Applying master pages

From default Document Setup, a master page will be created and applied to your publication pages created at this time. After this, you can apply any new master page at any time using the Pages panel.

Using multiple hierarchical master pages

Master pages can be applied to other master pages in more complex documents. For example, a 'parent' master page containing just page numbering could be applied to multiple 'child' master pages colored separately for each section. This means you only need to change the page numbering style on the parent master page; also, as you create new pages you only need assign a child master page while inheriting page numbering automatically from its parent.

Multiple master pages — Parent Master page (top) with footer information and child master pages (middle) with multi-color headers and their combined effect on publication pages (bottom).

Master pages as layers

On a publication page, an assigned master page is actually a layer which shows in the Layers panel as a vertical solid turquoise marker prefixing the master page's layer entry; the expanded layer exposes the master page elements within.

Any master page elements edited on your publication page will show dashed turquoise markers on their layer entry.

By dragging a master layer to the top of your layer stack, you can present master page items above all other items in your publication.

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

Master placement

Upon -clicking a master layer in the Layers panel, you can manage the master's destination (whether it is applied to the left/top, right/bottom, or both pages; available only for documents with facing pages), scaling behavior and anchor position by selecting Properties. This will open the Master Placement dialog.

The following scaling behaviors are available:

None—places the master at its original size.
Stretch—stretches the master to fill the destination exactly. It may be noticeably distorted, depending on its relative proportions and those of the destination.
Uniform to Fit—scales the master page uniformly to be completely visible within the page. There may be empty areas down the left and right or across the top and bottom of the page.
Uniform to Fill—scales the master page uniformly to fill the entire page without distorting it. Some of its contents may be cropped.

To apply a master page:

Do one of the following, from the Pages panel:

To a single page: Drag a master page thumbnail from the Master Pages window on top of a chosen publication page thumbnail in the lower Pages window and release. This replaces any existing master page on that page.
To a single spread: Drag and release the master page onto a spread in the main document view or the Pages panel.
To multiple pages: Select pages, then drag and release the master page onto any selected thumbnail.
To a choice of pages: -click a chosen page's thumbnail and select Apply Master. You can apply to the current spread, all, odd, even or specified pages (by page number).
To a master page: Drag a master page thumbnail from the Master Pages window on top of a chosen master page thumbnail and release to link the two master pages. Alternatively, -click a chosen page's thumbnail and select Apply Master, then select the master page you would like to apply.

To apply an additional master page to a publication page:

Do one of the following:

With the pressed, drag a master page thumbnail from the Master Pages window on top of a chosen publication page thumbnail (that has a master page attached) in the lower Pages window and release.
With the pressed, drag a master page thumbnail from the Master Pages window on top of a chosen publication page thumbnail (that has a master page attached) in the lower Pages window and release.
-click a chosen page's thumbnail and select Apply Master, then select the master page you would like to apply. Ensure Replace Existing is unchecked in the dialog.

To unassign a master page:

On the Pages panel, -click a page thumbnail from the Pages window, then select Clear Masters.