DTP Notes

Introduction

Evolution of DTP Movable type: Gutenberg; 1437 Lino type: Mergenthaler; Late 1800’s Xerography: Carlson; 1959 Desktop Publishing: Brainerd; 1985

Using a computer and software program to produce high quality, printed documents that combine text and graphics. Desktop Publishing

Features of DTP Incorporate word processing files Add graphics Delete, revise, and move text Use templates

Kinds of Publications Books Magazines Flyers Newletters Business Cards Business Form Billboards Ads Letterhead Etc.

DTP Process Create a sketch of your idea Add graphic design Put it on the computer Print

Why Use DTP Saves time and money Ease of revision More control of content Confidentiality Ease of distribution More publications

Image of Organization Implements good design techniques and improves communication Looks more professional thus greater credibility Read up to 27% more than typewritten documents

Evolution of DTP Movable type: Gutenberg; 1437 Lino type: Mergenthaler; Late 1800’s Xerography: Carlson; 1959 Desktop Publishing: Brainerd; 1985

Requirements for DTP Computer Mouse Laser Printer Software: InDesign CS Graphics Optional: Scanner

Typography

Typography Arrangement of printed type to convey a message.

Typeface or Font A group of letters, numbers, and symbols that share a distinct appearance To distinguish the difference in fonts look at letters such as: T g G M

Typestyle Refers to modification of typefaces to add emphasis or contrast Bold Italics Underline Bold and Italics

Anatomy of Type Ascender -letter stroke above the x-height. Descender -letter stroke below the x-height. X-Height -height of lowercase letters with no ascender or descender Baseline -invisible line on which the body of a character rests. Counter -white space that appears trapped inside a letter form. DRAW AN EXAMPLE.—Next slide!

Ap Ascender Counter X-height Descender Baseline

Size of Type Measured in points 72 points = 1 inch Type can vary among fonts.

Weight of Type Refers to the thickness of letters Light Regular Book Demi Heavy

Width of Type Horizontal measure of type Three widths most commonly used are: Condensed, Normal, and Expanded

Define leading. Vertical distance between lines.

Typeface Categories Sans Serif Serif Script or Decorative No finishing strokes; No feet Used for headlines; Attract Attention Serif Has finishing strokes; Feet Used for body text; Lots of reading Script or Decorative Looks like handwriting or something unusual Used for invitations; Formal short documents Label the “Hello’s” in your notes!

ACTIVITY Find three fonts in each category http://www.fontface.com Font Examples with Words (Handout)

Text Alignment Flush left -good for narrow columns, body text, captions, and short lines. Justified text -conveys formality and orderliness; good for long works. Flush right -good for special effects; use sparingly. Centered -used for headlines; very formal announcements, pull quotes, captions.

QUIZ 1 Open Notes

Design Principles

Basic Design Principles Planning is the most important process. Convey your message without overpowering it. No design principle is concrete.

Purpose of Publication Know the purpose Know the audience Be consistent page to page Be organized

The Graphic Element Mix Keep a good balance of graphics and text Too much text is boring Too many graphics distract from the message Remember to use other techniques as white space, text effects, and bullets instead of a lot of graphics Keep your page balanced.

Cost and Time Remember costs and time constraints when developing a publication.

Developing Your Design Always sketch your idea Create a page dummy Choose a typeface that matches your message Think about readability when choosing fonts! Stay within the same type family Use no more than 2 or 3 fonts per publication

Body Text Use serif type fonts like Times New Roman More readable 9-12 point size

Headlines Choose simple sans serif fonts Should be a minimum of 24 points Left-aligned, justified, or centered alignment Be careful about breaking up a headline

Page Orientation Portrait – tall or vertical Landscape – wide or horizontal

Facing Pages Two pages that face each other like a book Keep continuity; a feeling of unity Be sure graphics touch all four margins at some point

Focal Point DOT EXERCISE Create a focal point on your layout about 2/3 up the page Will catch the reader’s eye and draw attention

White Space Important for effective design Used to set off text or graphics without distracting its readability Margins and columns can be used for effective white space

Columns Makes page easier to read and adds interest One column is good for smaller page sizes Two columns are good for brochures, reports, and catalogs Three columns are the most common in DTP because they are more readable and flexible

Define Gutter or Alley Space between columns

Ruled Lines (Rules) Horizontal or Vertical lines used to separate columns or text. Make sure there is enough white space on each side of the line Text should NEVER TOUCH THE LINES

ACTIVITY Magazine Activity Introduce the NOTEBOOK PROJECT Begin INDESIGN CS Desktop ToolBox Measurement Activity Drawing Activities

QUIZ 2 Open Notes