How Do You Do Desktop Publishing?

Question: How Do You Do Desktop Publishing?

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.

Answer: There is no quick, pat answer and probably the better question is, "how do you learn to do desktop publishing?" You learn by reading, studying, and doing. This entire site is devoted to providing the tutorials and other resources needed to learn how to do desktop publishing. Use these five starting points in your quest to learn how to do desktop publishing.

1. How a Desktop Publishing Document Is Created
   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 6 areas: design, setup, text, images, file preparation, printing.

2. Software Needed for Desktop Publishing
   You'll need several different programs to do most types of desktop publishing, with a page layout application being the minimum desktop publishing software requirement.

3. Using Page Layout Software
   While learning the mechanics of desktop publishing you may also need to learn how to use your desktop publishing software at the same time. These tutorials cover basic to advanced techniques in many of the major page layout applications.

4. Graphic Design Tutorials and Procedures
   Desktop publishing involves the technical application of the principles of graphic design. Explore everything about using desktop publishing skills from the basics of page composition and design to specific elements such as white space and grids, plus overall desktop publishing and graphic design tutorials and guidelines.

5. Page Layout Tutorials
   Beyond the technical operation of the software, good design needs the right colors, exciting layout ideas, and tried and true elements such as balance, contrast, and white space. Grids tie the elements of a design together and provide a framework for the page layout.

Speedy Desktop Publishing
There is another speedy option when you need to jump in, get it done, and make it look good without knowing all the ins and outs of desktop publishing. Simply Follow the Rules of Desktop Publishing.

^{• Desktop Publishing Q&A
• Who does Desktop Publishing?
• What is Desktop Publishing?
• Where is Desktop Publishing Used?
• Why is Desktop Publishing Important?
• When was Desktop Publishing Invented?
• How do you do Desktop Publishing?}