DTP Potpourri - Part I
by Judy Vorfeld

Are you confused regarding the many "rules" for Desktop Publishing, both on and off the Web? If you want to excel in the DTP field, you need a good mix of knowledge in typography, grammar, design, paper, service bureaus, print shops, marketing, and client needs.

SERVICE BUREAUS ServiceBureaus.com is a great place to visit to learn more about service bureaus and what they expect from clients. Once you've been through the Web site, consider visiting one in your area (make an appointment) to learn what it requires in terms of output. Don't hesitate to plead ignorance and let the staff know that you will treasure any information they choose to give.

KERNING adjusts the spacing between a selected series of letter pairs for the purpose of improving their appearance when printed. It's also called letterspacing. Typically, some letter pairs, especially when enlarged and used for headings, do not appear evenly spaced. Even if everything else in your document is perfect, if you don't have good kerning, you short-change your client. And yourself.

FONTS If you're sending your file to a service bureau, you may need to convert your TrueType fonts to PostScript fonts. Most DTP-type software programs offer instructions on how to save to a PostScript printer. Make sure you spend time with the service bureau or prepress service provider to verify that you have compatible operating systems and compatible software, and that you speak the same language (typographically).

LEADING (pronounced "ledding") is the spacing between lines. The default for most software programs is one space. You have a great deal of freedom using leading in most software.

MEMORIZE WINDOWS ANSI CHARACTERS You can speed up your work by memorizing a few of the frequently used characters. Be aware that not all font styles contain each and every character. Hold down the ALT key, then punch in the following four characters on your numeric keypad (the character will appear once the ALT key is released):

PROOFING Check to see that all document headings are in the same case. If your document uses all caps for headings, make sure you don't have any headings with mixed cases. It happens.

For proofing format and layout, you might find it economical to use a product such as FinePrint. This small but effective software offers many printing options, including two up, four up, etc. There are other snazzy functions as well, including the ability to print a number of commonly used watermarks on the pages. What a savings on paper, toner, filing space, time, and wear on my printer.

CAMERA READY ARTWORK If you provide clients with finished artwork that will go to a print shop, you want the finest contrast possible. Use bright white paper. There are many fine products, but I especially like Hammermill Color Copier paper. With 96 brightness (Photo White) and a weight of 28/70, it's a winner.

LASER PRINTING If you're serious about DTP, laser printing is the way to go: no spotting, chipping, etc., and much better resolution than inkjet.

CREATING A GRAPHIC The circle is considered the most powerful shape in graphic design. Here's a fun exercise to learn how to work with shapes, shading, and text:

Draw a rectangle and fill with a light gray. Draw a circle inside the rectangle, leaving plenty of space between the circle and the edges of the rectangle. Take a graphic you like and move it around inside the circle until you have a pleasant grouping. Create some brief text and place it, as well. Perhaps a small acronym. Once you have them placed comfortably, select them all, and group them. Add a border, and voilą.

Part II of DTP POTPOURRI includes information about paper weights, textures, etc., and the relationship you need to establish with a printer. A highly professional printer is like a fine jewel; a box of chocolates; a medium-rare steak smothered in mushrooms nestled next to a baked potato drowning in chives, sour cream and butter; or any book by Patrick O'Brian.

Continue with Part II

Judy Vorfeld (Webgrammar), owns Office Support Services, a home-based business specializing in the value of good grammar usage. Services include typing, copyediting, Web analysis, renovation, and design. She also works with foreign Web site editors when translated text needs clarification for the American English audience. You can reach Judy at oss@ossweb.com or http://www.webgrammar.com.

Judy is truly one of the good people on the Web. She is highly motivated and community involved. We met her through our awards program and invited her to share her talent with you. When you go to visit her web site, please tell her the Internet Brothers sent you.

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