Monday, February 23, 2009

Desktop Publishing Software

Desktop publishing (also known as DTP) combines a personal computer and WYSIWYG page layout software to create publication documents on a computer for either large scale publishing or small scale local multifunction peripheral output and distribution.
The term "desktop publishing" is commonly used to describe page layout skills. However, the skills and software are not limited to paper and book publishing. The same skills and software are often used to create graphics for point of sale displays, promotional items, trade show exhibits, retail package designs and outdoor signs.

The two most widely used Desktop Publishing software used are Microsoft Publisher, and Adobe InDesign. While Publisher is more well know among common software users who have Microsoft Office, the InDesign software is more common known among professionals to get the more bells and whistles that come along with its price tag.

As a teacher, I have actually taught both Publisher and InDesign to students. When I taught BCIS in a PC lab, Publisher was taught as part of the curriculum. It seemed to be perfect for beginning learners to start on. In my Business Imaging & Multimedia class, I teach InDesign in a Mac lab to 11th and 12th graders. It allows them to learn more advanced desktop publishing skills while using its inhance capabilities.

1 comment:

  1. Wow, you went above and beyond for your post by including links to the definitions. Great job! I also did my post on Desktop Publishing Software. When I taught Multimedia, we used PageMaker. Is it similar to InDesign? I haven't ever used InDesign.

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