1. Defining Desktop Publishing
Publication Software

2. What is Desktop Publishing?
A program which allows a user to combine text, graphics, and charts to produce a document.
A document created in a publishing program is called a publication.
Professional looking documents are easy to produce using desktop publishing software.

3. Catalogs
Most desktop publishing programs come with a catalog that assists the user in designing publications.
The catalog helps the user make appearance and layout decisions.

4. Common Publications Periodicals Promotional Informational Stationery
Newsletters, Booklets
Promotional
Advertisements, Flyers, Press Releases
Informational
Brochures, Signs, Calendars, Forms
Stationery
Letterhead, Labels, Business Cards, Envelopes, Postcards
Specialty
Banners, Airplanes, Origami, Resumes

5. Clip Art
Clip art is artwork that makes the publication appear more vibrant.
Any illustration, photograph, or decorative element can be imported into a publication.
There are many online galleries that can be accessed using the Web.

6. Create Logos
A logo is a distinctive symbol, shape, color, or combination used to visually identify a business.
Once the framework is complete, it can be saved as a template and can be used in other works.

7. Basic Design Principles
The purpose of design is to help convey the message. A good design should compliment as well as improve the message.
There are no standardized design principles. Desktop publishers should be willing to experiment.

8. The Purpose Of Publication
Make sure to know the purpose of the publication.
Determine the goal and the message. Is the user trying to sell, motivate, or inform?
Make sure you know your audience.
Customize the publication to fit the reader.
Apply design elements appropriately to make the publication interesting and inviting.

9. Arrangement of Publication
A publication should be consistent in font, colors, margins, and design elements.
Organization is as valuable as the information in a publication.
Your designs should contain a good balance of text and graphics.

10. Do’s and Don'ts on Typeface
Do chose a typeface that is attractive, readable, and compatible with your publication.
Do use serif typefaces for body text and sans serif for headlines and captions.
Serif fonts — such as Times New Roman and Bookman — are easier to read for large amounts of text.
Sans serif fonts — such as Arial and Verdana — are cleaner and tend to make better titles and headlines.
Do use fonts to set the mood and formality of your publication.
Choose a more serious font like Times New Roman for conservative audiences or serious messages.
Choose a "fun" font like Comic Sans MS for a lighthearted message.

11. Do and Don’ts of Typeface
Don’t use more than two or three typefaces in a single publication.
Don’t abuse the use of bold, italics and shadow variations; use only for emphasis.
Don’t use ornate typefaces in the body; as they are difficult to read.

12. Paper and Page Orientation
Focal Point
Margins
Columns
Rules
Horizontal
Vertical
Portrait
Landscape
Optical Center
Geometric Center
White Space