Desktop Publishing or DTP is the use of computers to lay out text and graphics for printing in magazines, newsletters, brochures, etc. A good DTP system provides precise control over templates, styles, fonts, sizes, color, paragraph formatting, images and fitting text into irregular shapes*.
In large enterprises, Desktop Publishing has gained popularity because it enables the user to create high quality documents using a computer or a workstation.
These documents can then be printed or, by creating a PostScript file, it can be taken to a service bureau where plates can be made to be used in offset printing. Though a more expensive option, offset printing allows for a higher quality document with better color.
In short, Desktop Publishing is effective when it comes to not only creating high quality, professional documents, but the printing or digital distribution of these types of documents as well.
Desktop Publishing also allows the user to create various documents in a wide range of file formats, making it compatible with just about any form of printing or digital distribution.
Some of the common uses of Desktop Publishing in larger businesses can include:
- Print Communications
- Corporate Designs
- Digital Communications
- Internal Business Communications
- Digital Designs
- Signage
Print Communication
Desktop Publishing had made print communications within a large business so much easier. Software of this nature allows the user to create brochures, posters, print advertisements, catalogues, print newsletters and even directories. Desktop Publishing had made both the design and printing of these types of communications a whole lot easier and, because of the software’s great functionality, the printing of these documents have also become of greater quality.
Corporate Designs
Corporate designs are also done with Desktop Publishing. These types of designs will include a business’s logo, letterhead and even business cards. By being able to do these types of design in-house, the business will have no need to outsource the tasks to any other companies or businesses.
By being able to use Desktop Publishing of corporate designs, the printing of business cards, for example, has also become a task that can be dealt with internally and at a more time effective rate.
Digital Communications
Desktop Publishing enables large businesses to create their digital communications. This includes a whole range of items including digital newsletters, slide shows and professional presentations.
Newsletters for example can be designed, finalized and sent out internally, without having to rely on third parties.
Many large businesses also choose to do their annual reports using Desktop Publishing tools. These types of documents can include investor related documents, helping with not only the quality of these types of documents, but the ‘professional look’ of the company as well.
Internal Business Communications
Internal business communications are also made easier with Desktop Publishing. Using software, the user can design and print ‘corporate’ stationary such as invoices, memos, labels, inventory sheets and even ‘corporate’ notepads.
This helps all staff to use the approved corporate designs throughout their entire array of tasks.
Digital Designs
One of the great advantages of Desktop Publishing is that it allows larger businesses to create and publish digital designs. This includes a wide range of digital designs and publishing, including web designs and the publishing thereof, webpage layouts and publishing, blog designs and publishing, as well as newsletter and catalogue design and the publishing thereof.
Signage
Desktop Publishing also allows the user to both design signage as well as print it. Signage is used as marketing material such as billboard advertisements, store signs and even banners. This becomes a great tool for a large business’ Marketers, Designers and Copywriters, as they can work together without having to attract a third party.
The printing of these types of designs might be outsourced as it is another, more specialized field.
There is a wide range of Desktop Publishing software out there, the more professional types including software such as Adobe InDesign. Microsoft Windows also has its own Desktop Publishing program known as Microsoft Publisher.
At the end of the day, Desktop Publishing allows larger businesses to do multiple tasks, such as the creation of business cards and newsletters, in-house rather than having to outsource it to a number of other companies and businesses.
