Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The system may not be self-evident in a number of ways. Here’s some common questions we get from newbies:

1. What software do I need?
   Adobe InDesign CS3 or CS4 on Windows or Mac OSX.
2. Must I do it this way?
   The system is built to enable you to be fast, consistent, creative. It’s not meant to handcuff you. Instead, use starting points for design and deliverables, be open to and learn what’s there, and rely on your own judgment to make good design and documentation decisions. That said, keep in mind we’ve been doing this for years with lots of teams, and there’s alot of hard lessons learned into why the templates are the way they are.
3. Which template do I use?
   A fundamental principle of the EightShapes Unify system is to separate design (like creating a wireframe screen) from deliverables (like documents that annotate screen with markers, callouts, specs, etc), and those two things are intentionally stored in different files and then linked together. Therefore, look for the templates in the /wireframes/ directory to start a wireframe screen design, and templates in the /deliverables/ folder to start a new document. Learn more.
4. Why is my type pink?
   Unfortunately, fonts can be different across Mac & PC. Even what should be the same font on the same platform but ends up being different for different installs. Therefore, InDesign will highlight an unknown font in pink. Not to fret, you can change your document using Type > Find Fonts, or even go into the template to change it so you don’t have to worry about it again.
5. Why is there so much stuff?
   Avoid overload when you get started. There IS a ton of stuff, so the best advice we can give is start with the basics (create a wireframe, create a deliverable, link them together), gradually try more features like styles, buttons, and page layouts, and use documentation and training videos to learn the tips and tricks.