Desktop publishing (abbreviated DTP) is the creation of documents using page layout skills on a personal computer. When used skillfully, desktop publishing software can produce text and images with attractive layouts and typographic quality comparable to traditional typography and printing, so DTP is also the main reference for digital typography. This technology allows individuals, businesses, and other organizations to self-publish a wide range of printed matter—from menus and local newsletters to books, magazines, and newspapers—without the sometimes-prohibitive expense of commercial printing. Desktop publishing combines a personal computer and WYSIWYG page layout software to create publication documents on a computer for either large scale publishing or small scale local multifunction peripheral output and distribution. Desktop publishing methods provide more control over design, layout, and typography than word processing does. However, word processing software has evolved to include some, though by no means all, capabilities previously available only with professional printing or desktop publishing. The same DTP skills and software used for common paper and book publishing are sometimes used to create graphics for point of sale displays, promotional items, trade show exhibits, retail package designs and outdoor signs. Although what is classified as "DTP software" is usually limited to print and PDF publications, DTP skills aren't limited to print. The content produced by desktop publishers may also be exported and used for electronic media. The job descriptions that include "DTP" such as DTP artist often require skills using software for producing e-books, web content, and web pages, which may involve web design or user interface design for any graphical user interface. Question: What is the Difference Between Graphic Design and Desktop Publishing? Graphic design and desktop publishing share so many similarities that people often use the terms interchangeably. There's not really anything terribly wrong with that but it is helpful to know and understand how they differ and how some people use and confuse the terms. Answer: The short answer: graphic design jobs involve the creative process of coming up with the concepts and ideas and arrangements for visually communicating a specific message desktop publishing is the mechanical process that the designer and the non-designer use to turn their ideas for newsletters, brochures, ads, posters, greeting cards, and other projects into digital files for desktop or commercial printing While desktop publishing does require a certain amount of creativity, it is more production-oriented than design-oriented. Desktop Publishing Software Is A Common Denominator Graphic designers use desktop publishing software and techniques to create the print materials they envision. The computer and desktop publishing software also aids in the creative process by allowing the designer to easily try out various page layouts, fonts, colors, and other elements. Non-designers also use desktop publishing software and techniques to create print projects for business or pleasure. The amount of creative design that goes into these projects varies greatly. The computer and desktop publishing software, along with professionally-designed templates, allow consumers to construct and print the same type of projects as graphic designers although the overall product may not be as well-thought out, carefully crafted, or polished as the work of a professional designer. Graphic design is the process and art of combining text and graphics and communicating an effective message in the design of logos, graphics, brochures, newsletters, posters, signs, and any other type of visual communication. Desktop publishing is the process of using the computer and specific types of software to combine text and graphics to produce documents such as newsletters, brochures, books, etc. Graphic Design = "Good" and Desktop Publishing = "Evil" Myth Graphic design and desktop publishing are often used interchangeably but, in part because it is an activity also used by non-designers, desktop publishing is often considered a lesser activity than graphic design. In truth, the two are separate but intertwined disciplines. Not everyone who does desktop publishing does graphic design, but most graphic designers are involved in desktop publishing - the production side of design. The term desktop publisher can refer to a designer or a non-designer but it often carries negative connotations of an amateur. Some graphic designers are quite vocal about their distaste for desktop publishing, which is somewhat amusing since much of what they do does involve desktop publishing. What they are really upset about is not desktop publishing itself - it's an invaluable part of the entire graphic design process - but rather the misuse (real or perceived) of desktop publishing software by non-designers. Working In The Industry The Printing Sector Printing Sector Jobs Supply and Demand Print Sector Qualifications and Skills Development Desktop Publishing (DTP) and Graphic Design Work Pre-Press Work Printing in Colour - How Colours Combine Machine Printing Work Print Finishing, Hand Binding and Manufacturing Work Print Administration Work Desktop Publishing (DTP) and Graphic Design Work These employees must be able to work fast and accurately with numerical data, text, photographs, images, charts, and other graphic elements in order to create proofs ready for publication. Their work requires strong computer skills to format and pull together the different parts of a print order. Creativity is an essential skill, as these employees often have to write new material or edit original text. They may also need to produce images to link in with the text and use scanners to turn photographs and drawings into compressed digital images. Any new images they create will need to fit neatly with text, so page layouts also need customer approval. Other work can include colour separation or the transfer of electronic information on to traditional forms or film. An understanding of the full print process is essential so they can design artwork that works well with the chosen printing process. For instance, designs for packaging use specialised printing processes, and often the shape of the finished product is curved or non-uniform and this requires particular skills. Desktop publishers and graphic designers use computer keyboards to input and choose formatting properties like text size and style. The separate parts of a print job are then saved to computer memory. Each page of a book, magazine or paper can be displayed digitally on screen just as it will look when printed. Once proof reading is complete these pages are then transferred onto printing plates, or transferred directly to the printing machine ready for production. Electronic data can also be used online, for example on a company website, so graphic designers also need to be aware of electronic publishing procedures, as they may be asked to make the material they are working on "Internet ready". Many businesses now employ staff to produce marketing and other promotional materials "in-house". Opportunities in this type of work are therefore on the increase. To start out as a graphic designer you will need good qualifications. Many employers look for a relevant qualifications such as a foundation degree in design and some work experience. Senior freelance graphic designers charge up to £30.00 per hour earning up to around £50,000 a year. If this type of work appeals to you your search for vacancies should include: Electronic publishers 3D Designer DTP operators MAC / PC Operator Desktop publishing editors Illustrator Electronic pre-press technicians Web publications designers Electronic-publishing specialists Graphic designers Image designers Step Two Computer Graphics Computer graphics designer represents the vocational qualification in informatics sphere. It is a subfield of informatics and covers the methods and means for the development/editing of graphic images applying computers. This is the sphere of activities in which computer is used as a tool for processing visual images available in the real world, also for creation of new images (paintings, drawings, models). Computer graphics designers are equipped with the knowledge of the principles of operation of graphic editors, also methods of desktop publishing and basics of printing facilities. The objective of the program is to teach students: User of computer and management of files; working in Office programs (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint); use of the Internet; Principles of operation of raster and vector graphic editors: designing and processing of objects, word processing and methods of styling; Principles of image processing: restoration, correction, elimination of deficiencies and deviations, editing of contrasts and tones; Basic elements of graphic editors: layers, channels, masks and filters, and their application; Methods of desktop publishing and basics of printer facilities. The program consists of 35 hours (1credit equals to 25 hours). Duration of the program is 10 months. Prerequisite for admission to the program: Completion of at least the basic Level of general compulsory education; Interview Sphere of Employment Graduates having the qualification of Level two computer graphics designer can work as graphic designers/page makers at publishing houses, advertisement agencies, or any other organizations