The PageMaker interface is the main working area where you create, edit and arrange publications. Understanding the interface is important because it helps you quickly find the tools and controls required for page designing.
In this lesson, you will learn about the important parts of the PageMaker workspace, including the menu bar, toolbox, rulers, page area, pasteboard, scroll bars and other useful areas.
The PageMaker interface is the collection of menus, tools, controls and working areas used to create publications.
PageMaker Interface
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Menus + Tools + Page Area
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Create PublicationEach part of the interface has a specific purpose.
Some of the important parts of the PageMaker workspace are:
The Title Bar appears at the top of the application window and identifies the current application or publication window.
Top of Window
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Title Bar
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Application / Document InformationWhen working with a publication, the title area helps identify the document currently being worked on.
The Menu Bar contains commands organized into different menus.
File
Edit
Layout
Type
Element
Utilities
View
WindowMenu names and available commands can vary depending on the PageMaker version.
The File menu contains commands related to publications and files.
These commands are used to create, open, save and print publications.
The Edit menu contains commands used to modify content and objects.
These commands are useful when editing text and objects on a page.
The Layout menu contains commands related to page arrangement and publication structure.
Layout commands become especially useful when working with multi-page publications.
The Type menu provides commands related to text and typography.
Type
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Font
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Size
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Style
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Paragraph
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Text FormattingTypography controls are important when creating professional publications.
The Element menu is used for operations related to objects and page elements.
The View menu controls how the publication is displayed while you work.
View options help you work comfortably with the page.
The Toolbox contains tools used to create, select and manipulate elements on the page.
Toolbox
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Select
Text
Line
Shape
Zoom
Other ToolsThe Toolbox is one of the most frequently used areas of PageMaker.
The Pointer Tool is used to select and manipulate objects on the page.
You will use the selection tool frequently while creating layouts.
The Text Tool is used to create and edit text blocks.
Text Tool
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Create Text Block
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Type Text
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Format TextText is one of the most important components of a PageMaker publication.
The Line Tool can be used to draw lines on a page.
Lines can help organize information visually.
Shape tools allow you to create basic graphic elements.
Rectangle
+
Ellipse
+
Other Shapes
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Page GraphicsShapes can be used for borders, boxes, backgrounds and other design elements.
Rulers help measure and position objects accurately.
Ruler
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Measurement
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Object Position
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Accurate LayoutRulers are especially useful when maintaining consistent margins and spacing.
PageMaker provides rulers that help measure positions across the page.
The Page Area is the main area where the publication page is displayed and edited.
Page
┌──────────────────────┐
│ │
│ Design Area │
│ │
│ Text + Images │
│ │
└──────────────────────┘Most design work is performed inside this area.
The Pasteboard is the area surrounding the publication page. Objects can be temporarily placed there while designing.
Pasteboard
──────────────────────
┌──────────┐
│ PAGE │
│ │
└──────────┘
──────────────────────
PasteboardThe pasteboard can be useful for keeping objects temporarily outside the page area.
Guides help position objects accurately without becoming part of the final printed design.
Scroll bars help move around the publication when the page or workspace is larger than the visible window.
Scroll
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Move View
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See Different Area
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Continue EditingThe Document Window is the working environment containing the publication page and surrounding workspace.
Zoom controls allow you to view the page at different magnification levels.
Zoom In
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More Detail
Zoom Out
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See More of PageZooming is useful when working with small text or detailed layouts.
In a multi-page publication, you need to move between pages while designing.
Page 1
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Page 2
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Page 3
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Page 4Page navigation becomes important when working with newsletters, booklets and magazines.
The interface provides the tools required to build a page layout.
Tools
+
Rulers
+
Guides
+
Page
+
Pasteboard
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Complete LayoutA professional layout normally requires several interface components at the same time.
Toolbox
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Create / Select Object
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Rulers & Guides
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Position Object
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Page Area
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Final LayoutOpen PageMaker and identify the main interface components.
Create a simple page and practice using different interface components.
New Publication
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Create Text Block
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Draw Rectangle
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Place Image
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Use Ruler
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Use Guide
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Arrange ObjectsThe PageMaker interface contains the menus, tools and working areas required to create publications.
The Menu Bar provides commands, the Toolbox provides tools, the Page Area is where the publication is designed, and rulers and guides help with accurate positioning.
Understanding the interface is an important first step before learning individual PageMaker tools and creating practical DTP projects.
Question: Which part of the PageMaker interface contains tools used to create and manipulate objects?