INFORMATION AND

COMMUNICATIONS
TECHNOLOGY

Desktop
Publishing
 COURSE DESCRIPTION:
• Desktop Publishing introduces publishing and
presentation concepts through the development of
sophisticated documents such as brochures,
manuscripts, reports, conference programs, catalogue
articles, pamphlets, business presentations, business
graphics, transparencies, slides, advertisements, etc.

• The Desktop Publishing course builds on word

processing skills and uses industry software and
hardware permitting the manipulation of text and
graphics.
• This course is designed to provide “HANDS ON”
experience using a desktop computerized
workstation with access to laser print capability.
• This course emphasizes editing, formatting, page
layout and design, and paste up technique for
clarity and impact.
 COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be
able to understand, apply, or assess
• 1. computer technology as it relates to careers.
• 2. basic computer terminology
• 3. the production of newsletters with appropriate publication
software
• 4. manipulate text, graphics, and other drawing tools to
produce sophisticated publications
• 5. Understand the importance of Desktop Publishing in the
business world
 DESKTOP PUBLISHING
• was pioneered by Paul Brainerd in 1985 when he released
the software Aldus Pagemaker for the Macintosh computer.
• the use of a computer to produce high-
quality documents containing text and graphics formatted
for a single-page publication.
• desktop publishing is utilized to create printed material such
as book covers, brochure, and fliers
WHY IS DESKTOP PUBLISHING IMPORTANT?
• Desktop publishing and graphic design can make documents look
better, prettier.
• Desktop publishing, used properly, enhances visual communication
and streamlines the process of disseminating information of all kinds.
• A. Desktop publishing is a tool that can enhance communication by
making it possible to quickly and efficiently produce printed and
electronic documents.
• There is more control over the layout of the publication than there is
with a word processing package.
• Large amount of templates which means a novice user can create a
professional looking publication very easily.
• When text is in a frame it can be manipulated with great precision to fit
into the space available.
• Desktop Publishing Software allows the user to
rearrange text and graphics on screen, change
typefaces as easily as changing shoes, and resize
graphics on the fly, before finally committing a
design to paper.
• There are drawbacks to desktop publishing in that
it also makes it easier and less expensive to
produce really bad designs. So, while desktop
publishing is important, education in basic
principles of graphic design and desktop
publishing techniques is equally important.
 DTP SOFTWARE:
FIVE GENERAL CATEGORIES
• page layout software (generally referred to as DTP
software)
• graphics software
• image editing software
• Web publishing software
• word processing application
 BASIC DESIGN PRINCIPLES
“what you should do”
•FOCUS - An element to which
the eye first moves.
Use contrasting size, density, and
page position.
Use large, bold display type or
graphics.
Use elements with visual weight
BALANCE - How elements are
distributed on a page

• Formal Balance-centers
all design elements
around the visual center.
• Informal Balance--
arranges design
elements off center.
It is achieved by
contrasts of weights
around a balance
point.
 DIRECTIONAL FLOW - Created by lines that the
eye follows on a page.

• Create flow on the page with lines

within illustrations, rules, and lines
of type, and with visuals.
• Use the “Z” pattern of reading to
place important information.
• Use left-to-right and top-to-bottom
for graphic elements.
 UNITY
•Create unity with the
use of appropriate and
consistent elements.
•Use appropriate type,
graphics, and color: be
consistent!
 White (Non-printed) Space
• Design the white space; do
not overcrowd type and
graphic elements.
• 20 to 25% of your
documents should be white
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.
 CHOOSING TYPE: TYPOGRAPHY
ABC
• The type must contribute to the abc
message, not detract from it.
• The type must match the message.
• Use the same typeface for the same
elements. Vary the size to change the
look.
 BODY TEXT
• Choose a serif typeface for body text.
• Body text should be from 9-12 points.
• Leading should be at least a point more than the
type size.
• Avoid excessive hyphenation and too much space
between words.
Serif Fonts
 HEADLINES
• Use a sans serif typeface.
• Make headlines larger than body text--
14 points or more.
• Use all caps only for short headlines;
otherwise use uppercase and
lowercase.
• Be consistent with headlines
throughout your document.
Sans Serif Fonts
Desktop Publishing
Hazards
Things to avoid.
 Desktop Publishing Hazards
• Forgetting your audience
• Irregularly shaped type
• Excessive underlining
• Too many fonts
• Grammar and spelling errors
• Inappropriate borders
• Inappropriate headlines
• Violating the copyright law
 Forgetting Your Audience

• Don’t let your graphic design

overwhelm your message.

• Spend as much time on

content as you do on design.
Irregularly Shaped Type
Excessive Underlining

• Irregular line shapes take more

time to read.
• Irregular line shapes are
confusing to the reader.

• Too much underlining confuses

the reader.
 Grammar and Spelling Errors
Too Many Fonts
• Proofread carefully after
the computer does!!

• Too many fonts creates a

disorganized appearance
and labels you as an
amateur.
• Limit fonts to 2-3 per page.
• Use special effect fonts to
attract extra attention--
but only for a few words.
Inappropriate Borders

• Borders can be
functional or decorative.

• The border should fit the

nature of the product
and the intended
audience.
 Inappropriate Headlines

• Be careful how the lines end-- City Dumps Mayor

you could give new meanings
Calls a Shame
to your words.
or
• Don’t use ALL CAPS if the City Dumps
headline is long.
Mayor Calls
a Shame
• Shorter is better!
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!!!!!

The Final Steps

• Print a sample copy.

• Proofread it carefully.

• Make adjustments.

• Print your final copy or

publish to the Web.