The Desktop Publishing module teaches the tools of the trade: software applications for producing both hard copy and online documentation. But there is much more to Desktop Publishing than learning a particular tool. Today, many companies use their own software tools for producing documentation - and with the breakup of some of the near monopolies enjoyed by traditional desktop publishing systems, today’s aspiring desktop publishers have to learn the principles and techniques common to all desktop publishing. They have to be able to understand what constitutes a good page design and how to implement it - regardless of the actual software system used.

The Desktop Publishing module gives the student hands-on practice in producing good looking, effective documents - whether on or off line. Students’ work is constantly improved by in-depth feedback, often in the form of short films that show how to make the document better. Students are also able to share their desktop with the instructor to get real time help when it is needed.

By the conclusion of the module, students master a wide range of tools and skills that enable them to produce professional looking documentation.

52 Hours

Course Topics

• Understanding Desktop Publishing Systems

• Principles of Page Design

• Styles and Constructing Templates for Technical Documentation

• Producing Drawings for Technical Manuals

• Screen Capturing, Tables, and Script Text

• Numbering, Cross-referencing, Indexing, TOC, and Field Codes

• Managing Files and Producing the Final Copy

• Using PowerPoint for Presentations and Training Manuals

• Producing Online Help (Web Help, .chm Help)

• Using Single Sourcing tools to produce both Hard-copy and Soft-copy documentation.

Tools Learned

• Word

• RoboHelp

• FrameMaker

• Screen Capturing applications

• Acrobat

• Visio

• Author-it