Desktop Publishing Teacher Notes

Origins of Desktop Publishing DTP revolution began in 1985 Started by publishing company executive Paul Brainerd Utilized a new type of software called layout software. The software name was Pagemaker and was created by the Macintosh company.

Desktop Publishing Combines text and graphics on a page Uses the principle known as WYSIWYG (pronounced wizzy-wig)…. which means “What you see is what you get.”

 Desktop publishing is the use of the computer and software to create visual displays of ideas and information.

 Documents may be for: ◦ Desktop or commercial printing ◦ Electronic distribution  Including:  PDF  slide shows   newsletters  the Web

 Desktop Publishing - Is the process of using the computer and specific types of software to combine text and graphics to produce documents such as newsletters, brochures, books, etc.  Graphic Design - Is the process and art of combining text and graphics and communicating an effective message in the design of logos, graphics, brochures, newsletters, posters, signs, and any other type of visual communication.

 Desktop publishing software is a tool for graphic designers and non-designers to create visual communications

 Graphic design firms  Other types of businesses of all sizes  Homes  Schools  Quick copy centers  Service bureaus  Print shops Just about anywhere there is a need to produce printed communications from billboards to baby announcements to business cards, you can find desktop publishing software and people using it.

 Freelance and in-house graphic designers  Small business owners  Secretaries  Teachers  Students  Individual consumers

 Desktop publishing and graphic design can make documents look better, prettier. But it's about more than just appearance.  Desktop publishing, used properly, enhances visual communication and streamlines the process of disseminating information of all kinds.

 The mechanics of desktop publishing after the design stage involves using software tools to set up the document, place text and graphics, and prepare digital files that will print properly using desktop or commercial printing processes or display properly onscreen.  There is no quick answer and probably the better question is, "how do you learn to do desktop publishing?" You learn by reading, studying, and doing.

 Before worrying about what software to buy and how to use it, learn what is involved in the process of desktop publishing. There are many processes and procedures in desktop publishing but the basic creation of a document using desktop publishing techniques involves 4 steps: ◦ Design: Research—Brainstorming—Planning ◦ Create: Document Setup—Text Acquisition— Image Acquisition—Page Composition ◦ Digital Prep: Proofs—File Preparation ◦ Publish: Printing and/or On-Screen—Electronic

The Purpose  What is this publication meant to do?  Is the intent of the publication to educate, inform, entertain, or advertise?  What information, product, or service is it describing or selling? The Audience  Who do you want to read your publication?  What do they like, and what appeals to them?  How does your message meet their needs?

The Content  What content and graphics do you need to effectively achieve your purpose and get the response you want from your audience?  Should you use mostly written information, or is it better to use lots of illustrations? The Layout  How do you make your content visually appealing and easy to read for your audience?  How can you capture the audience’s attention?  What size text should you have, and how should it be organized?  Where should the graphics go?  How do you guide the reader to important information?

The Publication  Is factual information accurate?  Has it been proofread and edited?  Should it be printed, published as a Web page, or both?  If it is printed, is it on a single page, two-sided pages, or in multiple pages?  If it is a Web page, do you need hyperlinks or interactivity