Select the text frame using the Selection tool.
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Convert between text frames and frame grids
Last updated on
Jun 2, 2026
Learn how to switch frame types in Adobe InDesign to apply grid formatting or remove grid structure from text containers.
Adobe InDesign has two text containers: frame grids and plain text frames. Frame grids show character and spacing grids for Asian-language composition, whereas plain-text frames don't. Converting between them preserves text content but changes the underlying structure and formatting behavior.
Convert a plain text frame to a frame grid
Select Object > Frame Type > Frame Grid.
To apply grid formatting to the text, select the frame grid and select Edit > Apply Grid Format. This reformats story text according to the frame grid's default attributes. This step is optional but recommended if you want the text to conform to grid specifications.
After converting to a frame grid, blank space may appear at the edges if the frame dimensions don't divide evenly by the font size or leading values set in the grid format. You can remove this spacing by dragging the frame handles with the Selection tool.
Convert a frame grid to plain text frame
Select the frame grid using the Selection tool.
Select Object > Frame Type > Text Frame. You can also select Type > Story and then select either Frame Grid or Text Frame from the Frame Type panel menu.
Tip
Frame grids are particularly useful for precise control of character and line spacing in Asian-language layouts. Plain text frames offer greater flexibility for mixed-language documents and Western typography.
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