Desktop Publishing Services

Desktop publishing services are very important services provided by translation companies to modify existing documents and create new ones, arranging text and images to create a clear and attractive page and the output is a professionally prepared document in the language of your choice. The desktop publishing services help in producing sophisticated typeset documents in any language and any format, creating the right visual layout to give a more professional look.


What is Desktop Publishing?
Desktop publishing is the process of using certain types of software and the computer to combine text and graphics to create a well laid out document such as brochures, newsletters, books, etc. Desktop publishing is also known as DTP. Using a page layout software, desktop publishing helps documents for publication on a computer which is for either large scale publishing or small scale local cost effective multifunction output and distribution.

Desktop publishing is different from graphic designing in the sense that graphic designing is the process of combining text and graphics and producing an effective message in the design of graphics, brochures, logos, newsletters, posters, signs etc. with or without the use of the computer. Desktop publishing is considered as the lesser of the two fields.

Commonly used to describe page layout skills, desktop publishing services are not only limited to paper and books but also often used to create graphics for promotional items, trade show exhibitions, point of sale displays, retail package designs, outdoor signs etc.

Multilingual DTP
When we talk about multilingual DTP, it implies DTP services in different languages. Most translation companies provide multilingual DTP services so that your business , your product is known to various people. This is an important component of linguistic services. In multilingual DTP, translators and graphic designers use foreign fonts for things such as creation of image files, typesetting, brochures, company reports, etc. In short, multilingual DTP uses foreign languages for artwork. Translation companies format and recreate foreign language layouts and supports over various languages, to reflect a culturally appropriate message.

Importance of Desktop Publishing
Desktop publishing services are very essential to the translation industry because of the manner languages change when they are translated. Translation of documents from one language to another has tremendous impact on the graphical layout of documents. For example:

• German and Russian words usually have dozens of characters long, which lead to the need for re-sizing of certain items.
  
  
• Documents translated from English to another language may expand in word count.
  
  
• Some languages like Arabic and Hebrew which are written right to left require completely modified page layouts.
  
  
• Character-based languages, like Japanese, Chinese, Korean need specific versions of standard publishing software to be installed on the native platform so as to produce localized documents for the target users.
  
  
• Translations out of English often expand in volume by between 10% and 25%.

Desktop Publishing thus plays an important role in dealing with these challenges and producing the final output in a proper layout. It is important as a tool because it can enhance communication by making it easy to efficiently produce printed and electronic documents. While initially it was done manually, today the Desktop publishing software is used which allows the user to rearrange text and graphics , change typefaces , and resize graphics easily and quickly before finally committing a design to paper.

The process
Translating a document is only half the challenge. Once the initial translation is done, there are additional steps that need to be taken which is handled by the DTP department. The process includes the following:

• Pages need to be reformatted not only to accommodate language expansion but also to ensure that the layout is more or less similar to that of the source language document.
  
  
• Graphics containing text need to be localized and translated.
  
  
• Source-language screens are needed to be replaced by screens captured from localized applications.
  
  
• Using the software use different typefaces, specify various margins, and embed illustrations and graphs directly into the text.
  
  
• Indexes and tables of contents which are generated need to be proofread for accuracy.
  
  
• Once a document is produced with a desktop publishing system, you can get the final print from a printer.

Desktop Publishing Software
There are different types of desktop publishing software. Homes and small businesses make use of consumer-level desktop publishing software packages. These packages are designed for non-designers. High-end software for professional and high-volume use is used by freelance graphic designers, corporations, print shops, graphic design firms. Despite the different types of software, different types of documents created, and where the software is used, all these fall under the wings of desktop publishing.

Where is Desktop Publishing Services Used?
Desktop publishing software is used in professional graphic design firms and also other types of businesses of all sizes. It is used in homes, schools, service bureaus, quick copy centers, and print shops. For any kind of printed communications desktop publishing service is required. The software is used to make:

Newsletters Visiting cards Brochures Catalogs Invitation letters Greetings cards Billboards POP displays

Certificates Exciting, Eye Catching Event Handouts Business Forms and Work Orders Books Presentations Flyers Proposals & Reports etc.