Set Gyoudori for Japanese text

Gyoudori is a Japanese text composition feature that ensures a paragraph spans a specific number of lines, regardless of character size or line spacing. it's especially useful in vertical text layouts and layout grids in Japanese typography, where maintaining consistent line alignment and spacing across text elements is important.

Gyoudori automatically adjusts line spacing to distribute a paragraph across a fixed number of lines. This feature is particularly useful for headlines, pull quotes, or decorative text that need to align precisely with the document layout grid. Gyoudori works with both horizontal and vertical text frames and is most effective when used within a frame grid.

Before applying Gyoudori, ensure the document uses a frame grid. Gyoudori works best when the text is set up for Japanese composition with appropriate Mojikumi settings.

For consistent results across multiple paragraphs, create a paragraph style that includes Gyoudori settings. Open Window > Styles > Paragraph Styles and include Gyoudori specifications in the Japanese Composition Settings section.

The alignment option determines how InDesign distributes extra space created by the Gyoudori line count. Center alignment places equal space above and below the text, while top or bottom alignment concentrates spacing at one end.

Gyoudori settings override normal line spacing (Leading) values in the Character panel. To remove Gyoudori and return to standard spacing, select the paragraph, choose Gyoudori from the Paragraph panel menu, then select None.

When working with layouts that combine horizontal and vertical text, Gyoudori helps maintain consistent line distribution across a continuous passage of text, creating a balanced and cohesive appearance. It works with other Japanese composition controls, such as Mojikumi and Kinsoku, to support professional typography.

For documents using layout grids, Gyoudori calculations align with the grid structure, ensuring text elements integrate properly with the overall page design. This alignment is particularly important in multi-column layouts or when coordinating text across facing pages.