Computing & Technology

Articles Index

How To Insert Page Numbers on Master Pages in Adobe InDesign

InDesign automatically numbers pages of your document in the style you designate when the proper page numbering code is placed on the Master Pages.

How To Create and Use Copyright Symbols

This simple how-to on rendering copyright symbols, registered trademark symbols, and TM trademark symbols in your software and in HTML shows the Mac and Windows commands and HTML codes to render copyright symbols with most standard fonts. It also explains the usage and give typesetting tips for copyright and trademark symbols.

How To Install TrueType or OpenType Fonts in Windows

Step-by-step, here's how easy it is to install TrueType or OpenType fonts under Windows.

How To Choose Body Text Fonts

The bulk of what we read is body copy. It's the novels, magazine articles, newspaper stories, contracts, and Web pages we read day after day. Body type or body text fonts are the typeface used for body copy. Body copy requires legible, easy to read body text fonts.

How To Download Fonts From the Web

Free and shareware fonts are offered for download on this site and many others on the Web. If you've never downloaded a file from the Web before, here's the basic instructions to help you grab all the fonts you want.

How To Create and Use Dashes and Hyphens

This simple how-to describes how to create and use en dashes, em dashes, and hyphens in your publications. One mark of professionally set type is the use of hyphens, en dashes, and em dashes.

How To Type Quotes, Apostrophes, and Primes

This simple how-to is on the proper use of typographer's quotation marks and inch and feet tick marks. Use typographical correct quotes, apostrophes, and primes.

How To Specify Spot Varnish in a Digital File

Spot varnish applied is all over or to only specific areas of a printed piece is used to create a special appearance or special effect. It can make a photograph pop off the page, highlight drop caps, or create texture and subtle, colorless images on the page whether you use glossy or matte varnish. In page layout software, spot varnish is specified as an overprinting spot color.

Remove Extra Spaces Between Sentences and Paragraphs of Text

Even though properly typeset material uses one space after a period, many people still type two spaces as if still using an old-fashioned typewriter. The fastest way to get rid of those extra spaces before importing text into your page layout program is to search your document for two spaces and replace those with a single space, preferrably using a macro.

How To Use Windows Character Map

A simple how-to on ways to use the basic Windows Character Map tool. Use Windows Character Map to copy letters, find keystroke information.

How To and Why To Crop Photos for Page Layout

Cropping a photograph changes the appearance to make it fit the layout, make a statement, or improve the overall appearance of the subject matter. Discover how easy it is to crop photos for your greeting cards, scrapbooks, newsletters, and other desktop publishing projects.

How To Install Fonts on a Mac

Font installation on a Mac is a simple drag and drop operation for both TrueType/OpenType fonts and PostScript fonts. Learn how to install fonts on a Mac.

How To Make a Greeting Card

Here are 10 steps to make your own basic greeting card in any desktop publishing or graphics software or using greeting card software specifically for that purpose.

How To Use Pull-Quotes

Used to attract attention, especially in long articles, a pull-quote is a small selection of text "pulled out and quoted" in a larger typeface. A pull-quote may be framed by rules, placed within the article, span multiple columns, or be placed in an empty column near the article. Pull-quotes provide a teaser that entices the reader into the story.

How To Create a Watermark in Publisher

A simple how-to on putting a watermark in the background of your Microsoft Publisher documents.

How To Create a Workable Page Layout

A good page layout is about more than just choosing pretty colors, applying the principles of graphic design, or creating visually stunning pieces. A workable page layout is one that delivers the intended message to its primary audience. A workable page layout focuses on the practical aspects of the document such as method of distribution, visibility, and handling.

Find an Entry-Level Job or Internship in Graphic Design or Desktop Publishing

Put together a portfolio, put together a network, get your name out there.

Write a Contract for a Desktop Publishing or Graphic Design Business

Learn how to write a contract specific to desktop publishing or graphic design freelance businesses. Discover what clauses are particularly important and how to write a contract that protects the intellectual property rights of a designer and helps insure payment for their services.

Use Cold Calling as a Freelance Designer

Cold calling still works for getting business. Learn how to do effective cold calling in person or on the phone.

Start a Desktop Publishing or Graphic Design Business

Learn step by step how to start a desktop publishing or graphic design business. While some sources might have you believe that all it takes to start a desktop publishing business is to have some software, a color printer, and some fancy paper, the truth is that a desktop publishing or graphic design business requires the same attention to detail of any small business venture. You can start small and build up but the basics are the same.

How To Do Desktop Publishing and Desktop Printing

Assuming you have the appropriate desktop publishing software, chosen for the type of projects and printing you plan to do, and understand the basics of using desktop publishing software, here are the key steps to creating an attractive layout in most types of page layout software and printing it from your desktop printer.