Add and update Warichu options

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to turn on and configure Warichu formatting for inline annotations in Adobe InDesign.

Warichu lets you add inline annotations within body text, typically shown as two lines of reduced-size text enclosed in parentheses. In Japanese typography, use it for pronunciation guides, explanatory notes, or translations. This procedure applies to text formatted with Chinese, Japanese, or Korean (CJK) language settings. For other annotation methods, see character styles or footnotes.

Turn Warichu on or off

Select the text you want to format as Warichu.

Select Type > Character.

From the panel menu icon, then select Warichu Settings.

Select Wari-chu to enable the feature, or deselect it to disable Warichu formatting.

Select OK.

Configure Warichu formatting options

Select the text with Warichu formatting applied.

Select Type > Character.

Select the panel menu icon, then select Warichu Settings.

For Lines, specify how many lines of text will appear as Warichu characters.

For Line Gap, specify the line spacing for Warichu characters.

For Wari-chu Size, enter the size of Warichu characters as a percentage of the parent text size (typically 50%).

Select an alignment option to align Warichu characters. For example, in a vertical frame grid, Left/Top aligns the beginning of the Warichu characters at the top of the frame. If Auto is selected, justification adjusts automatically based on the Warichu size or the parent text.

Select OK.

Note

Warichu formatting works best with fonts that support proper CJK characters. If characters appear incorrectly sized or positioned, verify that your font supports the characters you're using.