Microsoft Word is a very versatile word processing program and even includes some very simple home projects. For example, you can use Word to create basic greeting cards. But if you want to really get fancy, you'll want a software program specifically designed for graphic projects what we call home publishing software. Popular Home Publishing ProgramsMost home publishing programs come with templates for a variety of different home-related projects, including banners, brochures, business cards, calendars, crafts, envelopes, forms, greeting cards, invitations, labels, letterheads, newsletters, postcards, and posters. Most of these programs also include a large number of clip art pictures, which you can use to add visual diversity to your projects. Home publishing programs are typically low-cost (under $50) and easy to use. Here's a quick overview of some of the most popular programs:
Creating a ProjectAll of these home publishing programs work in a similar fashion. You identify the type of project you want to create, open a template for that project, and then edit it as you like which typically includes choosing your own color scheme and artwork. For example, PrintMaster's home page (shown in Figure 18.1) lets you create a new project from scratch or personalize what it calls a "ready-made" project. Whichever route you take, you can choose from all manner of projects, from banners and booklets to post cards and posters. Once you have a project onscreen, you can add your own text and clip art. It's as easy as clicking and dragging! Figure 18.1. Use PrintMaster to create greeting cards, banners, photo albums, and other fun projects.Figure 18.2 shows a birthday party invitation designed in PrintMaster. This took less than five minutes to create, and looks great when printed on a color printer. Figure 18.2. A birthday party invitation designed with PrintMaster. |