Desktop publishing (abbreviated DTP) is the creation of documents
using page layout skills on a personal computer. Desktop publishing
software can generate layouts and produce typographic quality text and
images comparable to traditional typography and printing. This technology
allows individuals, businesses, and other organizations to self-publish a
wide range of printed matter. Desktop publishing is also the main reference
for digital typography.
When used skillfully, desktop publishing allows the user to produce a wide
variety of materials, from menus to magazines and books, without the expense of
commercial printing.
Desktop publishing combines a personal computer and WYSIWYG page layout
software to create publication documents on a computer for either large
scale publishing or small scale local multifunction peripheral output and
distribution. Desktop publishing methods provide more control over design,
layout, and typography than word processing does. However, word processing
software has evolved to include some, though by no means all, capabilities
previously available only with professional printing or desktop publishing