What is desktop publishing (DTP)?

Desktop publishing (DTP) has revolutionised the way files can be created and published from the same desk. Since the 1980s, this technology has allowed specialists to design professional publications for marketing and other purposes.

Linguarum uses DTP to tailor texts and visual designs precisely to international markets. Your publications will be both correct and visually appealing in every language.

Give your international publications the professional edge they deserve. Get your DTP project started with Linguarum, your expert for flawless multilingual documents. Let’s discuss your project!

What do we mean by desktop publishing?

Desktop publishing (DTP) is the process of creating ready-to-print and digital publications from a computer. It involves seamlessly integrating texts and images into layouts that are optimised for both print and digital formats.

DTP has been revolutionising the way content is produced since the 1980s. The introduction of DTP programmes like Adobe InDesign and QuarkXPress made it possible to create print templates without the time-consuming traditional techniques. This technology also allowed people who weren’t experts in graphic design to produce files that look professional.

Where DTP is used

Desktop publishing (DTP) is used in an array of media for both print and digital formats. This technology makes it possible to design publications efficiently for different platforms and target groups. 

Products created using DTP technology:

• Newspapers and magazines: Optimisation of print layouts for informative, attractive content.
• Brochures, posters and flyers: Precise layout tools for effective and attractive advertising material.
• Books and e-books: Professional design with a focus on complex layouts and typography.
• PDFs and technical documentation: Clear, well-structured documents for technical content.
• Websites and digital banners: Optimisation for different devices and screen sizes.
• Newsletters and presentations: Text and graphics integrated seamlessly for attractive layouts.

Choosing the right DTP software

Choosing the right DTP software is crucial to an efficient translation process. This choice affects whether existing templates need to be adapted or new designs developed. 

For projects in the fields of graphic design and DTP, it is often necessary to weigh up the advantages of top software like Adobe InDesign against other alternatives to decide whether it makes more sense to adapt existing files or create a new design.

DTP software: Decisions in the translation industry

For translation agencies like Linguarum, the choice of DTP software is crucial. The software needs to support creating multilingual layouts, efficiently handle existing files, and also be flexible when handling new designs.

Key criteria when choosing DTP software

• Adaptation or new design: The ability of software to efficiently adapt existing templates or create new layouts from the ground up is pivotal. Adobe InDesign offers an array of functions for both scenarios.
• Compatibility and integration: The DTP software needs to support different file formats and also be compatible with other tools to optimise the workflow.
• Flexible typography: The software should offer a wide variety of font and typography options, especially for multilingual content with complex scripts.

Proven DTP software and their applications

• Adobe InDesign: This is the industry standard for complex layouts and multilingual files.
• Scribus: A free, efficient, open-source alternative, ideal for simple or medium-difficulty projects.
• QuarkXPress: Effective with script functions, perfect for demanding publications.
• Canva and Lucidpress: User-friendly online apps that are well-suited to quick, simple layouts. These options are a cost-effective alternative for projects that don’t require especially complex functions.

Other factors to consider

• Costs and training resources: Long-term costs and training possibilities should also be borne in mind.
• Data protection: Robust security is indispensable in the translation industry to guarantee privacy for sensitive documents.

DTP in action: Linguarum's solutions

Challenges in multilingual DTP

Multilingual documents present specific challenges of their own:

• Different text lengths: Translations often lead to varying text lengths, which has an effect on layout. A sentence in one language might take up more or less space in another language, making adjustments to the layout necessary.
• Adapting layouts: Layout software has to be flexible to adapt to different text lengths while maintaining readability and aesthetic appeal.
• Range of media: These challenges are particularly relevant with complex print products like books, brochures and marketing material, where layout has to be both functional and easy on the eye.

Our solutions and integration into the DTP process

Linguarum uses specialised software and proven working processes to deal with these challenges effectively:

Integrating memoQ:

Translations are incorporated directly in IDML (InDesign Markup Language) format. This means translators can work on the text within the context of the final layout, which minimises the chance of errors and organises the process more efficiently.

Optimised layout adjustments:

The layout is adapted to the text during the translation process itself, guaranteeing that the end product remains visually and linguistically consistent. This is particularly useful with large projects like multilingual brochures or technical documents. 

Cost-effectiveness:

Working directly in IDML format significantly reduces graphic-design costs and allows designers to concentrate on fine-tuning the layout and optimising the visual content.

An example of effective DTP

One example is how a Japanese and a German brochure are produced in parallel:

• Visually consistent: Despite different text lengths, the design of the two brochures remained visually consistent.
• Linguistically accurate: A combination of DTP and translation guarantees appealing, accurate publications.

Cost-effective graphic design with Linguarum

Linguarum places great value on fair, transparent pricing structures for graphic design. Our graphic-design work generally costs 30–50% of the translation price and is calculated at a competitive rate of €35.00 per hour.

Web-optimised brochures for our regular clients are an example of our cost-effective approach. These projects often only require minor updates, which are made possible with reusable templates and optimised working processes. This way, we pass savings directly onto our clients without affecting quality.

Quality assurance after the DTP process

Quality assurance is a key part of Linguarum’s DTP process. Once the layout work is complete, our experts carefully check the translated text for any errors and to make sure the layout meets linguistic requirements. 

We also offer insurance that covers printing errors up to €150,000. This protection demonstrates our commitment to error- and risk-free publications.

The future of desktop publishing with Linguarum

At Linguarum, we are constantly innovating our work with desktop publishing (DTP). We aim to always be at the forefront of technological developments and offer our clients the most advanced solutions. We closely observe current trends, especially the increasing importance of cloud solutions and subscription models.

Our strategy includes integrating new technology to further increase the efficiency and quality of our DTP services. We implement state-of-the-art tools and workflows to ensure that our clients can also take advantage of the best-quality DTP in future.

Start your DTP project with a dependable partner at your side!

Linguarum offers you first-rate DTP solutions as well as our experience and expertise to make your multilingual projects a success. Our highly efficient working processes, combined with state-of-the-art technology, guarantee accurate and aesthetically appealing publications.

Get in touch with us now.

You can contact us from Monday to Friday between 07:00 and 16:00 (UK time) by phone on +44 20 3139 9070 or by email at any time: [email protected].

FAQ: Everything you need to know about desktop publishing

What is publishing?

Publishing involves producing and circulating content, mostly in the form of books, magazines, newspapers or digital media. It comprises all the steps from production to layout to final publication. 

What is a simple definition of desktop publishing?

Desktop publishing (DTP) involves using software to create and design documents that are to be printed or published digitally. It makes it possible to integrate texts, images and graphics in one ready-to-print layout.

What is online desktop publishing?

Online desktop publishing uses web-based DTP tools that make it possible to create and edit documents straight from a browser. These tools often provide the same functions as traditional DTP software, but without needing to install the software locally.

What do we mean by DTP?

When we say ‘DTP’, we mean creating and designing ready-to-print documents from a computer. DTP software makes it possible to combine texts, images and graphics in an attractive layout optimised for print or digital media.

What is computer-based DTP?

Computer-based DTP uses desktop-publishing software to design documents on a computer and prepare them for printing. It comprises all the steps from typesetting to the final design of a ready-to-print document.

What does a desktop publisher do?

A desktop publisher designs and produces ready-to-print documents with the help of DTP software. This involves integrating text, graphics and images into a layout optimised for print or for digital publishing.

What does a DTP operator do?

A DTP operator is responsible for the technical implementation of layouts. They work with DTP software to insert texts, images and graphics precisely into the layouts required and to prepare them for printing or digital publication.

When was desktop publishing developed, and by who?

Desktop publishing was developed in the mid-1980s, largely thanks to the introduction of Apple’s Macintosh computers and PageMaker software produced by the Aldus Corporation (later taken over by Adobe). This technology revolutionised the pre-press stage by making it possible to create layouts straight from a computer.

What is publishing software?

Publishing software is used to create, design and publish content. It includes DTP programmes like Adobe InDesign, QuarkXPress and web-based tools like Canva that make it possible to design ready-to-print documents or documents that can be published digitally.