Desktop Publishing Notes

What is Desktop Publishing? Combining text, graphics, and design elements to create publications/designs that convey ideas.

Good Basic Design Principles to implement Focus: where do the eyes move to first? Balance: how are elements distributed on the page? Directional Flow: created by lines that the eye follows Unity: consistency throughout the page White Space: space that does not contain print Borders: use to isolate or section off a page Font: typography/lettering choices

Focus Balance Formal: Centers all design elements around the visual center. Use contrasting size, density, and page position. Use large, bold display type or graphics.

Directional Flow Font/Typography Font choice, color, size, Pattern you want reader to follow Left-to-right and top-to-bottom are some examples Font/Typography Font choice, color, size, Helps with unity, focus, and product recognition

Unity Use of appropriate and consistent elements. Use appropriate type, graphics, and color: be consistent!

Blank (Non-printed) Space Do not overcrowd type and graphic elements. 20 to 25% of your documents should be blank space.

Borders Borders isolate a page or a section of a page. Borders can be light or dark or on all sides or on selected sides.

Desktop Publishing Don’ts: Use too much of anything Bolding, underlining, etc… should have a purpose. Less is More Use a focal point Get graphic or font crazy! colors, types, sizes, etc… Have grammar and spelling mistakes Violate copyright laws

Violating the Copyright Law Copyright laws give owners exclusive rights to their works. To use copyrighted work, you must get permission and, possibly, pay a fee. Clip art is OK!!!!!

Less is More Don’t let graphics overwhelm message. Too many fonts, borders, graphics, etc… creates chaos. Limit fonts to 2-3 per page. Limit colors, bolding, underlining, etc…

The Final Steps Print a sample copy. Proofread it carefully. Make adjustments. Print your final copy or publish to the Web.