How to Create a Button in Adobe InDesign

Updated on:

April 6, 2026

By:

Madhav Bhandari

Explore the step-by-step interactive demo to learn how to create a custom button in Adobe InDesign.

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Here’s a simple and quick guide on how to create a button from text in Adobe InDesign:

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To begin creating buttons in Adobe InDesign, navigate to the top menu and click 'Window.'
Select 'Interactive' → 'Buttons and Forms' to open the dialog box.
Click the text you want to turn into a button.
Give your button a descriptive name for easy reference, then configure the settings to define its appearance and the action it will perform when clicked.
Once finished, go to the top menu and select 'File → Export' to test your button.
Choose 'Adobe PDF (Interactive)' as the export format, then click 'Save' to create your interactive PDF.
Make sure the 'Include All' option is checked, then click 'Export' to create your PDF.
Open the exported 'Interactive PDF' and check the text you turned into a button. The cursor should change to a hand, or the text may highlight, showing that it is now clickable.

📌 Why this matters

Creating interactive buttons transforms static documents into engaging experiences that guide readers through your content. You can build navigation systems for digital magazines, create clickable portfolios that showcase different projects, or design interactive presentations that let viewers control their journey.

Beyond simple clicks, buttons become powerful storytelling tools that reveal information progressively rather than overwhelming readers with everything at once. This selective disclosure keeps audiences engaged longer and helps you present complex information in digestible, user-controlled chunks that feel more like exploration than reading.

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