When your final text and graphics are available, you can simply add them to a document; InDesign automatically creates frames when you import them (unless you’re importing text or graphics directly into existing frames). However, when you don’t have the content yet or you want to block out the design before adding text and graphics, you can use frames as placeholders.

Types of placeholders

A.

Graphics frame placeholder

B.

Text frame placeholder

For example, you might use any of these strategies:

• Draw text frames using the Type tool, and draw graphics frames using the drawing tools. Thread empty text frames together so that importing final text takes just one step.

• Draw empty placeholder shapes using drawing tools. When you’re ready to start designating areas for text and graphics, redefine the placeholders as either text or graphics frames.

• Set frame fitting options for a placeholder frame so that when you place an image in the frame, the image is cropped and fit accordingly.