How a desktop published document is created
This is where the desktop publishing really begins. It's time to open the page layout program and begin setting up the basic framework of the document. Some of the sub-tasks involved in the document setup phase will overlap with other stages of the desktop publishing process. Although presented step-by-step, desktop publishing is not an entirely linear progression. You'll find yourself going back and forth many times between tasks and between each phase.
Do the following desktop publishing tasks, as required, during document setup. Where available you'll find corresponding tutorials, exercises, or resources for further study. Items identified with * have not been set up in lesson or tutorial format yet but do include informational resources.
1. Template selection
How to Use Templates Effectively
How to Personalize Templates
2. Page size and margins setup
* Paper Sizes and Measuring Paper
Using Margins
Setting Up the Page in InDesign
Setting Margins, Columns, and Grids in InDesign
3. Columns or grid setup
* Grids
Guides
4. Master pages setup
Master Pages in InDesign
Default Software Settings
Guides
5. Color palette customization
* Process Color
* Spot Color
The Color Palette in InDesign
6. Paragraph styles setup
Using Style Sheets
Document Defaults
Paragraph Spacing
Once the document setup is complete, it's time to bring in the text and whip it into shape.
