Perceptions about Desktop Publishing

Desktop publishing is a term that gets tossed around without much actual knowledge of the meaning behind it. While desktop publishing commonly refers to the preparation of documents for print, it can apply to anyone who uses one of the many desktop publishing softwares in connection with their business. Anyone can be a desktop publisher and easily produce high quality printed documents with the help of an online printer and the right software.
 
Design Perceptions

Desktop publishing projects can include designs for flyer printing, booklet printing, even poster printing. The designer need not be a professional graphic designer, especially when they partner with the right printing company. Designs can be for your own company or for a client.
 
Business Perceptions

Desktop publishing has long been thought of as a small business tool. With the current economic challenges, all sizes of businesses are looking for ways to maximize their spending. Utilizing desktop publishing does just that. For common marketing items such as business cards, booklets, posters, letterhead, etc, design with desktop publishing is the way to go.
 
Desktop Publisher Perceptions

While a professional graphic designer has specialized training in designing for printed materials, “amateur” designers can create professional looking designs with desktop publishing and a little research. There are many online resources for current design trends and helpful suggestions for designing everything from booklet printing projects to greeting cards.
 
Quality Perceptions

The major false perception about amateur desktop publishers currently in existence is low quality printed materials. That perception will change quickly with the help of an online printing company. Using quality paper stock and inks with professional printing presses makes all the difference in the crispness and clarity of color in your finished products. Online printing companies are easy to use right from your desk which saves trips to the printer to drop off and pick up projects. Find a reputable printer and request a sample of their work to solidify their place in your new desktop publishing department.

Software Perceptions

Although expensive desktop publishing programs do come with time-saving shortcuts and added features, many desktop publishers can get away with the cheaper design software and still produce high quality materials. For instance, a basic booklet printing design can be done through Microsoft Word or QuarkXpress. The difference is the many convenient features and more complicated abilities that come with QuarkXpress. A talented freelancer or a small business owner with a creative eye can produce basic booklets through Microsoft Word, but for those needing to produce more complicated booklet printing or other desktop publishing designs, the more expensive software is the better choice.

Many of the perceptions surrounding desktop publishing are false, such as the idea that only those who own expensive equipment can be considered desktop publishers. Hopefully, the information above has debunked some of these myths and provided a more well-rounded, open-minded definition for desktop publishing.