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
$623.69 - $652.73 See individual course offerings below for actual costs.
International fees are typically 3.4 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
- Graphic Design and Interactive Media
Diploma Part-time
- Media Techniques and Marketing Communications
Certificate Part-time
- Media Techniques for Business
Certificate Part-time
Course Offerings
Fall 2026
Below are two offerings of GDES 1069 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 50125
Dates
Sep 10 - Nov 26 Loading
- CRN 50125
- $652.73 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 10 - Nov 26 | Thu | 18:00 - 21:00 | Downtown DTC Rm. 870 |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Dirk Erkau
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.
CRN 50134
Dates
Sep 12 - Nov 28 Loading
- CRN 50134
- $623.69 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 12 - Nov 28 | 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 on Oct 10. 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.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.