With a desktop publishing system you have all the technology you need to produce all kinds of printed matter to the very highest design standards - just as the manufacturers promised. But what about design expertise and knowledge?

As many a would-be graphic designer has found to their cost the most advanced system in the world cannot make up for a lack of basic understanding of design. In the same way experienced designers are not going to be able to reap the benefits of DTP until they know how to apply that experience in the DTP environment.

Whether you are a professional graphic designer with years of experience behind you or a complete beginner Designing for Desktop Publishing will give you all the help you need to exploit the marvellous design potential of your desktop system. Designing for Desktop Publishing begins with clear explanations of the principles of designing printed matter. As a newcomer to the field you will be introduced to the welcome idea that there are rules about creating good design and you will be shown easy-to-follow procedures to help you create individual and original design that works. As an experienced designer you will begin to see how to relate carefully nurtured skills to DTP.

The second section gets down to very specific advice on designing a variety of projects in ascending order of complexity - from personal stationery to newsletters, brochures and advertisements. You will learn about the special problems attached to each and, more important how to overcome them.

Next the authors show how DTP can really fulfill (and surpass) the makers' promise with case studies of some of the best graphic design from around the world - all produced on desktop systems. You will see why the designer chose that particular solution and how DTP eased its execution.

Once you have mastered the techniques of creating good design on your DTP system there are many options you can choose to output your work. Designing for Desktop Publishing also covers important aspects of graphic design such as presenting work to outside suppliers, proofing and passing for press to ensure a standard of finished product that does justice to your on-screen design. Producing good, original and speedy design is now in the reach of anyone who possesses a DTP system, providing you can marry the potential of these powerful systems to good design principles and that is what Designing for Desktop Publishing is all about.