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Desktop publishing combines text, photos, and graphics into printable documents using software on a personal computer. It allows for precise control over documents and the ability to preview layouts. While word processing services have reduced reliance on desktop publishing, it remains crucial in the design industry for high-quality document design and high-volume printing. Desktop publishing software allows for easy editing of multiple elements within a document via master pages and can produce printing plates for various printing methods.
Desktop publishing refers to the act of using software on a personal computer to combine mixed media elements, such as text, photos or graphics, into printable documents. Once created, these documents can be printed on a home printer or outsourced to a professional printing service. One of the key features is the ability to preview a page layout before printing, via a feature called What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG), pronounced wizzy-wig. While this was once taught through advanced education programs, advances in software mean the process is less difficult to master than in decades past.
The practice exploded in popularity in 1984 and 1985, when MacPublisher was produced to take advantage of the capabilities of Apple’s Macintosh® computers. In addition, Aldus Corporation introduced PageMaker® software, which was later acquired by Adobe Systems. Each of these programs introduced users to the ability to easily manipulate page elements when producing a document.
In recent years, word processing services have provided users with many of the benefits once unique to desktop publishing programs. Additionally, electronically formatted documents, such as PDF files or eBooks, have reduced users’ reliance on software. These popular programs don’t provide the same amount of precise control over documents that desktop publishing does. In the design industry, high-end software is considered crucial for quality document design when producing catalogues, brochures or business cards. Not only is it used to produce high quality documents, but it is also used for high volume printing such as is used in book publishing.
Unlike word processing applications, desktop publishing software allows users to edit multiple elements within a document via master pages. Instead of having to change every instance of an element across multiple pages of a document, users can change a single linked element and then change every occurrence of that element in the document; typographical elements, such as column width, spacing or font size, can be easily changed, and text can be changed to wrap around graphic images or enlarged or reduced on command.
Printing plates can be produced through these programs, downloaded as a file, and printed with a variety of printing methods. While desktop publishers are compatible with standard laser printers, they can also work with more specialized devices such as flexo printers used in product packaging, photogravure printers used to make fine art prints, or thermographic printers used to create embossed lettering on invitations wedding.
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