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 coloured 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 colouring and automatically inherits page numbering from its parent.

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

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 in the Master Placement section of its layer options, where you can specify:

The following scaling behaviours are available:

To apply a master to the current spread:

On the Pages panel:

  1. Select Masters from the panel's topmost item.
  2. Long press a master page's thumbnail and select one of the following:
    • Add Master To Current Spread—to apply the master page to the current spread. The master is inserted into the layer stack above any already applied master pages.
    • Replace Current Spread Masters—to apply the master page to the current spread and remove any already applied master pages.
To apply a master to all pages in a specific spread:

On the Pages panel, do one of the following:

To apply a master to specific pages:

On the Pages panel:

  1. Select Pages from the panel's topmost item.
  2. Select Manage Pages.
  3. On the dialog that appears:
    1. Select at least one page by tapping:
      • the circle on one's thumbnail to select the individual page.
      • elsewhere on one's thumbnail to select all pages in its spread.
      Selected pages display a check mark in their circle.
    2. Select Apply Master.
    3. On the dialog that appears:
      1. Select the master you wish to apply.
      2. Choose to conform the pages to the master's Size (dimensions), Size & Count (dimension and number of pages), or None.
      3. Select OK.
To apply an additional master:

On the Pages panel:

  1. To specify the page(s) you wish to affect, do one of the following:
    • For a specific spread: Select Pages from the panel's topmost item, then long press the destination spread's thumbnail and select Apply Master.
    • For a specific master: Select Masters from the panel's topmost item, then long press the destination master's thumbnail and select Apply Master to Master.
    • For one or more specific pages: Select Pages from the panel's topmost item, select Manage Pages, select at least one page, then select Apply Master.
  2. On the dialog that appears:
    1. Select the master you wish to apply.
    2. Disable Replace Existing.
    3. Set other options as required.
    4. Select OK.
To edit an applied master's properties:

On the Layers panel:

  1. Select the master's entry.
  2. Select Layer Options.
  3. In the Master Placement section, edit the properties as required.
  4. Select the arrow at the top left of the panel.
To remove a master:

Do one of the following:

SEE ALSO: