Course Overview
Engage with one of the most powerful applications used in graphic design today. Students will explore the basics of the InDesign interface and its most used features in order to create an array of printed and digital layouts. Students will learn how to manipulate and position layout elements such as text, illustrations, and photographs by applying design and typographic principles and terminology. Work through a variety of print and digital media projects using the versatile InDesign tools and techniques to discover the possibilities for creative expression that come with mastering this application.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
3.0
Domestic fees
$622.98 - $651.26 See individual course offerings below for actual costs.
International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Create and organize multi-page layouts using modular and baseline grids, ensuring content is aligned and structured effectively.
- Analyze and apply typographic principles, including selecting and formatting typefaces to establish a clear hierarchy of information and ensure readability.
- Utilize color effectively, applying relevant color schemes and understanding color modes, swatches, and gradients.
- Integrate and manage raster and vector graphics within layouts, while maintaining proper resolution, alignment, and color profiles for both print and digital outputs.
- Create and manage parent pages and automate text formatting using paragraph and character styles, ensuring consistent formatting and standardizing repetitive layout elements.
- Incorporate interactivity into digital publications, including hyperlinks, buttons, and basic interactive features for PDFs and EPUBs.
- Apply advanced layout techniques, such as text wrapping, object styles, anchored objects, hidden characters, and advanced frame fitting for complex designs.
- Effectively manage document structures, including the use of tables, hidden characters, and anchoring objects for consistent and precise formatting.
- Apply a structured design process to develop creative and functional layouts, from concept development through to final execution.
- Optimize layouts for production, utilizing preflight profiles, packaging documents, and preparing files for error-free output.
Effective as of Spring/Summer 2025
Related Programs
Layout: Adobe InDesign (GDES 1069) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Business + Media
- Graphic Communications
Diploma Full-time
- Graphic Design
Certificate Full-time/Part-time
- Graphic Design Foundations
Associate Certificate Part-time
- Media Techniques and Marketing Communications
Certificate Part-time
Course Offerings
Winter 2026
Below are two offerings of GDES 1069 for the Winter 2026 term.
CRN 90647
Dates
Jan 06 - Mar 24 Loading
- CRN 90647
- $651.26 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 06 - Mar 24 | Tue | 18:00 - 21:00 | Downtown DTC Rm. 890 |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Dirk Erkau
Course outline
Important information
- This class will be delivered in person on the Downtown campus.. You will require access to the Adobe Creative Cloud in order to complete this course. In order to access the Adobe Creative Cloud on your personal devices for off campus use, a subscription will be required. The cost of your Adobe subscription will be in addition to the tuition fee for this course. Information explaining how to obtain a discounted Adobe subscription is available on the BCIT Software Access webpage: kb.bcit.ca/student/adobe-creative-cloud-subscription-flexible-learning-student-3130/
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
CRN 90649
Dates
Jan 06 - Mar 24 Loading
- CRN 90649
- $622.98 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 06 - Mar 24 | Tue | 18:00 - 21:00 | Online |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Negin Etemadi
Course outline
Important information
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- This is not a self-paced course. You will be expected to be available and online on the posted days and times shown on your registration schedule. It is important you have a stable and consistent internet connection to access course content. Please log into learn.bcit.ca using your BCIT student email and password on the first day of class. You will require access to the Adobe Creative Cloud in order to complete this course. Students who are currently registered in one or more part-time courses can purchase a subscription for Adobe Creative Cloud Pro at a discount through BCIT’s new software portal kb.bcit.ca/student/adobe-creative-cloud-subscription-part-time-student-3130/
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Spring/Summer 2026
Below are two offerings of GDES 1069 for the Spring/Summer 2026 term.
CRN 68635
Dates
Apr 11 - Jun 27 Loading
- CRN 68635
- $622.98 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 11 - Jun 27 | Sat | 09:30 - 12:45 | Online |
Duration
11 weeks
Instructor
Negin Etemadi
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- No class May 16. This is not a self-paced course. You will be expected to be available and online on the posted days and times shown on your registration schedule. It is important you have a stable and consistent internet connection to access course content. Please log into learn.bcit.ca using your BCIT student email and password on the first day of class. You will require access to the Adobe Creative Cloud in order to complete this course. Students who are currently registered in one or more BCIT Flexible Learning courses are eligible for a free Adobe Creative Cloud subscription from BCIT. For subscription information, please visit: kb.bcit.ca/student/using-adobe-software-for-students-3588/ If you are taking Graphic design programs, here is the suggested order to take them. www.bcit.ca/files/business/pdf/flexible-learning-graphic-design-certificate-recommended-order-of-courses.pdf
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
CRN 68634
Dates
Apr 08 - Jun 24 Loading
- CRN 68634
- $651.26 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 08 - Jun 24 | Wed | 18:00 - 21:00 | Downtown DTC |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- You will require access to the Adobe Creative Cloud to complete this course. In order to access the Adobe Creative Cloud on your personal devices for off-campus use, a subscription will be required. Information explaining how to obtain a discounted Adobe subscription is available on the BCIT Software Access webpage: kb.bcit.ca/student/adobe-creative-cloud-subscription-flexible-learning-student-3130/ If you are taking Graphic design programs, here is the suggested order to take them. www.bcit.ca/files/business/pdf/flexible-learning-graphic-design-certificate-recommended-order-of-courses.pdf
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.