Select the parent text for Ruby annotations using the Type tool.
Last updated on
Jun 2, 2026
Learn how to apply Ruby annotations to show phonetic readings for Japanese kanji, Chinese characters, or other complex text in Adobe InDesign.
Ruby text adds phonetic guides next to characters to improve reading and understanding. In Japanese, it appears as furigana above the kanji, while in Chinese, it uses Pinyin or Chuyin. InDesign supports Japanese Ruby and basic Chinese Ruby, and it automatically adjusts as text reflows. You can customize its look, save style settings, and control placement when Ruby text extends beyond the base characters.
Add Ruby to selected text
Select Type > Character.
Select the panel menu icon, then select Ruby > Ruby Position and Spacing.
Configure Ruby using the following options:
- To apply Ruby to each character, set Type to Monoruby and enter the Ruby text in the Ruby field.
- To use Ruby on a per-character basis, separate each reading with spaces.
- To apply Ruby to each word, set Type to Group Ruby.
Note
Ruby cannot be applied to text with a paragraph break or a forced line break. If text with ruby is used in a text variable, the ruby isn't applied.
Configure Ruby settings using the options in the left panel of the Ruby dialog box.
Select OK.
Apply color and effects to Ruby
Select Type > Character.
Select the panel menu icon, then select Ruby Color.
Select Ruby Color from the left panel options.
Choose a color swatch from the list to apply to Ruby characters.
Adjust Tint to lighten the selected color.
Select Overprint Fill or Overprint Stroke to control ink interaction during commercial printing. Overprint options are primarily relevant for commercial printing workflows where ink transparency matters.
Select OK to apply the color settings. Ruby color settings apply independently of parent text color.
Edit and remove Ruby annotations
Select text containing Ruby.
Select Type > Character.
Select the panel menu icon, then select Ruby > Ruby.
Modify the required settings. Ruby annotations remain editable after application. Changes apply to all Ruby in the selected text range.
Remove Ruby from text
Select the text containing Ruby annotations to remove.
Select Type > Character.
Select the panel menu icon, then select Ruby > Ruby.
Clear the Ruby text from the Ruby field, or deselect any Ruby type options to disable Ruby completely.
Select OK.
Configure Ruby placement and alignment
The Ruby dialog box provides extensive formatting controls organized into multiple panels. Select each category in the left panel to access specific options.
Ruby Position and Spacing
- Set Ruby type (Per-Character or Group Ruby): From the Type menu, choose Per-Character or Group Ruby. When Per-Character Ruby is selected, enter a half-width or full-width space when inputting Ruby characters to separate them in line with their parent characters (for example, haku netsu tou).
- Use Monoruby or Group Ruby: Use the Type option for Monoruby and Group Ruby. Choose Per-Character Ruby to align Ruby characters individually with each parent character, or select Group Ruby to center all Ruby text above the entire parent string.
- Adjust alignment: Use the Alignment menu to control how Ruby characters distribute relative to their parent text. Options include centering, left/right alignment, and justification. Preview the alignment in the sample graphic in the dialog box.
- Set placement: Select Above/Right in the Placement menu to position Ruby above horizontal text or to the right of vertical text. Choose Below/Left for placement below horizontal text or to the left of vertical text.
- Adjust spacing: Use the XOffset and YOffset fields to specify the distance between Ruby characters and the parent text. Negative values move Ruby closer.
Overhang and spacing adjustments
When Ruby text exceeds the width of parent characters, the Overhang setting controls how much Ruby can extend into adjacent character spaces. This setting complies with JIS X 4051-1995 specifications for Japanese character types.
- Set spacing: Specify parent character-spacing adjustments in the Spacing field to accommodate the attached Ruby. This automatic spacing prevents Ruby from overlapping between different parent characters.
- Scale character width: Select Char Width Scaling and enter a compression percentage to automatically condense Ruby characters when they exceed the parent width. This prevents excessive overhang while maintaining readability.
- Set auto alignment: Choose Auto Align at to align parent characters flush with the beginning and end of the line, automatically adjusting Ruby distribution for optimal appearance.
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