Features of and differences between word-processing and DTP

Specific features common to word-processing and DTP software

• Edit text: can include changing a sentence to make it clearer, formatting the text, correct mistakes
• Auto wrap: software automatically allows the text to flow and start new lines
• Lists: used to make points and these points can be numbered automatically
• Indentation: gap left before the first word starts in a paragraph, can be set automatically by the software
• Tabs: moves cursor to new position to allow the entry of text
• Paragraphs
• Bullets: useful to draw the reader's attention to a list of points would like to make (a block or paragraph of text that has a symbol placed in front to make the section of text stand out)
• Headings and subheadings
• Numbering and sub-numbering: adds structure to a document
• Borders: add more emphasis to a word, section of text, paragraph or table
• Page and line breaks: Page breaks are when one page finishes and another starts, line breaks are where the return is pressed so that a new line starts
• Line spacing: determines the amount of white space between the lines of text
• Columns

• Sections/chapters
• Create and format tables: tables are made up of rows and columns that can be filled with text, used to organise and present information
• Merge and split table cells: text is wrapped in order to keep the width of the cell the same, merge better for headings
• Spelling and grammar checks: check that words in document are in the dictionary, grammar checks used to check the grammar of document against set rules but do not check the meaning
• Word count
• Grouping, ungrouping and layering: when make a drawing out of separate components can group them together so that you can work on the whole drawing as a single object, layering is concept of working on diagrams in layers

Differences between word - processing and DTP: Advantages in using DTP rather than word-processing software, DTP more suitable when:

• page design is complex
• there are lots of images
• a design uses lots of frames which contain text and graphics that can be moved around the page and positioned more accurately
• file can be sent straight to a professional printer for the job to be professionally printed