Desktop Publishing : Introduction

Desktop Publishing (DTP) software is used to produce professional-looking documents such as reports, books, posters or leaflets. DTP software gives you more control over the layout of a page than a word processor and lets you easily integrate graphics into your publications. In addition to the features of a word processor you should also expect a desktop publisher to offer you these facilities :

Page Layout	The ability to define the layout of a page using frames to place text and pictures in.
Fonts and Styles	A wide range of fonts and styles.
Drawing Tools	Some drawing facilities, although these may be limited.
Importing Pictures and Text	The ability to incorporate pictures and text from other packages in a document.
Clipart	A library of pictures for you to include in your documents.
Accurate Positioning	The ability to position objects extremely accurately on the page using guidelines or a grid.

Many desktop publishers include wizards. A wizard is an interactive tool that guides the user through a potentially complex task. Using a wizard lets the user complete a common task more quickly and straightforwardly than starting from scratch.

GCSE ICT Companion 04 - (C) P Meakin 2004