Apply and save line stroke styles

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to define reusable dash, dot, and stripe patterns for strokes in Adobe InDesign.

Apply and save custom stroke styles in InDesign using the Stroke panel to define line patterns. Custom stroke styles help create consistent dashed, dotted, or patterned lines across objects. Saving these styles allows reuse across documents and maintains design consistency.

Apply strokes to paths and frames

Select the path, frame, or shape using the Selection tool.

Select Window > Stroke.

Set a weight from the Weight drop-down menu or enter a value, then press Enter.

If additional properties are not visible, select the panel menu    icon, then select Show Options.

Choose a stroke type from the Type drop-down menu.

Set Cap, Join, and Align Stroke.

Create custom stroke styles

Select Window > Stroke.

Select the panel menu    icon, then choose Stroke Styles.

Select New.

Enter a name and select a type from the Type drop-down menu.

Set Pattern Length, then set pattern markers using the ruler.

Choose a corner from the Corners drop-down menu.

Set the Preview Weight to view the stroke at different line weights.

Select OK.

Save and load custom stroke styles

Select Window > Stroke.

Select the panel menu    icon, then choose Stroke Styles.

Choose a custom stroke style.

Select Save.

Enter a file name, select a location, and then select Save.

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