Desktop Publishing Software
This element focuses on the practical application of desktop publishing software to create professional publications. Learners will develop skills in selecting suitable designs, integrating text and multimedia elements, and applying editing and formatting techniques to produce effective documents for print or digital distribution.
Assessment criteria
Topic Overview
The Open Awards Level 2 Diploma in IT User Skills (RQF) is a comprehensive qualification designed to equip students with the practical IT skills needed for the modern workplace. It covers a wide range of topics, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, and using the internet safely and effectively. This diploma is ideal for those looking to improve their digital literacy for employment or further study, as it aligns with the UK's National Occupational Standards for IT users.
Throughout the course, you will develop hands-on skills in creating, editing, and formatting documents, managing data using spreadsheets and databases, and delivering professional presentations. The qualification also emphasises the importance of staying safe online, understanding copyright and data protection, and using communication tools appropriately. By the end of the diploma, you will be confident in using a variety of software applications to solve real-world problems and communicate information effectively.
This diploma fits into the wider subject of Digital Skills and IT by providing a solid foundation for more advanced qualifications, such as the Level 3 Diploma in IT User Skills or specialised certifications in areas like digital marketing or data analysis. It is recognised by employers and educational institutions across the UK, making it a valuable addition to your CV and a stepping stone to further career opportunities.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →File management: organising, saving, and retrieving files in appropriate formats and locations.
- →Data validation and formatting: using tools like conditional formatting, data validation rules, and cell styles to ensure accuracy and consistency.
- →Mail merge: combining a data source (e.g., Excel spreadsheet) with a template (e.g., Word document) to produce personalised letters, emails, or labels.
- →Database queries: using filters, sorts, and structured query language (SQL) to extract specific information from a database.
- →Presentation design principles: applying consistent themes, using appropriate animations/transitions, and ensuring accessibility for diverse audiences.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- 1. Select and use appropriate designs and page layouts for publications2. Input and combine text and other information within publications3. Use desktop publishing software techniques to edit and format publications
Assessment Criteria
Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio
- Award credit for selecting a design template or layout that clearly aligns with the publication's stated purpose and target audience, justifying choices where required.
- Credit for demonstrating accurate import and placement of text, images, and other media, ensuring seamless integration without distortion or loss of quality.
- Look for consistent use of formatting tools (e.g., font styles, paragraph spacing, margins, columns, guides) to improve readability and professional appearance.
- Evidence of using advanced techniques such as master pages, text wrapping, object grouping, and style sheets to maintain uniformity across multi-page documents.
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡Always start by analysing the brief to identify the publication type, target audience, and key message—plan a rough sketch before opening the software.
- 💡Use master pages and style sheets to ensure consistency and save time; this also demonstrates higher-level competency to assessors.
- 💡Keep designs clean and functional: limit fonts, use a cohesive colour palette, and ensure text remains legible against backgrounds.
- 💡For assessment evidence, provide screenshots or annotations showing the use of specific tools and explain how they meet the given requirements.
- 💡Always read the task instructions carefully. Many students lose marks by missing specific requirements, such as 'use a formula to calculate the total' or 'apply a consistent theme to all slides.' Highlight key words in the question.
- 💡Save your work regularly and in the correct file format (e.g., .docx, .xlsx, .pptx). Examiners may deduct marks if you submit files in an incompatible format or lose work due to a crash.
- 💡When creating databases, ensure your tables are normalised (no duplicate data) and relationships are correctly defined. This is a common area where students lose marks for poor design.
Common Mistakes
Common errors to avoid in your coursework
- Treating desktop publishing software like a word processor, leading to poor layout control and lack of design structure.
- Neglecting to consider audience and purpose, resulting in inappropriate font choices, colour schemes, or excessive decorative elements.
- Inconsistent alignment, spacing, and use of white space, which makes publications look unprofessional.
- Failing to check final output in print preview or export, leading to errors such as cut-off text, missing images, or incorrect page sizes.
- Misconception: 'I can just use the default settings for all my documents.' Correction: Employers expect you to customise formatting (e.g., margins, fonts, headers) to meet specific requirements. Always check the brief and adjust settings accordingly.
- Misconception: 'Spreadsheets are just for calculations.' Correction: Spreadsheets are also powerful tools for data analysis, visualisation (charts), and decision-making. Learn to use functions like VLOOKUP, IF, and PivotTables to extract insights.
- Misconception: 'Online safety is just about not sharing passwords.' Correction: It also involves recognising phishing emails, using secure connections (HTTPS), understanding privacy settings, and respecting copyright laws when using images or text from the internet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Pass / Merit / Distinction Evidence Checklist
How your portfolio evidence is graded for OPEN AWARDS Desktop Publishing Software
Every vocational unit is marked against named criteria rather than an exam percentage. Your tutor's brief lists the exact codes for this unit — here is what each band is asking you to do.
Demonstrate baseline knowledge, accurate terminology, and core practical application.
Provide detailed analysis, structured explanations, and clear workplace reasoning.
Deliver thorough evaluation, original problem solving, and fully justified recommendations.
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •Basic computer literacy: ability to use a mouse, keyboard, and navigate the operating system (e.g., Windows or macOS).
- •Familiarity with common software applications like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint at a beginner level.
- •Understanding of file types (e.g., .pdf, .jpg) and how to save/retrieve files from different locations (e.g., local drive, cloud storage).
Coursework AI Review
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Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- 1. Select and use appropriate designs and page layouts for publications2. Input and combine text and other information within publications3. Use desktop publishing software techniques to edit and format publications
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