Base one table or cell style on another

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to create a style based on another style in Adobe InDesign to reuse formatting.

Base a table or cell style on another in InDesign to create hierarchical relationships between styles. Child styles inherit formatting from the parent style while allowing specific customizations. Updating the parent style automatically updates shared attributes in child styles, ensuring consistency and reducing manual effort.

Select Window > Styles > Table Styles or Cell Styles.

Select Create New Style  icon.

Double-click the new style.

Enter a name in the Style Name field.

Select a parent style from the Based On dropdown menu.

Set formatting from the Cell Styles section.

Select OK.