InDesign GREP – Efficient text editing (GREP)

Graphics, Adobe

Work in InDesign on books, catalogs, price lists or long documents? This course teaches how to apply GREP alongside paragraph and character styles to automate repetitive formatting, perform advanced find & replace, and clean imported data with practical examples.

Through hands-on exercises you'll learn metacharacters, lookahead/lookbehind and grouping to build precise searches, use object and table styles with GREP, and apply automated fixes to transform imported datasets — bring your own laptop and InDesign.

THIS TRAINING COURSE WILL HELP YOU:

  • Master GREP searches and matching logic in InDesign
  • Automate repetitive formatting and styling tasks
  • Clean and transform imported text and datasets
  • Use GREP for precise find & replace and styling

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

  • DTP operators and layout designers working on long documents
  • Graphic designers producing catalogs, price lists, or brochures
  • Editors and typesetters who clean and prepare imported data
  • Production staff who need faster, consistent formatting

COURSE LOCATION AND AVAILABLE DATES



Private training

This course is not scheduled as a public course.
It is delivered exclusively as customised training. The content, duration, date, and delivery format are tailored to the customer's requirements and can also be provided in English.

Request customised training

Course content:

Hide details
  • Paragraph and character styles
    1. Definition, uses, examples
  • Object and table styles
    1. Definition, uses, examples
  • GREP basics
    1. What is GREP? Terminology, principles, comparison with simple text search
    2. Where GREP appears in InDesign workflows
  • Metacharacters — GREP building blocks
    1. Core metacharacters and their roles
    2. Constructing search criteria with wildcards, positions, and repetition
    3. Defining selection ranges, shortest matches and partial-string tests
  • Advanced metacharacters
    1. Alternation (OR) and negation (inverse selection)
    2. Capturing subexpressions and their role in replacement and organization
    3. Lookbehind and lookahead expressions for refined searches
  • Styling with GREP
    1. Comparing GREP styling and nested styles
    2. Styling specific words or expressions
    3. Handling inconsistent source text
    4. Applying multiple character styles to the same text with GREP
    5. Practical examples: pricing, numbered lists, numeric sequences
  • Searching and replacing with GREP
    1. How GREP enhances Find/Change functionality
    2. Building robust search queries
    3. Using formatting and styles as search criteria
    4. Using backreferences in search queries
    5. Cleaning up text using GREP
  • Practical project using Find/Change and GREP
    1. Adapting data exported from an English database for Czech typesetting
    2. …
  • Links and online resources for further reading
Prerequisites:
Basic familiarity with InDesign and basic use of paragraph and character styles.
Recommended previous course:
Adobe InDesign – Intensive Course (AIND1)
Schedule:
1 day (9:00-17:00)

Training and learning environment

IT classroom with desks, computer monitors, and a projection screen at the front.
What does the environment for in-person IT courses look like?We hold training courses in our own classrooms equipped with modern computer equipment for each participant and a large projection screen. Each workstation is fitted with a powerful computer for seamless practical exercises, and the environment supports a calm, friendly atmosphere during training.
IT classroom with desks, computer monitors, and a projection screen at the front.
Do I need to bring my own laptop to the classroom IT course?Our training rooms are fully equipped, so you do not need to bring your own laptop. A modern computer with all necessary hardware and software is ready for you at your workstation.
Sample ICT Pro certificate of successful completion of an IT training course.
Will you receive an official certificate after completing an IT course?Yes, upon successful completion of the training course, you will receive an official ICT Pro certificate confirming your participation and acquired technical skills. You can use it to verify your qualifications or add it to your professional profile.
Exterior view of the COMGUARD office building on Sochorova Street in Brno.
Where can you find our training center in Brno?The premises of the ICT Pro training center are located on the 1st floor of the COMGUARD building at Sochorova 38 in Brno. Positioned on the border of Žabovřesky and Komín, the location is easily accessible by both car and public transport.
Exterior view of the Opatov Park office building in Prague, Chodov.
Where can you find our training center in Prague?The premises of the ICT Pro training center are located on the 1st floor of the Opatov Park building at Líbalova 1, Prague 11 – Chodov. The location provides a comfortable environment for your education with convenient access.
Fully equipped kitchenette with a coffee machine, microwave, sink, and shelves with cups and glasses.
What facilities and refreshments are available to you during training breaks?Our training centers feature a fully equipped kitchenette for a comfortable break during your courses. The facilities include a coffee machine, microwave, kettle, and a wide selection of drinks and snacks.
Coffee station featuring an automatic coffee machine, yellow and white cups, glasses, and syrups.
What beverage refreshments are available during your course?A beverage station with a coffee machine, teas, syrups, and water is at your disposal throughout the entire training session. You can enjoy a coffee or another drink of your choice anytime during breaks.
Table with sweet pastries, fruit syrups, a water dispenser, and glasses set up for training participants.
What light refreshments are provided for you during the courses?During course breaks, participants can enjoy light sweet snacks, pastries, and fruit syrups to mix their own drinks. Fresh water dispenser and plates are also available for your convenience.
Wicker baskets filled with packaged savory snacks, sweet biscuits, and snack bars.
Should I bring my own snacks to ICT Pro training?There is no need to. A wide selection of savory snacks, sweet biscuits, and snack bars is available for you during breaks. Boost your energy for all-day focus right inside the training center premises.
Outdoor wooden terrace with green surroundings by the glass building of the training center.
Can you spend training breaks in the fresh air?Yes, an outdoor terrace is available at our training center. During breaks between learning sessions, you can relax in the fresh air in a pleasant green environment.
Spacious outdoor wooden terrace with seating and views of the surrounding area.
Where can you relax during course breaks?Our training center features a spacious outdoor terrace with seating options. During breaks between learning sessions, you can step outside to relax and recharge in the fresh air.