An Introduction to Desktop Publishing

They say “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” but how many times have you picked up a book simply because of its design? Or bought a product just because of its eye-catching packaging? Well, that is the power of desktop publishing at work.

Desktop publishing, or DTP, is the process of combining and rearranging elements, such as texts and graphics, to produce polished documents and files. The interplay of design, layout, and typography enhances visual impact and promotes effective relay of information.

Debuted in the mid-1980s when the first DTP software was introduced, the publishing industry has taken a radical shift that has changed the game forever. Major players, such as Apple, Hewlett-Packard, Aldus Corporation, and Adobe, took the lead in producing the technology that transformed the industry’s labor-intensive production to a more efficient and integrated process.

From being a very costly, machine-dependent process, DTP is now highly accessible to anyone, with or without a background in design. Various software are available to suit one’s needs, ranging from simple word processing to those with highly complex features. Software serve as the foundation for efficient editing. However, learning to maneuver this is only the first step. It takes skill, a keen eye for detail, precision, and a bit of artistic flair to use it properly as a powerful communication tool.

What was once exclusive for print communications is now utilized for multiple platforms. More than ever, DTP is much needed in today’s businesses because of the increasing trend in digital communication to have a strong web presence. It has become a growing need to be able to thrive in the competitive market.

Many companies provide professional services that address these needs. One of the most notable is Lexcode Philippines, the leading localization company based in Makati. Lexcode takes desktop publishing to another level as it offers multilingual DTP services complementary to its high-quality translation. Its team of DTP experts is trusted to deliver content that is of utmost quality while ensuring that the overall substance is culturally suitable and accurate.

Desktop publishing remains as a distinct career choice, but more and more companies and organizations are banking on talents who possess creative design skill sets and knowledge in operating-related software, apart from their expertise in their respective fields. Because of the undisputed importance of excellence in any business today, companies and individuals constantly require professional DTP work on their documents to ensure that their content is on par with the quality they want to present.

Being proficient at desktop publishing is not only a great addition to your skill set, it can also bring in extra income as its application continues to get broader and more embedded in our daily lives.