How to Add a Drop Cap in Adobe InDesign: 1-Min Guide

How to Add a Drop Cap in Adobe InDesign

Updated on:

April 6, 2026

By:

Madhav Bhandari

Use this interactive demo to learn how to add a drop cap in Adobe InDesign.

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Here’s a simple and quick guide on how to add a drop cap in Adobe InDesign:

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To add a Drop Cap in your project, navigate to the top menu bar and click 'Window.'
Select 'Type & Tables' → 'Paragraph' to open the Paragraph panel.
Once the panel is open, click the 'Drop Cap' icon.
Enter a number to set the desired size of the first letter in your paragraph, and see your paragraph update in real time.
You have successfully added a Drop Cap to your paragraph in InDesign.

📌 Why this matters

Drop caps instantly transform ordinary text into polished, professional layouts that catch readers' attention from the first word. Beyond their visual appeal, they serve as powerful navigation anchors that help readers identify chapter beginnings, section breaks, or featured articles at a glance.

Publishing professionals rely on drop caps to establish hierarchy and pacing in dense documents, while marketers use them to create that premium editorial feel that builds credibility and engagement. They're particularly valuable when you need to elevate simple content into something that feels intentionally designed.

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