How to Create a Publication
With Microsoft Publisher

In class when we talk about how to create a publication with MS Publisher, I like to follow some steps that make it easy to end up with the result we are looking for.

Choose the Kind of Publication
Decide what kind of publication you are creating. Publisher allows you to create a wide variety of documents such as business cards, brochures and newsletters. Often these publications can be created from templates.

But if you want to produce a publication that has a distinctive look you will have to customize it. Keep in mind the following aspects of customization.

Choose your Fonts
Stick with the classical fonts. Use a serif font such as Times or sans serif like Arial. If you plan to use a font that is not usually seen in quality publications make sure that you are not going to end up with something that really you don't want. See the MS Publisher templates for idea of fonts you can use.

Pick your Colours
First you must decide what colours you will use. Don't just go with your favourite colours. Often they may be inappropriate or just wrong for the image you want to project. If you are not sure ask your teacher or your classmates for their opinions.

If you are producing a publication that is part of a group of publications such as business card, letterhead, logo, etc. you will have to keep your colours consistent with that scheme.

Insert Graphics
MS Publisher includes a large selection of free clip art which you can use in your publication without worry of violating copyright. If you are planning to use images off the Web make sure that they are not copyright protected. The best is to use your own digital images or images that you have created with a graphics program such as Adobe Photoshop.

Prepare your Publication for Printing
This is the final step. Professional quality documents almost always need to be sent to a commercial printer. Depending on the service you use you can email your file to them or give it on a USB stick or CD. It is best to check with the printing service as to their preference of format.

Follow the steps above and you should be able to create a publication that looks good and of which you are justifiably proud.

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