Correcting Overset Text

What is overset text?

Overset text will vanish from your content if it can't fit into a certain text frame. InDesign doesn't delete the text, but it isn't visible.

A clear sign of overset text is when the text frame shows a red + plus sign in the bottom right.

What to do about it?

1. Resize the text frame

If there is space on the page (as in the example below), click on the text frame with the direct selection tool (black arrow). Then select one of the white boxes on the frame's edge and drag it to enlarge the text frame.

Do not resize the frame beyond the page's margins or make the text frame wider than four columns.

2. Edit the text.

If there is not room on the page for more text, can you cut any of the text? Review what is missing by opening the Story Editor (Edit > Edit in Story Editor).

Story Editor window

A. Paragraph styles B. Drag divider to adjust column width C. Vertical depth ruler D. Overset text indicator 

3. Ask for help.

If neither of these options is viable, ask Maria or Sam what to do.