Story, Galley, & Layout Views
InCopy offers three distinct viewing modes, each optimized for different editorial workflows. Understanding when and how to use each view can dramatically improve your editing efficiency and accuracy.
Overset text cannot be seen in Layout View. Switch to Story or Galley View to access and edit text that extends beyond the layout boundaries.
Layout View Features
True Visual Representation
Shows actual page layout with fonts, pictures, colors, and styling exactly as they will appear in final output.
Notes Panel Integration
Notes are accessed through the dedicated Notes panel rather than appearing inline with the text content.
Galley View
Displays all text content, including both visible layout text and critical overset text that would otherwise remain hidden from view.
Maintains accurate line breaks that mirror the final layout, making it ideal for precise copy editing and line-by-line review.
Offers full font and size customization through the bottom toolbar and system preferences:
Mac: InCopy > Preferences > Galley & Story Display Windows: Edit > Preferences > Galley & Story Display Provides line numbering for easy reference during collaborative editing sessions.
Displays editorial notes directly inline within the text flow, streamlining the review process.
Note that the display font is purely for editing comfort and doesn't reflect the final layout typography. This appearance is controlled through the Galley & Story Appearance toolbar (detailed below).
Galley view strikes the perfect balance between readability and layout accuracy, making it the preferred choice for most editorial tasks.
Galley View Advantages and Limitations
Use Galley View when you need to see all text content, including overset text that won't fit in the layout, while maintaining accurate line break information.
Story View
Shows complete text content, including both visible and overset text that extends beyond the layout boundaries.
Presents text in a continuous flow without preserving actual line breaks, prioritizing readability over layout fidelity.
Provides the same customization options for display fonts and sizing:
Mac: InCopy > Preferences > Galley & Story Display Windows: Edit > Preferences > Galley & Story Display Integrates editorial notes seamlessly within the text stream for uninterrupted editing flow.
Uses display typography optimized for editing rather than final output, controlled via the Galley & Story Appearance toolbar (see configuration details below).
Story view excels for substantial content revisions, developmental editing, and situations where continuous text flow takes precedence over precise formatting.
Story View vs Galley View
| Feature | Story View | Galley View |
|---|---|---|
| Line Breaks | Not Accurate | Accurate |
| Overset Text | Visible | Visible |
| Notes Display | Inline | Inline |
| Line Numbers | No | Yes |
Layout View
Renders the complete visual design including authentic typography, images, colors, and all design elements exactly as they'll appear in final output.
Restricts display to visible text only—overset content remains completely hidden, which can mask potential layout issues.
Requires the dedicated Notes panel for editorial comment management (Window > Notes), keeping annotations separate from the layout.
Presents typography and styling with complete accuracy, making it essential for final proofing and client presentations.
Layout view is indispensable for final reviews, client approvals, and any situation where visual accuracy is paramount.
Overset text cannot be seen in Layout View. Switch to Story or Galley View to access and edit text that extends beyond the layout boundaries.
Layout View Features
True Visual Representation
Shows actual page layout with fonts, pictures, colors, and styling exactly as they will appear in final output.
Notes Panel Integration
Notes are accessed through the dedicated Notes panel rather than appearing inline with the text content.
Setting the Default View
While InCopy defaults to Story view, you can customize this behavior to match your workflow preferences:
Ensure all documents are closed to apply the setting globally.
Navigate to the View menu and select your preferred default view (Galley View or Layout View).
All subsequently opened documents will automatically display in your chosen view, streamlining your workflow from the start.
This simple configuration can save considerable time when working with multiple documents throughout your editorial sessions.
How to Change Default View
Close All Documents
Ensure no InCopy documents are currently open before making changes to the default view setting.
Access View Menu
Navigate to the View menu and select your preferred default view option - either Galley View or Layout View.
Apply Setting
The next time you open any document, it will automatically open in your newly selected default view mode.
Story View is the default view mode in InCopy, but you can easily change this to match your workflow preferences.
The Galley & Story Appearance Toolbar
Positioned conveniently at the bottom left of your workspace, the Galley & Story Appearance toolbar provides comprehensive control over display typography, sizing, line spacing, and other visual elements specifically for Galley and Story views. This customization capability allows editors to optimize readability based on their preferences, monitor specifications, and the nature of their editorial work.
While this toolbar displays by default in most installations, you can restore it anytime via Window > Galley & Story Appearance if it becomes hidden. Consider bookmarking this location, as fine-tuning your display preferences can significantly impact editing comfort during extended work sessions.
Toolbar Customization Options
Choose fonts that are comfortable for extended editing sessions
Optimize text size based on your screen resolution and preferences
Adjust spacing to reduce eye strain during long editing sessions
Navigate to Window > Galley & Story Appearance to restore toolbar
The Galley & Story Appearance toolbar is located at the bottom left of the screen and is shown by default for easy access during editing.