Online Desktop Publishing and Design School

The Desktop Publishing career diploma program prepares students for a career as an entry-level desktop publisher, teaching such skills as page design and layout, as well as electronic publishing with InDesign software.

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Identify the documents developed with desktop publishing systems and explain the skills necessary to become a desktop publisher
• Follow the steps involved in the development of a document; explain the electronic publishing process
• List key elements of a well-designed Web page; Identify the various components of a typical document
• Identify the types and formats of illustrations used by graphic artists; know what it means to import and export art, as well as crop and scale an illustration
• Plan and design business cards, letterheads, envelopes, promotional letters, résumés, brochures, flyers, and newsletters
• Plan and design multipage documents such as books, magazines, and annual reports
• Identify the different types of computer input and output devices and know their purpose; locate the major internal components of a system unit and define their functions
• Proofread and edit documents to produce well-written copy and use proper editor/proofreader marks
• List the most commonly used Windows commands and know their functions; customize the Windows OS
• Customize a computer display; locate files; use the Clipboard and taskbar; view and organize files and folders
• Customize further the Windows display, taskbar, Start menu, setup, and work with the System Tools
• Create documents for print, digital, and Web publication
• Apply InDesign desktop publishing skills in designing a full-color, two-sided poster
• Prepare and convert electronically created documents to print

The advantages of learning at home; types of study materials; types of examinations; accessing and using the features of our website; determining what kind of learner you are; establishing a study schedule; using study tips; preparing for and taking examinations.

Job opportunities in the field; the history of publishing; the future of desktop publishing.

The document creation process; compatibility of hardware, software, and users; assessing compatibility.

Basic design terms; transferring document design skills to online publishing and the creation of World Wide Web pages.

Types of illustrations used by desktop publishers; selecting, sizing, and placing art in documents; arranging and manipulating images.

Supplement: A Guide to the Internet

Effectively planning and designing business cards, letterheads, envelopes, resumes, brochures, flyers, and newsletters.

Effectively planning and designing business cards, letterheads, envelopes, resumes, brochures, flyers, and newsletters.

A detailed look at proofreading and editing; their importance in desktop publishing.

The components of a personal computer; input devices, monitors, printers, floppy disks, telecommunication devices, and microprocessors; memory; buying the right computer.

The basics of PC operating systems; customizing your PC to suit your needs; making the best use of some Windows® accessories.

Customization procedures; professional tips and shortcuts; using Clipboard; using your taskbar and controlling files using Windows® Explorer.

Start-up folder, short cut icons; arranging items on the desktop; adding and removing items to the start menu; adding hardware and software; creating a start-up disk; defragmenting your hard drive; advanced file management; using a recycle bin for deleted files.

Adobe® Design Standard® software package (Released to active students whose account is current and who have met at least 40% of their tuition obligations.)

Preparing to work; setting up InDesign.®

Working with type; formatting type; styles.

Graphics; line tool; pencil tool; pen tool; transform tools; shapes; color processes.

Text variables for headers and footers; PDF for print; preflighting and prepress; how to manually prep your files.

Graphics for digital publishing; naming files; software setup; digital publishing tools for the iPad; design and production for the iPad.

Textbook: Adobe® InDesign® Digital Classroom

Final design project applying the skills learned with InDesign® by creating a full-color two-sided poster advertising a local theater production.

How to bring a print publishing project to a successful conclusion; hardware and software options; preparing documents for delivery to commercial printers.