An Introduction toDesktop 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.

What is Desktop Publishing?

Documents may be for:◦Desktop or commercial printing ◦Electronic distribution

Including: PDF slide shows Email newsletters the Web

Desktop Publishing Documents

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.

Comparison Between Desktop Publishing and Graphic Design

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

What is DTP Software

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.

Where is DTP Used?

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

Who Does DTP?

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.

Why is DTP Important?

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.

How Do You Do Desktop Publishing?

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

How a DTP Document is Created

The Design ProcessThe 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 Design Process, cont.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 Design Process, cont.

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