Desktop Publishing

Foundational Concepts1

  • 1

    Define terms related to graphic arts/desktop publishing 1.1

  • 2

    Identify and apply tools and palettes 1.2

  • 3

    Demonstrate sensitivity to bias (e.g., culture, gender, age) 1.3

  • 4

    Manage electronic files (e.g., storage, naming files, retrieval) 1.4

  • 5

    Identify careers/self-employment opportunities in graphic arts/desktop publishing1.5

  • 6

    Plan a preliminary layout for a publication using manual or digital tools 1.6

  • 7

    Develop a work schedule to meet deadlines 1.7

  • 8

    Prepare a budget for a graphic arts/desktop publishing project 1.8

Design Concepts2

  • 1

    Plan the proper use of white space. 2.1

  • 2

    Apply the proper use of color. 2.2

  • 3

    Create an effective focal point (e.g., primary, secondary). 2.3

  • 4

    Create appropriate headlines. 2.4

  • 5

    Position captions. 2.5

  • 6

    Apply design principles and elements (e.g., movement, balance, symmetry). 2.6

  • 7

    Apply layering techniques in publications. 2.7

  • 8

    Match the design to the appropriate audience. 2.8

Typography Concepts3

  • 1

    Create a text frame 3.1

  • 2

    Compose text (e.g., headings, captions, body text) 3.2

  • 3

    Import text files and other word processing documents into publications 3.3

  • 4

    Access fonts (e.g., download, unzip, install) 3.4

  • 5

    Apply font size guidelines 3.5

  • 6

    Measure type (e.g., pixels, inches, points, ect.)3.6

  • 7

    Adjust typography attributes (e.g., bold, italic, underline, reverse) 3.7

  • 8

    Apply character and word spacing (e.g., kerning, tracking and leading) 3.8

  • 9

    Explain the usage of font types (e.g., serif, sans serif, decorative) 3.9

  • 10

    Manipulate text features and formats (e.g., wordwrap, hyphenations, drop cap, color, gradient, text path) 3.10

  • 11

    Apply tabs and indents in text frames 3.11

  • 12

    Apply widow and orphan protection 3.12

Managing Images4

  • 1

    Use a  camera to acquire appropriate resolution images (e.g., portrait, landscape, moving objects) 4.1

  • 2

    Use a scanner to digitize images with appropriate resolution for intended use 4.2

  • 3

    Import files and images from various sources (e.g., software-specific library, Internet, ect.) 4.3

  • 4

    Edit images (color, filter, tints, contrast, watermark, brightness) 4.4

  • 5

    Apply image modes (e.g., convert RGB, CMYK, grayscale) 4.5

  • 6

    Manipulate images (e.g., mask, resize, crop, scale, rotate, group/ungroup) 4.6

  • 7

    Create original drawings in illustration software 4.7

  • 8

    Determine appropriate image file formats (e.g., bmp, tiff, jpeg, gif, pict, eps) 4.8

  • 9

    Apply appropriate resolution settings for intended use of an image 4.9

  • 10

    Select color scheme 4.10

  • 11

    Select appropriate ink colors (e.g., Pantone, PMS) 4.11

Publication Layout5

  • 1

    Set appropriate page layout options (margins, columns, double-sided, facing pages, page numbering) 5.1

  • 2

    Create master pages 5.2

  • 3

    Create templates (e.g. labels, business cards, brochures, programs) 5.3

  • 4

    Modify templates (e.g. labels, business cards, brochures, programs) 5.4

  • 5

    Use editing tools (e.g., copy, cut, paste) 5.5

The Printing Process6

  • 1

    Describe the purpose and process of color separation. 6.1

  • 2

    Use print preview or WYSIWYG layout before printing. 6.2

  • 3

    Select an appropriate printer and printer attributes (e.g., duplexing, tray size, paper size). 6.3

  • 4

    Perform color separation. 6.4

  • 5

    Convert desktop publication to format for exporting/Web posting (e.g., PDF, HTML). 6.5

Portfolio7

  • 1

    Create a resume highlighting graphic arts/desktop publishing and related skills. 7.1

  • 2

    Select sample projects to show graphic arts/desktop publishing concepts mastered. 7.2

  • 3

    Explain the reasons for selecting the sample projects in the portfolio. 7.3

  • 4

    Arrange a selection of sample projects into a professional print or digital format. 7.4

Foundations of Communication8

  • 1

    Demonstrate ability to listen/read and follow directions. 8.1

  • 2

    Demonstrate proofreading and editing skills. 8.2

  • 3

    Demonstrate appropriate use of grammar 8.3

  • 4

    Demonstrate ability to format written communications to include numbers, and punctuation. 8.4

  • 5

    Demonstrate ability to research and analyze information from various sources (i.e. written, digital) for use in written or oral presentation. 8.5

Workplace Readiness Skills9

  • 1

    Compare copyright and patent laws between educational and workplace settings (e.g., video, text, sound, pictures) 9.1

  • 2

    Demonstrate ethical behavior when designing publications 9.2

  • 3

    Identify career/self-employment opportunities in graphic arts & desktop publishing fields 9.3

  • 4

    Exhibit leadership skills through a student organization (e.g., FBLA, DECA) 9.4

  • 5

    Interact with industry professionals (e.g., guest speakers, field trips, job shadowing) 9.5

  • 6

    Use help tools (e.g., technical manual, on-line help, technical support) 9.6

  • 7

    Demonstrate ability to function as a team member 9.7

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?
Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, and Grade 12
Where can I read the official document?
2022Desktop Publishing