About the Course

Duration: 6–12 months (certificate/diploma).
Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent; open to aspiring designers and working professionals.
Mode: Classroom + lab practicals; hands-on software workshops and project work.
Assessments: Assignments, timed practicals, portfolio review, final capstone project.

Core modules / topics

1. Introduction to Desktop Publishing — history, workflows, print vs digital.
2. Typography & Layout Principles — type anatomy, hierarchy, grids, alignment, spacing.
3. Design Software — Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop (or Affinity Publisher suite) practicals.
4. Image Editing & Preparation — color modes (RGB/CMYK), resolution, clipping paths, retouching.
5. Color Theory & Printing — color models, spot vs process colors, color management.
6. Prepress & Print Production — bleeds, crop marks, trapping, imposition, proofing, RIP basics.
7. Digital Publishing — EPUB, interactive PDFs, responsive layouts for tablets and e-readers.
8. Branding & Layout for Collateral — brochures, magazines, newsletters, business stationery, packaging basics.
9. File Workflow & Project Management — asset organization, packaging, client briefs, delivery formats.
10. Portfolio & Capstone Project — produce a magazine, brochure set, or multi-page publication ready for print and web.

Learning outcomes

• Design professional multi-page layouts using industry-standard DTP software.
• Apply typography, grid systems, and visual hierarchy effectively.
• Prepare print-ready files with correct color profiles, bleeds, and marks.
• Export interactive PDFs and basic EPUBs for digital distribution.
• Manage client briefs, package projects, and build a publishable portfolio.

5 Career Opportunities

1) Desktop Publishing Operator / DTP Designer — Produce print-ready layouts

What you’ll do: Create brochures, catalogs, magazines, and stationery for print.
Key skills from course: InDesign workflow, typography, prepress preparation.
Entry path: Join print studios, publishing houses, or in-house marketing teams.

2) Layout & Editorial Designer — Design magazine and book interiors

What you’ll do: Design editorial spreads, typeset articles, coordinate with editors and printers.
Key skills from course: Grid systems, long-form typesetting, image handling, proofing.
Entry path: Work with publishers, newspapers, or digital magazines as junior designer.

3) Prepress Technician — Ensure smooth print production

What you’ll do: Validate files, handle color correction, imposition, and press checks.
Key skills from course: Color management, trapping, RIP basics, quality control.
Entry path: Roles in commercial print shops and prepress departments.

4) Digital Publishing Specialist — Create e-books and interactive PDFs

What you’ll do: Convert layouts to EPUB/PDF, add interactivity, optimize for devices.
Key skills from course: Export workflows, interactive features, responsive design basics.
Entry path: E-publishing houses, educational publishers, or digital agencies.

5) Freelance Graphic / Typesetting Designer — Serve clients directly

What you’ll do: Offer end-to-end DTP services: design, typeset, proof, and deliver files.
Key skills from course: Client communication, project packaging, multi-format delivery.
Entry path: Freelance platforms, local businesses, self-employed studio work.