Every project starts with an idea—but turning that idea into something tangible requires the right tools.
While every designer has their favorite shortcuts and techniques, there are a few tools we consistently rely on to bring ideas to life. Over the years, we’ve found three Adobe apps that fit naturally into our workflow: InDesign, Photoshop, and XD. Here’s how we use them.
For multi-page layouts like brochures, reports, and presentations, Adobe InDesign helps us keep content organized and consistent. Master Pages and styles make it easier to maintain a uniform look across multiple pages, and its typography controls give precise adjustments for kerning, leading, and OpenType features. Preflight checks and packaging help avoid errors in print, and interactive PDFs allow embedding links and multimedia for digital documents.
Adobe Photoshop is where we handle images and graphics. Layer-based editing and masks allow for non-destructive adjustments, while Smart Objects make assets scalable and reusable. Tools like Content-Aware Fill, Healing Brush, and Camera Raw make retouching and editing more precise. Color management features help ensure visuals appear as intended, whether on screen or in print. Photoshop gives the flexibility to explore different visual ideas and refine them.
For simple one-page websites, we use Adobe XD. Its vector-based design environment keeps layouts clear and scalable, while features like Repeat Grid and Responsive Resize speed up the process for quick turnarounds. Interactive prototypes let clients see and navigate the site before it goes live, and sharing tools make feedback straightforward. XD is a practical solution for small web projects that don’t require a full development process.
Using InDesign, Photoshop, and XD allows our team to move between print and digital work efficiently, adapting to the needs of each project. These tools are part of the day-to-day process, helping translate ideas into usable, visual outcomes.