How to Outline Text in an InDesign Table

When creating catalogs or brochures in Adobe InDesign, you may need to use tables. Typically, when submitting data to a printing company, text is converted to outlines.

However, when outlining text inside a table created using InDesign’s table feature, the original, non-outlined text sometimes remains underneath the outlined text for unknown reasons. As a result, both outlined and non-outlined text become layered, creating an issue.

To avoid this, some printing companies recommend not outlining text within tables and instead suggest using fonts specified by the printing company.

Recently, while working on a catalog that included tables, I wondered, “How did I handle this before?” After re-examining the issue, I found a solution to prevent outlined text and original text from being duplicated within tables. Here’s the method I used.

The process is very simple:

1. Convert the text inside the table to outlines.
2. Select the outlined text and cut (not delete) the grouped outlined text.
3. Use the Type Tool to select and delete the original text inside the table. (Do not delete the table itself.)
4. Go to “Edit” → “Paste in Place” to position the outlined text back over the table.

That’s it! Very simple.

For reference, I used InDesign version 20.1 on macOS Sequoia 15.3, running on an Apple M4 chip. I previously used an Intel-based Mac, and the same method worked.

AEDI is a web and graphic design company based in Kurashiki, Okayama. We offer graphic design services, including the creation of catalogs and brochures using InDesign, as well as logo design, business cards, shop cards, flyers, posters, and infographics.

We provide services not only in Okayama and Kurashiki but also nationwide. If you are considering professional design work, feel free to contact us.