Students learn how to manipulate photographs and other images, create design layouts, and use a variety of desktop publishing programs in desktop publishing classes. A desktop publishing course’s exact content varies, but it usually includes an introduction to desktop publishing as well as graphic and text manipulation training. Instruction in the use of scanners and other types of hardware may be included in a desktop publishing course. These courses may also include lessons on how to find work in the field or how to start a desktop publishing company.
A person who takes a desktop publishing course usually learns how to use his computer, other hardware, and software to create documents with appealing graphics and carefully placed text. Individuals who enroll in one of these courses may wish to learn how to create visually appealing documents that are suitable for both desktop and commercial printing. These classes also teach students how to design visually appealing documents that aren’t meant to be printed, such as those that will be distributed over the Internet. A person who takes a desktop publishing course, for example, can learn to design attractive printed brochures and newsletters as well as online newsletters, brochures, PDF documents, and slide shows.
While the course description for a desktop publishing course varies depending on the school or company offering it, these courses typically include instruction in using desktop publishing software, such as document creation programs, layout programs, image creation software, and photo manipulation programs. Students may learn how to plan and design business cards, newsletters, brochures, and fliers, as well as how to create and design online documents and web pages. Courses in desktop publishing can even teach you how to make letterheads and resumes. Students can learn how to plan and design books, magazines, and periodic reports in some desktop publishing courses.
Hardware compatibility, art selection and placement, electronic image arranging and manipulation, and proofing and editing are all topics covered in many desktop publishing courses. These courses frequently include information on computer selection as well as the selection and use of input devices such as scanners. Selecting and using printers, as well as preparing work for commercial printing, may be covered in such courses. In addition, some desktop publishing courses provide an overview of careers in the field.