OK, I'm trying to learn InDesign. Is there someplace you can specify that all placed images automatically come with text wrap like you can in (gulp) Quark? And can you set options for it?

If you set wrap on the first graphics box, it will apply it to all the rest. This feature actually annoyed me at first until I figured out how to get it to NOT apply wrap to all subsequent photos.

Thanks, Ear. I'll probably have a few more questions later as I work through this stuff. Along with a few choice words not to be posted.

Already, here's another. If you set rules above a heading, and offset it so much higher, it actually extends above the text box border. How do you get it to stick to the border, or is it just on my screen and not in my print?

hmmm... not sure I completely understand the question. Can you post a screenshot as an example? I have seen overset text extend above the text box but not sure if that's what you're talking about.

I would but I'm not sure how to post a pic. The offset rule peeks out above the text frame, the rest of the text behaves as it should. If the rule is not offset, it behaves. I thought the text should stay inside the frame no matter what. Is this just an InDesign idiosyncracy?

To attach a pic... cmd+shift+4 will give you a marquee to get a screen grab of a specific area. Then, when you post, click *Additional Options* directly below the text window and it will allow you to browse for the screen shot image.

It sounds like an Indesign thing but again, hard for me to know without seeing exactly what you're talking about. I would say, if it looks good in PDF, it will most likely be okay. Take it one step further and RIP the PDF and view the screened plate set if you're really worried about it.

Ok, here goes.
I finally gave up and took the top rule off the headings and just left the bottom rule from the last paragraph (they're classified ads). I had a rule above the headings to use a thicker line there.

ahhh... I see now. Yes, I have seen that before. Don't remember what the exact conditions were but it was some setting I had tweaked manually, like the baseline shift or overset text. It looks funny but usually prints fine. Either way, the PDF should be a good indicator of the final output for this issue.

Thanks, Ear. I'll see what I can "tweak". I've got to try InDesign at home (CS1), because I hear we may be getting a new system at work with CS4 and stuff, and no upgrading Quark 6. Of course, with my boss, words are just words until the thing is actually on the desk, and I don't hold my breath.

Sure thing. CS4 is pretty sweet... big step from CS1, fo sho!

You have me curious now too. Are you using character/paragraph styles? You may have something set funny in the style, especially if it's an imported style from another layout. Or, could be some strange formatting coming from the source document. Or, could just be how Indesign handles rules at the top of text boxes. Many, many variables.