How much do you know about desktop publishing services? Do you know whether it can help your business or not? Well, if you want to know about these services and their benefits, Future Trans, a language service provider (LSP), is here to help you. So, let’s get started.
What is Desktop Publishing?
Desktop publishing entails the production of computer page designs using special software. The software used during a desktop publishing exercise integrates images and texts.
Computer page designers used the first software for desktop publishing exercises in the mid-80s. Since then, desktop publishing has been on the rise. In early 1980, the desktop publishing software had almost fully replaced all other techniques page designers used to carry out the desktop publishing exercise.
Notably, the 80s and 90s software applied in print only. Also, only professionals used the software. Currently, the software can create several digital products, including websites, banners, newsletters, PDFs, digital resumes, brochures, flyers, and e-books.
Importantly, almost anybody can use the software, thanks to the internet, advanced devices, and cloud computing.
Also, you can get some desktop publishing software free from the internet. Such software does not require any installation.
Admissibly, the number of programs you can use for desktop publishing keeps growing. What are some of these programs? They include the following:
InDesign and Word
Adobe is one of the most popular desktop publishing programs. However, it is only available for subscriptions. Notably, the subscription costs depend on the selected plan and product. Some programs you get under Adobe include InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Depending on the complexity of your required outcomes, you can either use a single program or multiple programs.
Microsoft Word
This is a word processor program you can subscribe to online or buy. It is compatible with Windows, macOS, and other platforms.
Canva
This program is a web-based application that you get for free or subscribe to. Notably, the subscribed version has more features than the free version. So you can do much more with the subscribed version than the free version.
Lucidpress
This program is also a free, web-based application, but you can get a subscription option. Similar to Canva, the free version has limited features, while the subscribed version has several features.
Translation During Desktop Publishing
Sometimes, translation and desktop publishing go hand in hand. Since desktop publishing uses source text, you can have the source text translated to create content that matches your target audience’s requirements.
You can save money and time if you opt to involve translation during a desktop publishing process. You do not need to create a complete document first and then have it translated. Instead, you can have the source text translated and your page developed in your target language.
What are the Benefits of Desktop Publishing Services?
It is highly unlikely for one to invest in desktop publishing without understanding its benefits. For this reason, let’s delve into some of the benefits that you get for using desktop publishing services:
Development of Effective Page Layouts
You must have an effective page layout for you to convince the readers. A well-laid-out page rubber stamps the quality of the message. For example, a well-laid-out page invokes a sense that the content appearing on the page is credible. In return, the reader feels the urge to act on the message. Such a reader can buy a product or subscribe to a service.
What does an effective page layout feature? Such a page has balanced contrast, white page, and colors. Such balanced aspects are appealing to any reader.
Document Customization
Every entity must customize its content for its readers. Notably, what appeals to one reader does not appeal to another reader. For this reason, you should identify your reader’s visual preferences and customize their content accordingly.
One of the strategies for customizing your document is using the desktop publishing process. The programs in the desktop publishing software can customize your statements, graphs, schedules, menus, bulletins, and manuals, among other documents.
Notably, the appearance of your content speaks much about your business in a reader’s eyes. Such content is the first exposure a reader gets about your business. For this reason, you must put the best foot forward by customizing your documents. The move aligns your content with the emotions of the reader.
Reduction of Production Costs
You only need a DTB software, computer, and printer to execute a deskto p publishing exercise. You can opt to use the basic programs, including Apple Pages and Microsoft Word. However, advanced programs like InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and Illustrator can produce more effective page layouts.
You can outsource desktop publishing services if you find investing in the said equipment and software expensive. There are many experts willing to take up your desktop publishing projects at a reasonable cost.
What are Top Tips for Desktop Publishing Services?
Notably, desktop publishing is not as easy as it sounds. There are several tips that you must apply to develop credible outcomes. What are some of these tips?
Be Compliant
There are several rules that you must follow during a desktop publishing process. To begin with, if you are writing a proposal, the RFP (Request for Proposal) rules state that your page must have single-spaced text and Times New Roman Font. If it is a commercial bid, it must feature some customer information.
You must also liaise with your business and sales development team to understand their aesthetic likes and dislikes. In other words, you must understand the needs of the team and capture them on the resultant desktop publishing page. Alternatively, you should follow the corporation guidelines during the desktop publishing process.
Employ Consistency
Before undertaking a desktop publishing process, you must understand what often changes on a document and what does not change. For example, it is hard for the features of a logo to change on a document. However, prices may vary from time to time.
Consistency is one of the factors that can keep your customers coming back for more of your desktop publishing offers. If your customers know that you always develop perfect pages that take note of the fixed and variable elements, they build trust in you. In return, they make you their preferred desktop publisher.
Never Auto-Number
Auto-numbering makes any page design work easy. However, always apply caution when it comes to desktop publishing. Notably, different computers have different auto-numbering formats.
If you are working on a document you auto-numbered, it is fine to auto-number the page again. However, this move is not advisable for a team with members using different computer models and versions.
Never Modify Graphics Using Microsoft Word
The modification of graphics using MS Word throws the font size out of proportion. For this reason, always work with the graphics that your graphic professional has developed. If you alter the graphics, you can become non-compliant. Also, your reviewers can disqualify you from carrying out more desktop publishing work in the future.
Most printers generate a standard graphic with an exportable quality of 150-200 dpi. This quality represents the physical size and the resolution of the graphics. If you lower the quality, then the graphics become fuzzy. On the other hand, increasing the quality makes the file unmanageable or too complex to upload or email.
Speed Up
Always do your desktop publishing on time. Sometimes, meeting the deadlines comes before the quality of the published pages. If complex programs make you miss the deadline, opt to use basic programs, such as MS Word.
The other way of speeding up your desktop publishing is using keyboard shortcuts. For example, you can use Ctrl+C to copy and Ctrl+V to paste your text and images. You should also know how to operate the shortcuts related to styles, including command and action shortcuts.
You can also opt to create your customized toolbar. Such a toolbar may contain the commands and actions you often use during desktop publishing exercises.
If you can come up with customized shortcuts, you can maintain speed and consistency during any desktop publishing exercise. The shortcuts make it easy to carry out any recurrent processes.
Save Often
To be safe from unstable files, always save your work. You can opt to save on an hourly basis or at any other time that you deem fit. If your MS Word file becomes corrupt, try opening it using the 2007 MS Word Version because it has features that always try to fix a corrupt file. Alternatively, you can use any other known means of salvaging a corrupt file.
Proofread Your Work
After designing your page, have a third party check it for errors. However, the secret to avoiding errors in your work is to use the appropriate settings on your program. For example, always use a tab instead of several hits from the space bar.
The Bottom Line
At this moment, you now know something about desktop publishing. So, it is time to create time and test your desktop publishing skills.