Most people interested in learning skills for Adobe InDesign usually enroll in either in-person courses or live online training. However, a tight work schedule or other obligations might make fitting in time for attending any classes difficult. Because of circumstances like these, some people consider taking on-demand courses. On-demand training offers an introduction to learning new skills in a variety of subjects. Noble Desktop offers users on-demand options with several self-paced InDesign courses that students can work on whenever they please. On-demand courses offer a great alternative that allows more structured, self-motivated people to learn at their own pace, on their own time.
On-demand courses vary in how training gets delivered to participants, giving those with busy work schedules or other obligations scheduling flexibility for approaching training with InDesign. While many on-demand classes are taught using video recordings of lectures with practical exercises, others use digital modules along with hands-on exercises and traditional course workbooks. Because on-demand courses can be starkly different from traditional classroom or virtual learning, students should research the various options available in order to make informed decisions about which on-demand training providers to enroll with.
On-demand training lets students learn new skills at their own pace and on their own time, which allows them to slow down their training if they find a particular topic too difficult or need to postpone a lesson if something else comes up in their day-to-day routine. Alternately, students may choose to speed up the pace of learning in an area to get ahead in order to make time for other activities. However, on-demand courses require strong self-motivation to avoid the temptation of continually putting off lessons. It’s also a good idea for students to set up their own schedule or syllabus as an incentive for keeping pace with turning in assignments. In a nutshell, on-demand training provides a convenient and effective way for learning new skills.
The Ten Best On-Demand InDesign Classes
- Noble Desktop—InDesign Tutorial: Intro to Adobe InDesign
- LinkedIn Learning—InDesign 2021 Essential Training
- Business Computer Skills—Adobe InDesign On-Demand Complete (Levels 1 & 2) - On-Demand Course
- Skillsoft—Adobe InDesign
- Udemy—Adobe InDesign CC - Essentials Training Course
- ONLC Training Centers—Adobe On-Demand: InDesign Complete (Level 1 & 2)
- ITU—Adobe InDesign Training Course
- TechSherpas 365—Adobe InDesign On-Demand
- LearningTrain—InDesign Course: Training On-Demand
- SkillShare—Adobe InDesign CC - Essentials Training Course
#1: Noble Desktop—InDesign Tutorial: Intro to Adobe InDesign
Noble Desktop offers the free In-Design Tutorial: Intro to Adobe InDesign that provides an on-demand tutorial for getting students started with using the desktop publishing application for print design, page layouts as well as combining text and graphic for creating documents for publishing like magazines and books. This seminar familiarizes students with the tools and procedures for Adobe InDesign. This tutorial begins by orienting participants with the basic use for the publishing software before teaching them about more complicated functions and features. With this tutorial, students will learn how to integrate images and text for creating a variety of documents along with how to apply an array of effects. Upon completing this seminar, designed for students who have no experience with InDesign, participants should have knowledge for creating, designing, and distributing professional-looking documents for various media.
InDesign is the industry-standard desktop publishing layout software focusing on print design. Publishers, editors, writers, and designers use InDesign to create books, magazines, and advertising for print and digital media. With this tutorial, students will learn how to use the publishing tool for importing images, working with text, and adding visual effects such as interfacing transparency or drop shadows along with learning about printing or creating PDFs.
With this free tutorial, students can become familiar with the fundamentals for using InDesign, including creating layouts from scratch, working with graphics and text, and developing documents for publishing in various media.
Key Information
Noble Desktop offers this two-hour tutorial for free.
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this tutorial.
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According to a Yelp review of the Noble Desktop Intro to Adobe InDesign seminar, one student commented, “I have used what I learned in their Photoshop and InDesign classes for several years.”
#2: LinkedIn Learning—InDesign 2021 Essential Training
Students can find on-demand training with LinkedIn Learning, which offers InDesign 2021 Essential Training for learning the basics for creating and editing page layouts from lessons on how to work with type, graphics, apply color, create two-page layouts, prepare files for print, and export documents into PDFs. InDesign is an essential tool for the publishing industry, marketing agencies, magazines, newspapers, advertising, and Freelance Designers.
With this course, participants learn from expert instructors who provide comprehensive training for using the core functions and features of the desktop publishing application. This training provides the foundation for moving onto learning more advanced concepts and workflows associated with Adobe InDesign.
This course structures training around quizzes that prepare students with basic knowledge for InDesign. Training shifts to learning how to manage documents and pages, edit text and graphics, and create interactive material. Participants have the option to complete the entire course or focus on a particular function of the software that they are eager to learn for use in their profession. The purpose of this on-demand course is to help students become proficient with InDesign, which is a tool that can benefit someone for a career in publishing or design.
Key Information
This course requires a LinkedIn Learning subscription and costs $39.99 for the course alone or a one-month free subscription trial for enrollment. LinkedIn Learning allows participants to upgrade tech skills though video-based training in a subscription platform that provides unlimited access for a monthly fee.
Prerequisites: This beginner-level course has no prerequisites.
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Students finishing this course receive a Certificate of Completion that they can display in their LinkedIn profile in the “Licenses and Certifications” section. The Certificate of Completion can also be downloaded or printed as a PDF.
#3: Business Computer Skills—Adobe InDesign On-Demand Complete (Levels 1 & 2) - On-Demand Course
Individuals can enroll at Business Computer Skills for the Adobe InDesign On-Demand Complete (Levels 1 & 2) - On-Demand Course, which provides beginning students with an opportunity for learning how to use this popular desktop publishing software. This on-demand course is tailored for self-taught users and aims to teach them how to create, edit, manage documents and graphics using Adobe InDesign. An on-demand course allows students to learn InDesign at their own pace, on their own time along with being able to focus on the functions and features of the desktop publishing application that appeal to them.
Individuals can learn how to use InDesign for creating text frames and graphic frames, customizing and saving Workspaces, setting up documents and document presets, and using zoom and navigation tools for working efficiently with page layouts. This training includes building complex documents using master pages, guides, grids, and placeholders along with managing Pages, editing and formatting text, applying and working with colors, and printing or exporting PDFs.
This course begins by introducing beginners to the InDesign Workspace, setting up documents and managing pages, using objects, flowing text, editing text, and using typography.
Key Information
This on-demand training course costs $495 and includes a six-month or one-year license for using Adobe InDesign.
Students have 24/7 access to course material and training along with hands-on practice exercises.
Prerequisites: This course is designed for beginning learners and requires no prerequisites.
This on-demand course upgrades to the latest version of the Adobe Creative Cloud (Adobe CC) whenever Adobe provides new training materials for its updates, which usually happens two or four months following a release.
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Business Computer Skills provides expert instructors who train students with hands-on lessons for real-world learning through on-demand training that allows students to learn at their own pace and on their own time.
This course offers free repeats.
#4: Skillsoft—Adobe InDesign
Skillsoft offers Adobe InDesign: Beginner Adobe InDesign CC 2015, which is an on-demand course that helps students develop skills for working with the desktop publishing application. Through this course, students will learn how to use InDesign for creating page layouts through gaining knowledge such as inserting images, adding text, or using page options.
This on-demand training course includes several video training modules:
InDesign Fundamentals
Learning Adobe InDesign CC provides skills with the professional-grade desktop publishing software for creating page layouts. Students will learn the application’s basic tools and features such as toolbars and tabs, navigating and configuring Workspaces, and applying color and stroke. Lessons include learning about working with and configuring Workspaces, inserting images in table cells, working with and configuring panels and palettes, arranging tabbed documents, and publishing online.
Basic Navigation Tools
This module provides training for creating small documents like brochures or larger publications like manuals. Students will learn how to use Adobe InDesign for configuring Workspaces, creating documents, working with guides and rulers, and using object tools. Lessons include working with rulers and creating guides, displaying and customizing grids, using the pencil tools, and creating complex paths with the pen tool.
Working with Images and Exporting Files
This video focuses on working with images using Adobe InDesign, which includes advanced image editing techniques as well as importing and exporting files. This module includes lessons for placing images, wrapping text around objects, collecting and placing content, and working with images and tools.
Working with Objects and Editing Tools
Students can use InDesign for integrating with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications like Photoshop and Illustrator, which provides users with the tools needed for producing professional-looking publications. Students will learn about editing tools and organizing techniques for arranging, aligning, and grouping projects. Through this module, students will learn about using the Scissors tool, applying object transformations, using the Gradient Swatch tool, and adjusting gaps between objects.
Working with Text
Text is typically the most essential component with creating publications. This module provides training for working with typesetting basics for adding and editing text using Adobe InDesign. Lessons include creating text frames for inserting text, adding column guides, and placing text files in linked frames.
Working with Pages
Learning about advanced features with Adobe InDesign includes training in advanced page options and tools for improving opportunities for working in the publishing industry. Lessons from this module include learning about the Page tool, how to use single and facing pages, creating and using templates, working with master pages, and adding, removing, and organizing pages.
Key Information
Enrollment requires a platform subscription to participate in this four-hour video InDesign course.
Prerequisites: This beginner-level course requires no prerequisites.
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Upon completing this course, the student earns a digital badge.
#5: Udemy—Adobe InDesign CC Essentials Training Course
Anyone who wants to learn InDesign can enroll with Udemy for the Adobe InDesign CC Essentials Training Course, for training to create everything from company newsletters, brochures, or annual reports from lessons in typography, color theory, and graphic design. Udemy trains participants through video-based lessons using hands-on projects for practicing skills for learning the desktop publishing application. In this course, students train in fundamental techniques for Adobe InDesign and learn to create professional-looking documents by designing page layouts. Training includes lessons on page layouts, colors, and fonts as well as lessons on arranging and styling graphics and text. Other skills associated with InDesign include creating columns and tables, generating page numbers, and wrapping text around images. Upon completing this course, participants will be able to design everything from business cards to brochures to stationery with company letterheads.
Key Information
This course costs around $139 for the seven-hour video training program that provides downloadable resources that can be accessed on mobile phones or television.
Prerequisites: This training requires that students have a license for Adobe InDesign CC. However, no previous InDesign skills are needed.
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Upon completion of this course, students receive a certificate.
#6: ONLC Training Centers—Adobe On-Demand: InDesign Complete (Levels 1 & 2)
Students can enroll at ONLC Training Centers, which offers the Adobe On Demand: InDesign Complete (Levels 1 & 2) for training in how to use the desktop publishing application for creating professional-looking page layouts. This on-demand course provides training in Adobe InDesign as well as preparing participants for the Adobe ACP Certification exam for InDesign, which is not required for passing the course.
As an on-demand course, students can train at any time they wish, learning at their one pace and on their own time. A self-study training course like this can help learners who are beginners who are highly motivated and eager to learn software like Adobe InDesign for either personal projects or as a tool in their arsenal for changing professions. Another person benefiting from an on-demand course would be experienced Publishers, Graphic Designers, or Web Developers looking to upgrade their skill set. On-demand courses allow participants to learn at their own pace, which includes repeating a particular lesson if they are having difficulties or simply captivated by a specific topic.
Key Information
This course costs $495 for a 180-day access period beginning at the time of purchase.
Prerequisites: Students must have the basic computer and file management skills needed for learning Adobe applications. Students must know how to locate, copy and open computer files, be able to create folders, arrange, re-size, minimize and maximize application windows, start and exit programs, manage multiple programs simultaneously, and be able to switch between open programs.
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It should be noted that ONLC courses are taught using remote instructors who are not in the same room as their students but instruct these classes live online with participants having the option of taking advantage of ONLC’s up-to-date computer labs.
Students training at home must have access to Adobe InDesign (purchased or through a free trial) on their computer (PCs or Macs) along with a high-speed Internet connection.
#7: ITU—Adobe InDesign Training Course
Anyone looking to learn skills for desktop publishing can enroll at ITU for the Adobe InDesign Training Course, which provides training in creating professional-looking page layouts that combine text and graphics. In this course, participants will learn how to use this desktop publishing application to create books, magazines, brochures, or restaurant menus. Users can also work with InDesign for creating attention-grabbing business cards, advertisements, posters, and flyers.
With this Adobe InDesign training course, students receive lessons from expert-instructors who have experience in the design and publishing industries to provide training focused on publishing, graphics, animation, and digital design. Students will learn basic and intermediate skills for creating professional-looking page layouts.
Through this course, students will learn how to use the Adobe InDesign Creative Cloud for applying graphics and text to create engaging page layouts. InDesign allows users to work on multiple page documents like books, magazines, and brochures or single-display material like business cards. InDesign can integrate with other Adobe applications like Photoshop and Illustrator, providing flexibility for creative design projects.
Key Information
The cost for this course is typically $49 depending on whether there’s a sale for this 12-hours on-demand training program. Students may also enroll through various subscriptions offered by ITU.
Prerequisites: No prerequisites have been listed.
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One student who has attended ITU commented, “Itu significantly helped me increase my design/marketing experience. I’ve taken numerous marketing courses and never found material more useful than itu. Since then I started my marketing company and we now have over 25 clients.”
#8: TechSherpas 365—Adobe InDesign On-Demand
Students can enroll at TechSherpas 365 for the Adobe InDesign On-Demand course to gain skill in the desktop publishing software to use for both personal and professional projects. This training from expert instructors who have years of experience in the tech industry provides skills for using InDesign for creating professional-looking page layouts. Regardless of a person’s level of understanding, participants will benefit from this Adobe InDesign training course that covers basic, intermediate, and advanced skill levels.
Students get trained through visual demonstrations and multimedia presentations that instructors use for providing techniques that help students understand how to operate the desktop publishing application in real-world situations. Students will test with practice quizzes and exam simulators after training on modules to help them gain confidence in what they have learned before moving onto the next subject of study.
The TechSherpas 365 Adobe InDesign On-Demand course helps in arming students with knowledge for effectively being able to design projects at home or in the workplace with an understanding of how to efficiently integrate text and graphics for creating books, newspapers, and other media with page layouts and graphic design, which can be used with digital document like PDF or eBooks.
Key Information
This course costs $399 for on-demand training access.
Prerequisites: No prerequisites have been listed.
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TechSherpas 365 provides participants with 12 months of unlimited access to its collection of On-Demand Training and Certification Prep with over 100 classes available for training in various technologies.
#9: LearningTrain—InDesign Course: Train On-Demand
Anyone interested can enroll for InDesign Course: Training On-Demand from LearningTrain, an online education provider based in Amsterdam that offers training in English. Through this on-demand course for learning InDesign, participants will have lessons in typography, color and shape, understanding space, elements with design layouts, and using images and illustrations for complementing designs.
On-demand training for InDesign can help anyone who may be insecure about learning to work with the desktop publishing application. However, on-demand training provides a cost and time efficient method for gaining skills with the software by allowing students to train at their own pace and on their own time. Skills gained with InDesign training provide students with knowledge in how to use the application’s digital functions for creating documents like newsletters or book covers. Participants can bring their own files to the class for learning how to reproduce a design they may want to work with as well as integrating InDesign with other Adobe Creative cloud applications like Illustrator or Photoshop. Students get to decide on what they want to learn and when they want to learn it through training on their own. This allows them to ask their instructor any question in order to get what they need from the course.
On-demand training is ideal for anyone who would like to learn InDesign for publishing in a variety of media or for marketing their own company or events. While instructors cannot directly help anyone on a commercial design project, they can provide guidance by teaching the student how to make those designs look professional.
Key Information
The cost of this on-demand training course will vary depending on whether a single person or group enrolls.
Prerequisites: Students will need a computer, pen, and paper. The course also requires students to have Adobe InDesign software available in order to participate in the training.
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This Netherlands-based education provider offers English language courses. According to LearningTrain’s website, “Now that all courses and education are available via video training, you can book English spoken [courses] from wherever you live.” Full English language training is available.
#10: Skillshare—Adobe InDesign CC - Essentials Training Course
Students looking for on-demand training can attend Skillshare, which offers the Adobe InDesign CC - Essentials Training Course that trains students with hands-on projects using the desktop publishing software for creating everything from simple company flyers to brochures to newsletter or business cards. InDesign can also be used to create detailed annual reports or eBooks.
Skillshare courses are taught by expert-instructors who have backgrounds in several areas related to technology, including graphic design, web development, and user interface and experience (UX and UI). These industry professionals are willing to share their skills in tools and techniques for training in a variety of areas. With the InDesign on-demand course, participants learn about how to work with color, use fonts in a professional capacity, or how to resize and crop images for documents. This on-demand course provides projects that students must complete in order to practice their skills, which can later be added to their creative portfolio.
For this InDesign course, students get to work on real-world, hands-on projects like flyers, brochures, and newsletters. These projects include making business cards or creating a lengthy annual company report for publishing.
Key Information
This on-demand Adobe InDesign course is available through a subscription with Skillshare that can be started with a free trial.
Prerequisites: This training lists no prerequisites.
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A former student commented on taking the InDesign course at Skillshare: “I needed to do a crash course on InDesign as I am feathering my nest for part-time work in retirement. This class is ACE. At this point, I know way more than the basics and will be able to work with speed and creativity. I’m able to ‘talk the talk’ with the designers at my current job, and learn and share tricks. I also appreciate the extended overview of Adobe CC updates for 2021 and 2022, Thanks, Daniel!!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an On-Demand InDesign Class Worth It?
Students may consider on-demand courses for getting familiar with the basics for Adobe InDesign because many people have jobs or other obligations that would make enrolling in a traditional in-person class or live online course difficult. On-demand training allows students to learn new skills at their own pace, on their own time for getting fundamental knowledge with the desktop publishing software. On-demand courses provide a great method for structured and ambitious individuals who don’t need deadlines or the threat of failing an assignment as a whip for completing lessons.
On-demand training offers students an educational option that creates scheduling flexibility for anyone who simply doesn’t have time to take a course despite having a desire to learn. Many on-demand courses are taught using video recordings of lectures, presentations, or practical exercises. Several classes are structured in digital modules with hands-on exercises or traditional course workbooks. Because there are so many different types of on-demand courses available, anyone considering this method of learning should research their options in order to make an appropriate, informed decision about their future.
What will I need for an on-demand InDesign class?
Generally, students enrolling in on-demand training for Adobe InDesign will need to have a computer and a high-speed Internet connection. Additionally, possessing knowledge in HTML and CSS or other programming languages could also be helpful. Some schools may require students to have licensed access to the Adobe Creative Cloud.
Can I Learn InDesign On-Demand for Free?
For people who don’t feel quite ready to take on a full-time or a part-time Adobe InDesign course, there are free training options available from various online education providers. This includes Noble Desktop, which offers a free Intro to Adobe InDesign seminar, Coursesity with its free InDesign online courses, Teach Yourself Adobe InDesign for Free from MakeUseOf, Udemy’s Adobe InDesign Made Easy, and CoursesFree, which offers the free Learn Adobe InDesign seminar. These types of classes allow beginning students to learn the basic functions associated with InDesign by providing a good foundation for future training.
Is it better to learn InDesign in a live or self-paced class?
Live online courses provide a good option for gaining skills in Adobe InDesign that provides the same education that a person can get while sitting inside a classroom without having to leave home. On-demand training allows people to learn at their own pace, on their own time, which provides an extremely flexible scheduling option.