COURSE INFO

Course Detail_____

DESKTOP PUBLISHING

Course Overview

This course covers the fundamentals of computer operations, Microsoft Office tools, and industry-standard graphic design and page layout software such as PageMaker, CorelDRAW, and Adobe Photoshop. The aim is to equip students with the necessary skills to create visually appealing documents, advertisements, brochures, magazines, and other types of professional publications.
1. Fundamentals of Computers

• Computer Basics:
  • Overview of computer hardware and software.
  • Components: CPU, RAM, storage devices, input/output devices.
• Operating Systems:
  • Introduction to popular operating systems: Windows, Linux, macOS.
  • Understanding how to use operating system features (folders, file management, basic troubleshooting).
• Computer Applications:
  • Overview of general computer applications and their uses in desktop publishing.

2. Introduction to Operating Systems (OS)

• Basic Operating System Concepts:
  • What is an Operating System? Its role in managing hardware and software.
  • Features of Windows (file management, task manager, system settings, etc.).
• File Management:
  • Creating, saving, and organizing files and folders.
  • Understanding file extensions and formats (JPEG, PNG, PDF, etc.).
  • Copying, moving, renaming, and deleting files and folders.
• Windows OS Tools:
  • Exploring system tools such as Control Panel, File Explorer, and Taskbar.
  • Using keyboard shortcuts for efficient workflow.

3. MS-Office (Word, Excel)

• MS Word (Word Processing):
  • Creating and formatting documents.
  • Using templates, text styles, and font formatting.
  • Inserting tables, images, charts, and links.
  • Page setup: Margins, page orientation, headers, footers.
  • Preparing professional documents like brochures, reports, and flyers.
• MS Excel (Spreadsheet):
  • Working with spreadsheets and data tables.
  • Basic formulas: SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT.
  • Creating charts and graphs.
  • Data formatting, cell references, and conditional formatting.
  • Using Excel for data organization that may be needed for publications (graphs, price lists, etc.).

4. PageMaker (Desktop Publishing Software)

• Introduction to PageMaker:
  • Overview of Adobe PageMaker (or an alternative desktop publishing tool).
  • The interface: Toolbars, workspace, and panels.
• Document Creation and Layout:
  • Creating documents with custom page sizes.
  • Setting margins, columns, and page grids.
  • Using text frames and images to create visually engaging pages.
• Typography and Layout Design:
  • Working with text styles: font types, size, spacing, alignment.
  • Inserting and formatting text and images.
  • Working with master pages for consistent layouts.
• Exporting and Printing:
  • Exporting documents in different formats (PDF, EPS, etc.).
  • Preparing documents for high-quality printing (understanding resolution, color modes).

5. CorelDRAW (Vector Graphic Design Software)

• Introduction to CorelDRAW:
  • Understanding CorelDRAW as a vector graphics design software.
  • The interface: Toolbars, workspace, and options.
• Creating Graphics:
  • Basic vector shapes, paths, and lines.
  • Using the Pen tool, Bezier curves, and creating freeform designs.
  • Drawing and editing shapes, lines, and curves.
• Color Management:
  • Working with colors, gradients, and color palettes.
  • Applying fills, strokes, and creating color schemes.
• Creating Logos and Designs:
  • Designing logos, illustrations, and professional graphics.
  • Combining text and graphics to make cohesive designs.
  • Exporting and preparing files for printing.

6. Adobe Photoshop (Raster Image Editing)

• Introduction to Photoshop:
  • Understanding the difference between vector and raster graphics.
  • The Photoshop interface: Workspace, tools, and panels.
• Basic Image Editing:
  • Cropping, resizing, and rotating images.
  • Adjusting brightness, contrast, color balance, and sharpness.
• Advanced Image Manipulation:
  • Working with layers, blending modes, and layer styles.
  • Using the selection tools (Marquee, Lasso, Magic Wand).
  • Cloning, healing, and retouching images for high-quality output.
• Text Effects and Typography:
  • Adding and manipulating text: font styles, kerning, and tracking.
  • Creating special text effects for headlines, banners, and more.
• Working with Filters and Effects:
  • Applying filters for artistic effects (blur, distort, sharpen).
  • Using advanced effects for advertisements and high-end publications.
• Exporting Images for Print and Web:
  • Exporting files in different formats (JPEG, PNG, TIFF, etc.).
  • Optimizing images for print quality and web display.

7. Overview of the Internet

• Understanding the Internet:
  • Basic concepts of the Internet and its applications.
  • Browsers and search engines: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer.
  • Navigating websites, downloading and uploading files.
• Online Research and Tools:
  • Using the internet for research: Finding images, fonts, and design inspiration.
  • Using online platforms for collaboration (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox).
• Web Publishing:
  • Basics of publishing digital designs online (e.g., web banners, social media posts).
  • Understanding digital publishing formats like PDF, JPG, PNG for online platforms.