How to Check Word Count in InDesign: A Step-by-Step Guide

Checking your word count in InDesign is a piece of cake once you know where to look. By following a few simple steps, you can quickly discover the number of words in your document, whether it’s for a school project, a business report, or your next great novel.

Step by Step Tutorial: How to Check Word Count in InDesign

Before we dive into the steps, understanding how to check your word count in InDesign will help you keep track of your document’s length and ensure you’re meeting any specific word requirements.

Step 1: Open your InDesign document

Open the document you want to check the word count for in InDesign.

This step is pretty straightforward – just like opening any file you’ve been working on.

Step 2: Select the text

Use the Type tool to select the text you want to count.

You can do this by clicking and dragging over the text or by clicking inside a text frame to select all the text within it.

Step 3: Go to the ‘Info’ panel

Navigate to the ‘Window’ menu, then to ‘Info’ to open the Info panel.

If you can’t find the Info panel, it may be hidden among other panels, so make sure to check carefully.

Step 4: Check the word count

Look at the bottom of the Info panel, and you’ll see the number of words in your selection.

The word count is usually displayed alongside other counts, such as the number of lines and characters.

After you complete these steps, you’ll have successfully found the word count for your selected text in InDesign. It’s a handy feature for writers, editors, and designers alike who need to keep an eye on their word usage.

Tips for Checking Word Count in InDesign

• If you want to check the word count for your entire document, simply select all the text before following the steps.
• Keep in mind that the word count in InDesign may differ slightly from other programs like Microsoft Word due to differences in word counting algorithms.
• If you frequently check word counts, consider creating a custom workspace that keeps the Info panel readily accessible.
• InDesign’s word count includes text in overset, which means it counts all the text in a text frame, even if it’s not visible in the layout.
• Remember that the word count doesn’t include text in locked layers or hidden conditions, so make sure all relevant text is visible and editable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does InDesign count words differently than other programs?

Yes, InDesign may count words slightly differently due to its unique word counting algorithm, which can lead to minor discrepancies when compared to other programs.

Can I check the word count for a part of the document?

Absolutely! Just select the text you want to count, and follow the steps above to see the word count for that specific section.

Will the word count include text in footnotes or endnotes?

Yes, the word count in InDesign includes all text in the document, including footnotes and endnotes.

Can I check the word count if the document has multiple stories?

You can, but you’ll need to check each story separately as InDesign treats them as individual elements.

What if the Info panel doesn’t show the word count?

Make sure you’ve selected the text with the Type tool, and if it still doesn’t show, try resetting your workspace or restarting InDesign.

Summary

1. Open your InDesign document.
2. Select the text.
3. Go to the ‘Info’ panel.
4. Check the word count.

Conclusion

And there you have it, folks! Checking word count in InDesign is a breeze once you know where to look. It’s a critical tool for anyone in the publishing industry, whether you’re a writer trying to hit a specific word count or a designer ensuring the text fits perfectly on the page. InDesign’s word counting feature is reliable, easy to access, and essential for maintaining the integrity of your document’s length.

Remember that while InDesign’s count is accurate within the program, it may differ slightly from word processors like Microsoft Word. Always double-check if you’re working with strict word limits. And don’t forget the tips we shared to make your word counting even smoother.

For further reading, you might want to check out InDesign tutorials that delve deeper into other text-related features, like styling, typography, and layout design. After all, InDesign is a powerhouse of a program, and mastering its many functions can significantly improve your work’s quality and efficiency.

So, go ahead, open up that InDesign document and start counting those words. Whether you’re penning a novel, crafting a magazine article, or designing a brochure, knowing how to check word count in InDesign is a skill that will serve you well in your publishing endeavors. Happy designing, and may your word counts always be exactly where you need them to be!