Desktop Publishing : Wizards

Many users of desktop publishing software want to carry out very similar tasks such as creating newsletters, posters, greetings cards and certificates. Completing these tasks from scratch can be very time consuming, so most desktop publishers include a wizard tool to allow common tasks to be complete more quickly and straightforwardly.

A wizard is an interactive tool that guides the user through a potentially complex task, such as creating a newsletter. The wizard will ask the user questions about the layout of the newsletter and create a basic document that matches the users requirements. The user can then edit the document manually to complete the creation process. The type of question that a newsletter wizard might ask include :

• What size paper will the newsletter be printed on (A4, A3 etc.) ?
• How many pages will the newsletter include ?
• How many columns of text on each page ?
• Which pages will have pictures on them, and how many ?
• What style should the newsletter have (formal, informal, modern, traditional, colourful etc.) ?

The questions asked by a wizard will depend upon what the wizard does. Other software packages such as databases and spreadsheets may also include wizards to help the user complete common tasks.

GCSE ICT Companion 04 - (C) P Meakin 2004