Adobe InDesign CS4 Styles: How to Create Better, Faster Text and Layouts

This is now my authoritative reference for anything to do with InDesign styles. I'm always amazed at how much I don't know about this program after years of using it, and this book serves the intermediate/advanced InDesign user quite well. I hadn't even noticed grep styles in CS4 and I saved lots of work just reading the one chapter. There is additional online content too: Stroke Styles is the most thorough treatment of that subject I've found to date.

The book is really a great value if you have some InDesign experience. If you're new to InDesign, you should remember to get this book after you get comfortable, but there's too much assumed knowledge for the true beginner.

Michael Murphy is an experienced designer and an Adobe Certified Expert in InDesign. I have followed his video podcasts at www.theindesigner.com since early 2006 and benefited considerably from his comprehensive tutorials. Naturally, when his book, "Adobe InDesign Styles", was announced I had high expectations that it would prove to be a valuable resource. I was not disappointed.

Mr. Murphy's credo is that advanced planning, organizing and building effective InDesign styles -- especially nested styles -- will save time and money and lead to greater creative freedom. He makes his case in chapter after chapter, chosen, real-world examples. In the chapter on GREP styles Murphy not only sheds light on a new InDesign feature -- admittedly difficult for most designer's to comprehend -- but goes on to parse and build some very practical examples ready to put to work in any number of InDesign documents.

"Adobe InDesign Styles" was written for intermediate to advanced users, so Mr. Murphy does not spend time on the basics, however I would suggest new users consider its purchase for two reasons: Michael Murphy's writing is clear and easy to follow and his argument for planning and organization will serve beginners well in avoiding bad habits and sloppy technique.

Web designers often speak of "best practices" when it comes to coding, Michael Murphy's book is the "best practices" guide when it comes to InDesign styles. I highly recommend it for all level users.

Steve Bretschneider

Principal,

Steve Bretschneider Design