1. About.com
  2. Computing & Technology
  3. Desktop Publishing

Discuss in my forum

Word Processing vs. Desktop Publishing

Crossing the Line

By , About.com Guide

Layout in Microsoft Word

Layout in Microsoft Word

Original Publication Date: March 3, 1997

Are you a Word Processor or a Desktop Publisher?
Do you use word processing software, desktop publishing software, or some combination of the two? In some circles proclaiming that you use Microsoft Publisher or — worse still — your word processing software for desktop publishing will, at best, elicit mild amusement or silence. At worst, you'll find yourself the target of bitingly hostile verbal (or electronic) abuse.

Don't worry, this isn't one of those places. My aim is to provide a place where practitioners of “desktop publishing” in all its forms can peacefully co-exist. Originally word processing involved text only. Letters, memos, student papers, book manuscripts, and simple résumés were the world of the word processor (the person and the software).

When typesetting and page layout capabilities moved to the desktop computer, “desktop publishing” was the realm of the big boys like PageMaker and QuarkXPress. The users of these desktop publishing packages were most often traditionally trained graphic designers. Desktop publishers had more than a passing knowledge of grids, typography, halftones, and the entire design, production, and printing process. Their desktop tools gave them precise control over all these elements.

Today, what originally made desktop publishing packages so attractive to graphic designers — the ability to quickly and easily manipulate text and graphics on screen and try out new ideas — is readily available in less expensive, easy to use programs. At the same time that trimmed down desktop publishing programs are appearing, word processing software is adding more page layout features — and so the line is blurring between desktop publishing and word processing, in part, because of the software.

Word Processing for Desktop Publishers
This is the first article I ever wrote for this site. Each year as word processing programs get more powerful and more products appear every year for desktop publishing this topic becomes even more appropriate.

Pick Your Path to Desktop Publishing
Get Started:Basic Guidelines and Requirements for Desktop Publishing
Choose Software:Desktop Publishing and Design Software
Tips & Tutorials:How to Do Desktop Publishing
Training, Education, Jobs:Careers in Desktop Publishing
In the Classroom: Back to School With Desktop Publishing
Make Something: Things to Make for the Holidays
Use Templates: Templates for Print and Web Publishing

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved. 

A part of The New York Times Company.