Remove To remove a master from a page:

Do one of the following:

SEE ALSO: