Select an object using the Selection tool.
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Control blending with isolation and knockouts
Last updated on
Jun 2, 2026
Learn how to use isolation and knockout options in Adobe InDesign to control how transparency effects interact within grouped objects.
Use the Isolate Blending, Knockout Group, and Transparency Blend Space to control how transparency effects interact within and between grouped objects. By default, blending modes affect all underlying content. Isolate Blending confines these effects to objects within a specific group, while Knockout Group blocks out objects in a group while still blending with content below the group. Transparency Blend Space ensures consistent color rendering across screen and print.
Isolate blending within a group
To select multiple objects, hold Shift and select multiple objects.
Apply blending modes or opacity to the selected objects.
Select Object > Group.
Open the Effects panel (Window > Effects).
Select Isolate Blending. If Isolate Blending isn't visible, select the panel menu . icon, then select Show Options.
Create knockout effects in a group
Select an object using the Selection tool.
To select multiple objects, hold Shift and select multiple objects.
Apply blending modes and opacity to the objects you want to knock out.
Select Object > Group.
Open the Effects panel (Window > Effects).
Select Knockout Group. Toggle Isolate Blending or Knockout Group on and off while viewing overlapping objects to quickly compare results.
Set the transparency blend space
Select Edit > Transparency Blend Space.
Choose Document CMYK for print workflows or Document RGB as needed. The blend space applies only to spreads that contain transparency.
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