While the default settings for documents are designed to help you get started faster, relying on them for the final look of your document is usually not a good idea. Unfortunately many people accept the defaults simply because:
- it's easier;
they don't know how to change the defaults, or;
they mistakenly believe that because it's the default it represents the best choice.
While there certainly may be times when the defaults work, don't rely on them.
"Right and wrong do not exist in graphic design. There is only effective and non-effective communication."
- Peter Bilak - Illegibility
Some common default settings that probably need to be changed or fine-tuned for each document:
- Margins
- Grids/Columns
- Gutters/Column spacing
- Fonts
- Leading
- Tabs/Paragraph indents
- Paragraph spacing
- Drop cap settings
- Text wrap offsets
Other default settings you'll want to adjust may apply to all your work, not just specific documents. Placement of guides, measurements used on the rulers, and how graphics display are all adjustable.
The Bottomline: Default settings are not inherently right or wrong. They are great for getting you started faster but don't forget to fine-tune those settings to meet the needs of the particular type of document you are creating.
The Desktop Document > Document Setup Phase > Page Size and Margins/Columns/Master Pages/Paragraph styles
