Add a border or background to a graphic frame

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to enhance graphics frames in Adobe InDesign by adding borders and background settings.

Graphics frames in InDesign are containers for placed images and can be styled independently using stroke and fill settings. Applying these properties to the frame lets you add borders and background colours without affecting the graphic inside. Frame styling remains intact even when the image is replaced and works for both placed graphics and empty placeholder frames.

Select the graphics frame using the Selection tool.

Select Window > Color > Swatches.

Select a color swatch to apply a fill color to the frame background.

To apply a stroke color, select the Stroke icon, then choose a color swatch.

Select Window > Stroke, then adjust Weight and Align Stroke.