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Online Desktop Publishing and Design School

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Why ICS Canada?

  • DEAC Accredited
  • Self-Paced
  • Supportive
  • Low monthly payments

Program Overview

ICS Canada’s online Desktop Publishing and Design Career Diploma Program will cover everything from the basics of formatting text to creating Internet-ready web pages. Desktop Publishers and Designers create documents using software such as Adobe® InDesign® for advertising agencies, publishing houses, and corporations.¹ And you can complete this program in as little as four months, while studying at your own pace.

Curriculum Details

Program Goal and Outcomes

Program Goal

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.
Program Outcomes

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

Instruction Set 1

Learning Strategies

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.
Desktop Publishing: An Introduction

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

Instruction Set 2

The Electronic Publishing Process

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

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

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

Supplement: A Guide to the Internet

Instruction Set 3

Planning and Designing Short Documents

Effectively planning and designing business cards, letterheads, envelopes, resumes, brochures, flyers, and newsletters.
Planning and Designing Multipage Documents

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

Instruction Set 4

Essential Publishing Skills

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

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

Instruction Set 5

Introduction to Windows®

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

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

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.
Special Shipment

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

Instruction Set 6

Adobe® InDesign® and Essential Skills and New Features

Preparing to work; setting up InDesign.®
Working with Master Pages, Type and Styles

Working with type; formatting type; styles.
Working with Color; Graphics, and Effects

Graphics; line tool; pencil tool; pen tool; transform tools; shapes; color processes.
Book Features, Preflighting and PDF

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

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

Textbook: Adobe® InDesign® Digital Classroom

Instruction Set 7

Graded Project

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

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

Computer Specifications
As you know this is an online academic program. This means you will need high-speed internet access to begin your program. In addition, you will need access to a Microsoft® Windows® based computer running Windows 7® or later or an Apple® Mac® computer running OS X® or later, and an email account to participate in and complete your program.

We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.
In order to further enhance your performance in this field, ICS has researched and recommended specific practical activities designed to complement your coursework.
To ensure that you acquire the manual skills which are important in this program area, we encourage you to follow all of the course instruction.
IBM is a trademark of IBM Corporation registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.
Intel and Pentium are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries registered in the United States and other countries.
Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT, and Paint are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.
Adobe, PageMaker, and Postscript are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.

Sample Lesson

To view a Desktop Publishing and Design sample lesson, click here.

Desktop Publishing and Design School Details

In ICS Canada’s Desktop Publishing and Design online training program you'll cover topics such as:

  • Electronic publishing process
  • Elements of design and illustration
  • Planning and designing short and multipage documents
  • Using Adobe® InDesign®
Online desktop publishing courses

Desktop Publishers and Designers create documents using software such as Adobe® InDesign® for advertising agencies, publishing houses, and corporations. Here are a few qualities that successful desktop publishers and designers have in common:

  • Creative: When it comes to design, you often have to think outside of the box.
  • Flexible: Projects may require compromise and different approaches for different clients.
  • Innovative: Design issues will require unique problem solving.
  • Dependable: Clients and employers rely on you to get the job done.

"I chose to further my education and accounting knowledge with ICS Canada while working as an accounting clerk, which allowed me to move up within the company at which I am currently working. Studying with ICS Canada was a great experience, and the instructors were very helpful when it came to resolving any issues I had while studying."

- Sean S., ICS Canada graduate

"I have taken three diploma courses with ICS Canada. It has been very rewarding and challenging. I love to increase my knowledge level and share experiences. ICS Canada is great. Enrol! The contact with them is always very pleasant. You feel like a part of the ICS team."

- Connie K., ICS Canada graduate

Your program includes:

  • Customized payment plans with 0% interest
  • Learning aids, including Adobe® InDesign® software
  • Study Planner App to customize your study plans and keep track of your progress
  • Instructional support from our experienced faculty
  • Your personalized online student homepage and learning portal
  • Exclusive access to ICS Canada’s Student and Alumni Facebook Group
  • Additional resources such as our online library and career guidance from Career Cruising

Does ICS Canada provide any necessary software with its Desktop Publishing & Design program?

Yes, students who meet at least 40% of their tuition obligation will receive Adobe InDesign software with the program.

More FAQs >

¹ In order to further enhance your performance in this field, ICS has researched and recommended specific practical activities designed to complement your coursework. To ensure that you acquire the manual skills which are important in this program area, we encourage you to follow all of the course instruction.

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