There are various ways to work with type in Indesign:
1. Use the control menu that runs along the top.
Note: type controls appear only if the type tool is chosen.
2. Use the floating character palette.
go to window > type (or type & tables) > character
3. Use keyboard shortcuts.
Here are few of the most useful:
[Note that text has to be selected for most of these to be used.
For kerning place the cursor between the appropriate letters.]
(cmd = command)
toggle all caps: Cmd+option+k
fit box to text: Cmd+Opt+c
decrease kerning/tracking: Opt+LeftArrow
decrease leading Opt+Up Arrow
decrease point size: Shift+Cmd+, [comma]
decrease point size x 5: Opt+Shift+Cmd+, [comma]
decrease word space: Opt+Cmd+Delete
increase kerning/tracking: Opt+Right Arrow
increase leading: Opt+Down Arrow
increase leading x 5: Opt+Cmd+Down Arrow
increase point size: Shift+Cmd+. [period]
increase point size x 5: Opt+Shift+Cmd+. [period]
increase word space: Opt+Cmd+\
helpful shortcuts for viewing:
got to view> hide frame edges to get rid of those pesky blue lines on the edge of boxes/objects
cmd + 1 = displays page at 100%
cmd + 0 = fits page in window
cmd + ; = toggles guides on and off
to view all the keyboard shortcuts by category, choose
edit> keyboard shortcuts then select to see them as a text file
You can customize them however you like.