Option-dragging is a shortcut to duplicate objects in most modern design applications. But in InDesign, duplicating with the Option key goes much deeper.

In InDesign, you can also hold down the Option key when making some Control panel adjustment to make a duplicate of your selected item. For example, if you make change to the location values and then hold down the Option key when typing Enter, a duplicate of your object will appear in the new location.

Windows Users: Use the Alt key for the same result.

Add InDesign’s ability to perform basic math operations, and you have an great shortcut for quickly and precisely duplicating objects. (Read “Let your design apps do the math for you” back in QuickTips #24)

Last month’s first mini-workshops were a hit. Thanks to everyone who made it out for one of our first topics in August. Here is the new lineup for September and October.

Join us at the Creativetechs office Wednesday mornings 9:30am to 11am. Pick up a couple new skills, and get back to work before lunch. You can put what you learn into use the same day.

The cost is $50 per workshop.

Starting in August, Creativetechs is offering weekly, mini-workshops every Wednesday morning in our office.

Here’s the pitch: Join us Wednesday mornings at 9:30am, pick up a couple new skills, and get back to work before lunch. You can put what you learned into use the same day. The cost is $50 per workshop.