A Master Page (also called the document master) is a page used to design a common layout to be applied in all the other pages of a publication.


A master page normally contains basic design elements such as headers and footers, page numbers, & layout guides (i.e., column guides, ruler guides, & margin guides) that are common to all pages in your publication.

Note. Master pages are important especially when creating a publication that has several pages such as a book or a project report. It ensures that there is consistency among all the pages in the publication.

Setting up a publication using master pages.

Every publication has 1 or 2 blank Master pages identified by letter 'L' for left and 'R' for right. Letters L & R mark the master page icon for facing pages, while R alone marks a single-sided publication.

These icons appear at the lower left corner of a publication window.

To switch to master pages, click the master page icon, then:

1. Place non-printing ruler guides on the master pages.

Non-printing ruler guides are vertical or horizontal lines you place on the printable area. They assist you to place text & graphics accurately & consistently throughout the publication. 
To place ruler guides; point to the ruler, then drag the guide to the required position. 
2. Create basic design elements on the master pages, including the text & graphics that you want to appear on each page in your publication.

Creating a new master page based on a publication page.

1. Switch to the publication page on which you want to base the new master.
2. Click on Window, then choose Show Master Pages.
3. From the Master Pages palette menu, choose Save Page As.
4. Type a name, then click Save.
Objects and guides applied to the selected publication page are copied to the new master. The new master page then becomes active and its name appears on the Master Pages palette.

    • To open the Master Pages palette menu, click the right-facing arrow at the right corner of the palette.
5. To turn to the master applied to the current publication page, click the name of the master page.

Displaying master pages and master page items.

Method 1:

  1. Right-click the master page icon at the bottom of the publication window to display the list of masters, then select the master you want to view.

Method 2:

  1. Click on Layout, choose Go to Page, and then select the name of the master you want.

Adding, or modifying guides & objects on a master page.

You can add or manipulate text and graphics, and change guides or rulers on a master page. When you modify a master page, the changes appear instantly on associated publication pages.

To modify or rename a master page:

  1. Display the master page you want to add or modify text, graphics, or nonprinting guides. 
  2. To change the master's name, page margins, or column guides;

a) Press CTRL and double-click the name of the master page you want to modify or edit. b) Type the new name, and the new values you want for margins or columns.

c) If you want the objects and guides (i.e., margins and columns) on the associated pages to be repositioned or resized as appropriately as those of the master you are editing, select Adjust Layout.

3. Click OK.

Deleting a master page and all the objects on it.

1. Click on Window, then choose Show Master Pages.

2. Select the master page to delete, then click the trash button on the bottom of the palette. 

3. When prompted, click OK.

Setting up margin guides

Margin guides are very important because; they define the printable area of your publication. To change margin settings;

1. Click on File, then choose Document Setup.

(a). For a double-sided document (i.e., a document that will be printed on both sides), enter the values for inside & outside margins to accommodate binding. For single-sided pages, set the Left & Right margins.

(b). Enter the values for the Top & Bottom margins.

2. Click OK.

Displaying and hiding rulers

1. To display the rulers, click on View, then select Show rulers. To hide the rulers, click on View, then select Hide rulers.

Setting measurement units of a ruler

You can set the measurement units on both the vertical and horizontal ruler.

  1. Right-click each ruler separately, to display a list of the available measurement systems. 
  2. Select the measurement unit you want to use, e.g., millimeters, inches, etc. 

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