Desktop Publishing Software — WJEC-CBAC Vocationally-Related Qualification Digital Skills & IT Revision

    This subtopic covers the fundamental skills required to produce professional-looking publications using desktop publishing software. Learners will develop

    Topic Synopsis

    This subtopic covers the fundamental skills required to produce professional-looking publications using desktop publishing software. Learners will develop the ability to select appropriate design templates and layouts, integrate text and graphical content from various sources, and apply formatting techniques to create documents such as leaflets, posters, and newsletters for specific audiences.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Desktop publishing software

    WJEC-CBAC
    vocational

    This element introduces learners to the fundamental skills of using desktop publishing software to create simple publications such as leaflets or posters. Learners will develop the ability to input text and other content, then apply basic editing and formatting techniques to enhance presentation. The focus is on building confidence with essential software tools to produce straightforward documents for practical use.

    30
    Learning Outcomes
    47
    Assessment Guidance
    49
    Key Skills
    28
    Key Terms
    51
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    WJEC Entry Level Award for IT Users (Entry 1)
    WJEC Entry Level Certificate for IT Users (Entry 1)
    WJEC Level 1 Certificate for IT Users (ITQ)
    WJEC Level 1 Award for IT Users (ITQ)
    WJEC Entry Level Award for IT Users (Entry 2)
    WJEC Entry Level Certificate for IT Users (Entry 2)
    WJEC Entry Level Certificate for IT Users (Entry 3)
    WJEC Entry Level Award for IT Users (Entry 3)

    Topic Overview

    The WJEC Level 1 Award for IT Users (ITQ) is a vocationally-related qualification designed to equip students with essential digital skills for the modern workplace. This qualification covers a range of IT applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, and using the internet safely and effectively. It is ideal for students who want to build a solid foundation in IT, whether for further study or entry-level employment.

    The course is structured around practical, real-world tasks that assess your ability to use common software tools efficiently. You will learn how to create professional documents, manage data using spreadsheets, design engaging presentations, and understand the principles of online safety. The qualification is recognised by employers and educational institutions, making it a valuable addition to your CV.

    Mastering these skills is crucial because digital literacy is now a requirement in almost every job role. By completing this award, you will demonstrate that you can use IT confidently and responsibly, which will give you an edge in the job market. The qualification also prepares you for more advanced IT studies, such as the Level 2 Certificate for IT Users.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →File management: Understanding how to save, organise, and retrieve files using appropriate naming conventions and folder structures.
    • →Word processing: Using software like Microsoft Word to create, format, and edit documents, including applying styles, inserting tables, and using spell check.
    • →Spreadsheets: Using software like Microsoft Excel to enter data, use basic formulas (SUM, AVERAGE), create charts, and format cells.
    • →Presentation software: Using tools like PowerPoint to create slides with text, images, and animations, and delivering them effectively.
    • →Online safety: Knowing how to protect personal information, recognise phishing attempts, and use secure passwords.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Input text and other information into a publication., Use desktop publishing software to edit and format a publication.
    • Input text and other information into a publication., Use desktop publishing software to edit and format a publication.
    • Identify appropriate design templates and page layouts for different publication types
    • Demonstrate accurate input of text and images into a desktop publishing document
    • Apply formatting techniques such as font selection, alignment, and spacing to enhance readability
    • Use editing tools to resize, crop, and position images within a publication
    • Check a publication for consistency and correct errors before final output
    • Identify appropriate page layouts for different publication types (e.g., flyer, newsletter).
    • Demonstrate accurate input of text and other information into a publication.
    • Apply formatting techniques to enhance readability and visual appeal.
    • Edit and manipulate text and images to achieve a coherent design.
    • Select and apply consistent typography and colour schemes.
    • Select and use appropriate designs and page layouts for publications, Input and combine text and other information within publications, Use desktop publishing software techniques to edit and format publications
    • Input text and other information into a publication., Use desktop publishing software to edit and format a publication.
    • DTPE:1 Use appropriate designs and page layouts for a publication, DTPE:2 Input text and other information into a publication, DTPE:3 Use desktop publishing software techniques to edit and format a publication
    • Identify appropriate design templates for different publication types and purposes
    • Input and arrange text, images, and other elements within a defined page layout
    • Apply formatting techniques to enhance readability and visual appeal
    • Edit publication content using cut, copy, paste, and undo functions
    • Save and export publications in common file formats for digital or print use
    • Identify appropriate page layouts for different publication purposes
    • Input and edit text using cut, copy, and paste functions
    • Insert and position images or clip art within a publication
    • Apply basic text formatting such as bold, italics, and font changes
    • Align text and objects to improve visual structure
    • Proofread and correct spelling and grammar errors using software tools
    • Save and export publications in suitable formats for sharing or printing
    • DTPE:1 Use appropriate designs and page layouts for a publication, DTPE:2 Input text and other information into a publication, DTPE:3 Use desktop publishing software techniques to edit and format a publication
    • Select and use appropriate designs and page layouts for publications, Input and combine text and other information within publications, Use desktop publishing software techniques to edit and format publications
    • Select and use appropriate designs and page layouts for publications, Input and combine text and other information within publications, Use desktop publishing software techniques to edit and format publications

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for accurately inputting text and other information (e.g., images) into a publication, ensuring correct placement.
    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to edit entered content, such as correcting spelling errors or deleting unwanted elements.
    • Award credit for applying basic formatting changes, including font style, size, alignment, or adding simple borders and shading to enhance the appearance of the publication.
    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to accurately input text into a publication using a keyboard or alternative input device.
    • Check that the learner has inserted at least one additional element, such as an image, shape, or text box, into the publication.
    • Evidence should show that the learner has applied at least one formatting change to text (e.g., bold, font size, alignment) and one to the overall layout (e.g., adjusting margins, page orientation).
    • Award credit for selecting a layout that matches the purpose and audience of the publication
    • Evidence of accurate text entry with no spelling errors
    • Application of consistent formatting (e.g., headings, body text styles)
    • Correct use of image manipulation tools (e.g., resizing without distorting aspect ratio)
    • Final publication shows alignment and balanced white space
    • Award credit for selecting a layout that clearly matches the publication's purpose and target audience.
    • Evidence of accurate text entry with correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
    • Effective use of text frames, alignment, and spacing to create a structured page.
    • Appropriate scaling and positioning of images without distortion.
    • Consistent use of fonts, styles, and colours throughout the publication.
    • Award credit for selecting a page layout or template that clearly matches the purpose and target audience of the publication (e.g., using a newsletter template for an organisational update).
    • Evidence of importing, positioning, and correctly sizing text and images from multiple external sources (e.g., inserting a logo file and copying text from a word processor).
    • Demonstrate the ability to use basic formatting tools, including font selection, text alignment, line spacing, and text wrapping around images, to enhance readability.
    • Consistently apply a coherent colour scheme and use of white space to achieve a visually balanced final publication.
    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to open a new publication and correctly insert at least two types of information (e.g., text and an image).
    • Award credit for applying basic formatting to text, such as changing font size, style, or colour, with the intent of improving readability.
    • Award credit for using at least two editing functions (e.g., cut/copy, undo, resize) accurately to refine the layout.
    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to select at least one appropriate page layout (e.g., portrait or landscape) that suits the purpose of the publication.
    • Expect evidence of accurate text entry, including correct spelling of simple words and use of capital letters where necessary.
    • Look for inclusion of at least one additional information element, such as a relevant image, shape, or symbol, placed appropriately on the page.
    • Credit application of basic formatting techniques such as changing font style, size, or colour, or applying bold/italic/underline to key text.
    • Award marks for using alignment tools (e.g., centring a title) or adjusting the layout to avoid overlapping elements.
    • Award credit for selecting a design that clearly matches the intended purpose and target audience
    • Evidence of combining text and images with correct positioning and alignment
    • Demonstration of using formatting tools such as font styles, sizes, alignment, and line spacing
    • Correct use of basic editing functions to modify content without introducing errors
    • Publication saved in the required format with an appropriate file name
    • Award credit for selecting a page size and orientation that matches the publication's use (e.g., landscape for a certificate)
    • Look for evidence of consistent text styling, such as using no more than two font types
    • Check that images are resized proportionally and placed without overlapping text inappropriately
    • Assess the use of alignment tools to evenly space and position elements
    • Verify that a spell-check has been run and manually proofread for contextual errors
    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to choose or create a page layout that suits the publication’s purpose (e.g., columns for a newsletter, centred alignment for a flyer).
    • Award credit for accurately entering text and other elements (images, shapes) with minimal errors, showing attention to content flow and readability.
    • Award credit for applying consistent formatting techniques such as font styles, sizes, colours, and alignment to enhance the publication’s visual appeal and cohesion.
    • Award credit for using basic editing features like cut, copy, paste, and undo to refine the publication’s content and layout.
    • Award credit for demonstrating the selection of a suitable template or layout for a given publication purpose (e.g., flyer, poster).
    • Evidence must show the effective insertion and alignment of text from a given source, with no missing or distorted content.
    • Look for appropriate integration of non-text elements (e.g., images, shapes) that support the publication’s message.
    • Award credit for applying basic formatting such as font changes, resizing, and bolding to improve readability.
    • Evidence of using software tools to adjust spacing, margins, or alignment to create a tidy and professional-looking publication.
    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to choose a relevant template or create a custom layout that aligns with the purpose of the publication (e.g., a flyer for an event).
    • Credit for successfully importing or typing text and inserting at least one image, ensuring both are appropriately positioned and scaled within the publication.
    • Mark for applying at least three distinct formatting techniques, such as changing font styles, adding borders, or aligning text, to enhance readability and visual appeal.
    • Credit for editing content, including correcting spelling errors or resizing elements, and saving the final document in a format suitable for printing or sharing.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Always proofread the final document on screen and through a test print to spot errors before submission.
    • 💡Use simple, consistent formatting throughout the publication—avoid mixing too many fonts or colours, which can make the document look unprofessional.
    • 💡Regularly save work under a meaningful file name to prevent losing progress and to allow multiple versions for reference.
    • 💡Always plan your publication on paper first—decide where text and images will go before you start using the software.
    • 💡Practice using simple keyboard shortcuts (e.g., Ctrl+B for bold, Ctrl+S to save) to speed up your work and avoid mistakes under time pressure.
    • 💡Always read the assignment brief carefully to identify the required publication type and target audience
    • 💡Use guides and grids in the software to ensure elements are neatly aligned
    • 💡Save work incrementally and keep backup copies to avoid data loss
    • 💡Before final submission, print a draft copy to check for layout and formatting issues on paper
    • 💡Always begin by analysing the brief to ensure your design choices serve the intended purpose and audience.
    • 💡Use templates and grid systems in the software to maintain consistent alignment and structure.
    • 💡Preview the publication at actual size before finalising to check image quality and text flow.
    • 💡Save iterative versions of your work to avoid losing progress and to document your development.
    • 💡Before starting the software, sketch a rough layout on paper to plan content placement and ensure all required elements are included.
    • 💡Use the software's alignment tools (snap to grid, guides) to ensure consistent spacing and professional structure.
    • 💡Always review the final publication against the assignment brief and the intended audience's needs, checking that all information is correct and visually effective.
    • 💡Practice creating a simple publication from scratch using only the software’s basic tools, as assessors value clear, functional designs over complexity.
    • 💡Keep screenshots or a log of each step (e.g., inserting an image, applying bold) to provide evidence of process in your portfolio.
    • 💡Always refer back to the assignment brief to check you have met all required elements, such as including specific content or using named features.
    • 💡Always read the task brief carefully and decide on the publication’s purpose before choosing a layout; sketch a quick plan on scrap paper if allowed.
    • 💡Use a spell-checker if available, but also proofread your work manually to catch errors the computer might miss.
    • 💡When inserting images, use the corner handles to resize them proportionally, and ensure they support the publication’s message.
    • 💡Stick to one or two font styles and use formatting consistently to make important information stand out without clutter.
    • 💡Before final submission, preview the entire publication to check alignment, spacing, and overall visual balance.
    • 💡Always analyse the brief to understand the target audience and purpose before starting the design
    • 💡Use gridlines, rulers, and alignment tools to maintain consistent spacing and layout
    • 💡Save work frequently and create backup copies to avoid data loss
    • 💡Proofread the final publication at actual size on screen to catch any errors
    • 💡Follow the assignment's submission instructions precisely regarding file formats and naming conventions
    • 💡Always start by clarifying the brief: Who is the audience? What is the message?
    • 💡Use templates to maintain consistency, but customise them to suit the specific task
    • 💡Preview the publication at 100% zoom before finalising to catch small layout errors
    • 💡Keep a checklist of required elements (e.g., title, subtitle, body text, image, contact details) and tick them off as you build your publication
    • 💡Always plan your publication on paper first: sketch a rough layout, decide on colour schemes and font choices before working digitally to save time and maintain consistency.
    • 💡Use the software’s grid and guides to ensure all elements are precisely aligned and distributed evenly across the page.
    • 💡Proofread all text for spelling and grammatical errors; read it aloud to catch awkward phrasing or missing words.
    • 💡Save your work frequently and use version control (e.g., save drafts) so you can revert if a major mistake occurs.
    • 💡Before starting, read the brief carefully to identify the target audience and purpose, then select a design style that matches (e.g., formal for a business card, colourful for a party invitation).
    • 💡Use the spelling and grammar check tool to avoid errors that could cost marks.
    • 💡Save work regularly and keep a backup to prevent losing evidence.
    • 💡When combining text and images, use text wrapping options (e.g., ‘tight’ or ‘square’) to integrate content neatly.
    • 💡For higher marks, ensure consistent formatting throughout the publication, such as using the same styles for headings and body text.
    • 💡Begin by carefully reading the assignment brief to identify the target audience and purpose, then select or design a layout that directly addresses these requirements.
    • 💡Plan the placement of text and images beforehand on a paper sketch to ensure a balanced and logical flow before working digitally.
    • 💡Use the software’s alignment and distribution tools to maintain consistent spacing and avoid manual positioning errors.
    • 💡Always proofread the publication for spelling and grammatical errors, and verify that all imported images are clear and relevant to the content.
    • 💡Save your work frequently and export the final draft in the format specified by the assessor, such as PDF for printing or an image file for web use.
    • 💡Read each task carefully before starting. Many students lose marks because they miss specific instructions, such as 'use bold text' or 'insert a chart'. Underline key words in the task to stay focused.
    • 💡Manage your time effectively. If you get stuck on a task, move on and come back to it later. It is better to complete all tasks partially than to spend too long on one and leave others unfinished.
    • 💡Use the software's built-in help features if you are unsure how to do something. For example, in Microsoft Office, pressing F1 opens the help menu. This can save you time and help you complete tasks correctly.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Learners may confuse saving a file with exporting it as a PDF, leading to loss of editable versions.
    • Text boxes are often incorrectly sized or positioned, causing text to overflow or overlap with other elements.
    • Learners might accidentally delete content without understanding how to use the undo function, resulting in frustration.
    • Learners often type text directly without first saving the file, risking loss of work.
    • Formatting is inconsistently applied, for example, using different font styles randomly rather than for emphasis.
    • Images are placed without properly resizing or cropping, causing distortion or poor layout.
    • Confusing design principles by choosing inappropriate layouts for the document purpose
    • Overlooking consistent alignment, leading to a cluttered appearance
    • Using low-resolution images that become pixelated when printed
    • Neglecting to proofread text input, resulting in spelling and grammatical errors
    • Using excessive fonts and sizes, resulting in a cluttered and unprofessional look.
    • Ignoring margins, white space, and alignment guides, leading to uneven layouts.
    • Inserting low-resolution images that appear pixelated when printed or displayed.
    • Overlooking proofreading, leaving spelling and grammatical errors in the final publication.
    • Overcomplicating the design with excessive font styles, colours, or clip art, resulting in a cluttered and unprofessional appearance.
    • Neglecting to proofread text for spelling and grammar errors before finalising the publication.
    • Failing to adjust image aspect ratios, leading to distorted or stretched graphics.
    • Confusing desktop publishing with word processing by not using text boxes or frames for placing content, leading to disorganised layouts.
    • Overuse of different fonts, sizes, and colours without consistency, making the publication look cluttered and unprofessional.
    • Forgetting to save work frequently or using an incorrect file format that does not preserve the layout for sharing or assessment.
    • Learners often overlook the purpose of the publication, choosing a layout that is unsuitable (e.g., a landscape flyer when portrait would be more typical).
    • Text input errors are common, with learners frequently forgetting to check for simple typing mistakes or inconsistent use of capital letters.
    • Inserting images that are distorted due to incorrect resizing, or placing them in positions that obscure important text.
    • Applying formatting arbitrarily, such as using multiple font styles that make the publication look messy rather than professional.
    • Forgetting to save work regularly, leading to loss of progress.
    • Using design templates that are not suited to the publication's purpose or audience
    • Poor alignment of text and images leading to an unprofessional appearance
    • Overcrowding pages with excessive text or graphics, reducing clarity
    • Not proofreading for spelling, grammar, or layout inconsistencies
    • Saving the file in an incorrect format that cannot be easily opened or printed
    • Overcrowding the page with too much text or too many images, reducing readability
    • Applying multiple font styles and colours inconsistently, making the document look unprofessional
    • Forgetting to set appropriate margins or bleeds, causing content to be cut off when printed
    • Not saving intermediate versions, leading to loss of work if errors are made
    • Using low-resolution images that appear pixelated when printed or viewed at full size
    • Applying too many different fonts and colours, resulting in a cluttered and unprofessional appearance.
    • Ignoring alignment and spacing, leading to uneven margins, inconsistent line spacing, or elements that are not properly aligned.
    • Failing to check for text overflow or cut-off content, especially when resizing text boxes or adding too much text to a limited area.
    • Using low-resolution images that appear pixelated when printed or viewed at full size.
    • Overcrowding the page with too much text or too many images, making the publication difficult to read.
    • Using fonts that are too small or decorative, sacrificing legibility for style.
    • Forgetting to check alignment, resulting in uneven text or misaligned objects.
    • Inserting low-resolution images that pixelate when scaled, reducing overall quality.
    • Mixing too many colours and font types, creating an unprofessional and cluttered design.
    • Choosing a design or template that is visually cluttered or unsuitable for the intended audience, such as using a formal report layout for a party invitation.
    • Failing to maintain consistent alignment and spacing, leading to a messy publication with overlapping elements or uneven margins.
    • Using too many different font styles and sizes, which makes the document look unprofessional and difficult to read.
    • Forgetting to check for text overflow or hidden content when elements extend beyond the page boundaries.
    • Saving the file in an incompatible or low-quality format, resulting in a final product that cannot be printed correctly.
    • Misconception: 'I can just rely on spell check to fix all my errors.' Correction: Spell check does not catch homophones (e.g., 'their' vs 'there') or context-specific errors. Always proofread your work manually.
    • Misconception: 'Saving a file once is enough.' Correction: You should save your work regularly (every few minutes) to avoid losing data if the software crashes. Use 'Save As' to create backups with different filenames.
    • Misconception: 'All websites are safe to use.' Correction: Many websites contain malware or phishing scams. Only use trusted sites, check for HTTPS in the URL, and never share personal details unless you are certain of the site's legitimacy.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •Basic computer literacy: Ability to turn on a computer, use a mouse and keyboard, and open/close applications.
    • •Understanding of file types: Knowing the difference between .docx, .xlsx, .pptx, and .pdf files.
    • •Familiarity with the internet: Ability to open a web browser, navigate to a website, and use a search engine.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Input text and other information into a publication., Use desktop publishing software to edit and format a publication.
    • Input text and other information into a publication., Use desktop publishing software to edit and format a publication.
    • Design principles for publications
    • Text and media integration
    • Software formatting techniques
    • Document consistency and house style
    • Review and proofing
    • Page design and layout
    • Text and image integration
    • Formatting and editing techniques
    • Purpose and audience awareness
    • Software tool proficiency
    • Select and use appropriate designs and page layouts for publications, Input and combine text and other information within publications, Use desktop publishing software techniques to edit and format publications
    • Input text and other information into a publication., Use desktop publishing software to edit and format a publication.
    • DTPE:1 Use appropriate designs and page layouts for a publication, DTPE:2 Input text and other information into a publication, DTPE:3 Use desktop publishing software techniques to edit and format a publication
    • Page layout and design selection
    • Text and graphic integration
    • Formatting and editing techniques
    • Software tool proficiency
    • Publication finalisation and output
    • Publication design principles
    • Text entry and editing
    • Image and graphic integration
    • Formatting and alignment
    • Finalising and proofing
    • DTPE:1 Use appropriate designs and page layouts for a publication, DTPE:2 Input text and other information into a publication, DTPE:3 Use desktop publishing software techniques to edit and format a publication
    • Select and use appropriate designs and page layouts for publications, Input and combine text and other information within publications, Use desktop publishing software techniques to edit and format publications
    • Select and use appropriate designs and page layouts for publications, Input and combine text and other information within publications, Use desktop publishing software techniques to edit and format publications

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