What is desktop publishing?

 

DTP is the use of specialised software to combine text and graphics to create a document. Documents can be magazines, newspapers and books. Wordprocessors can also combine text and graphics. However, DTP is faster and more powerful for specialised tasks. In DTP the layout is decided before the text is typed.

Stages in desktop publishing

There are five basic stages

1.      Page layout is the arrangement of text and graphics on the page. It involves the position of headings, the number of columns for text, the borders and placement of graphics. Page layout plays an important part in producing effective documents. A good design makes it easy for the reader to receive information.

2.      Create text using the DTP program or import the text from a wordprocessing program. A wordprocessing program contains superior text editing tools and should be used if the text exceeds a paragraph in length. Most DTP programs will import text in a wide range of file formats and maintain a document's format. Most text is created in a wordprocessor.

3.      Prepare graphics using the drawing tools or import a graphic. The drawing tools in the DTP are very basic and are used for simple drawings. DTP programs will cater for a range of file formats so most graphics are imported. You can import a bit-mapped graphic or a vector-based graphic.

4.      Formatting the publication will improve the overall appearance of the document. After importing data it may be necessary to make some adjustments to the page layout eg if the block of text does not fit on the page or the graphic is too small. DTP has the power  to control every aspect of the publication.

5.      Printing the publication is the final stage in DTP. A draft copy is printed for checking. The final print is done on a high quality printer.

 

Terms

WYSYWYG

WIMP

Theory Exercises
P205 Q1 to Q4