Hanging quotes, also known as outdented quotes, are a stylish and effective way to set off quotations within your InDesign layouts. They add visual interest and improve readability, particularly for longer passages of quoted text. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of creating perfect hanging quotes in InDesign, covering various techniques and troubleshooting common issues. Whether you're a seasoned InDesign pro or a beginner, you'll find valuable tips and tricks here to master this essential design element.
What are Hanging Quotes?
Hanging quotes are characterized by their indented first line, while subsequent lines are aligned with the left margin. This creates a visually distinct block of text that's easily identifiable as a quotation. This differs from a standard block quote, which typically indents all lines. The hanging indent style makes long quotations easier to read and visually less overwhelming.
How to Create Hanging Quotes in InDesign: The Basics
The most straightforward method involves using InDesign's built-in paragraph formatting options:
- Select your quote: Highlight the text you want to format as a hanging quote.
- Open the Paragraph panel: Go to
Window > Type & Tables > Paragraph. - Adjust the Indents: In the Paragraph panel, you'll see options for "Left Indent" and "First Line Left Indent."
- Set a negative value for the "First Line Left Indent" (e.g., -0.5 inches or -1cm). This will indent the first line to the left.
- Set a positive value for the "Left Indent" (matching the negative value of the first line indent) to push the subsequent lines to the left margin. For example, if your "First Line Left Indent" is -0.5 inches, your "Left Indent" should be 0.5 inches.
This simple method ensures consistent hanging indentation throughout your document.
Using Styles for Consistent Hanging Quotes
For larger projects or maintaining consistent branding, using paragraph styles is highly recommended:
- Create a new paragraph style: In the Paragraph Styles panel (
Window > Styles > Paragraph Styles), click the "Create New Style" button. - Name your style: Give your style a descriptive name like "Hanging Quote."
- Apply Indents: In the Style Options dialog box (double-click the new style), navigate to the "Indents and Spacing" tab. Apply the negative "First Line Left Indent" and the corresponding positive "Left Indent" as described above.
- Apply the style: Select your quote text and apply the "Hanging Quote" style.
This approach ensures consistency and simplifies editing; changes to the style automatically update all instances of the style in your document.
How to Adjust Hanging Quote Spacing and Leading
Fine-tuning the spacing and leading (line height) further enhances the visual appeal of your hanging quotes:
- Adjust Leading: In the Paragraph panel or Style Options, modify the "Leading" value to control the vertical spacing between lines. This can significantly impact readability, especially with longer quotes.
- Space After: Adjust the "Space After" parameter to control the vertical space between the hanging quote and the following text.
Experiment with different values to find the optimal balance between visual appeal and readability.
Creating Hanging Quotes with Different Indentation Values
You can easily vary the indentation amount to fit your design. Instead of using the standard 0.5-inch indent, experiment with smaller or larger values depending on your layout and the length of the quotes. Consider the overall design and ensure the indent complements the surrounding text.
How to Create Hanging Quotes Around a Specific Character or Word
While the above methods are perfect for whole paragraphs, sometimes you need a hanging indent for a shorter quote starting with a specific character or word. In such cases, using a nested style within a paragraph style may be necessary. This advanced technique requires a deeper understanding of InDesign's style functionality.
Troubleshooting Common Hanging Quote Problems
- Inconsistent Indentation: Double-check your indent settings in the Paragraph panel or Style Options. Ensure the "First Line Left Indent" is negative and the "Left Indent" is positive and equal in magnitude.
- Indentation Not Appearing: Verify that you've correctly selected the text you wish to format as a hanging quote before applying the style or indent settings.
By mastering these techniques, you'll be able to effortlessly create elegant and readable hanging quotes in your InDesign documents, significantly enhancing the visual appeal and overall professionalism of your work. Remember to experiment with different indent values, leading, and spacing to achieve the perfect look for your specific project.
