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Rules of DTP

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

What are the rules of desktop publishing? Basically they are ways of doing things — selecting fonts and graphics and arranging them on the page — that help differentiate the novice designers from the pros. Following these rules can help anyone look good in print and communicate more effectively.

Enroll in this 12 lesson email class where you will get a daily email newsletter that covers one rule per day along with additional tidbits of information found only in the email class. For class details, keep reading.

Who Should Enroll?
The rules of desktop publishing are for anyone who creates letters, brochures, business cards, fliers, posters, greeting cards, banners, newsletters, booklets, presentations, or reports. These rules are not just for those who do or plan to do desktop publishing professionally. Anyone using desktop publishing software can benefit.

How Long Will It Take?
There are 12 rules or lessons - 12 daily emails in this class. IMPORTANT: If you are enrolled in or have completed the Daily Dose of DTP introductory course, the 12 rules are covered in lessons 29-40. However, as of January 9, 2007 the format and some content of this version has changed. The lessons in this class differ somewhat from those covered in the Daily Dose of DTP.

What Does the Class Cover?
This class is designed to give a crash course in how to keep the look of an amateur out of your desktop publishing documents. The topics include how and why to banish leftover typewriter habits, how to use fonts and clip art effectively, and how to arrange text and graphics on the page. Each class is 2 to 4 pages of study materials and tutorials plus an assignment. The assignment (new to this 2007 version) is optional but doing the exercises can be beneficial to those who are serious about desktop publishing and page layout.

How Do I Enroll?
Sign up below and the first rule of desktop publishing (Lesson 1: Space After Punctuation) will arrive shortly. When the last newsletter arrives you are automatically unsubscribed - no action required on your part. To unsubscribe earlier use the link at the end of one of the newsletters.

PLEASE triple check the email address you enter, make sure your mailbox is not over-quota, and check your spam-filtering software or check with your ISP to insure that mail from about.com can get through. If you do not receive the first lesson the day you subscribe, something is wrong. There may be up to a 36 hour or so delay between Lesson 1 and 2.

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