Tid Bits of Help: Microsoft Publisher for 2010

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Well folks, normally I bring you hints/tips about changes Microsoft has made to Word and Excel (with a couple of PowerPoint thrown in), but not Publisher. Well, that's because the changes have been small and seemingly Publisher was pretty much ignored - the step-child you might think. Not now.

According to my research, the templates and what you can do with them have been updated. There are new capabilities to work with the program for all those publications, sales and marketing materials you love to work with! (Any chance to play, and with bright/shiner toys works for me!) So, for one thing in the 2010 Publisher gets to use the Ribbon along with the new Backstage feature. Publisher wasn't left out this time.

The updated picture tools we found in Word and Excel have finally made it to Publisher (where it should have been all along anyway) allowing for more control of photos. They've included a new object alignment technology, building blocks of content and fine typography options like true small caps and stylistic alternates. All the things we've been wanting to make desktop publishing better.

So having said all of the above, what is new/improved?

* Well one thing, when you're working with an inserted picture and you want to make changes, you can see them before you accept them. A big time saver. (in the "improved" category)
* Add captions for the photos and the ability to choose from a gallery of caption layouts.
* The object alignment technology provides grids to work with - not just the rules on the side and bottom and the hope you have it lined up correctly. (in the "improved" category)
* For print preview you can simultaneously view both sides of a page, multiple pages, page boundaries and more print info to achieve the correct print result the first time. (in the "new" category) Now, to be honest folks I don't see how this is new. As you've always been able to see multiple pages in Print Preview, then have the option to print from the preview mode. But the research states it's a new feature.
* The building blocks of content for items like mastheads and graphics are easier due to the accessibility of the pre-existing themes in fonts and colors. (in the "improved" category)
* Fine typography is much improved. We now have the ability to use ligatures, true small caps, stylistic alternates and alternate numeral forms. Such as fun things with the fonts like reflective and a better look to the shadow. (in the "improved" category)
* When connected to the internet, there are more Publisher templates available on Office Online than before. (in the "improved" category)
* And as you could in Publisher 2007 - you can save a file as a PDF or XPS for easier sharing and printing.

Now remember, this is all research-based and I'm going on what Microsoft has stated. I haven't purchased the 2010 product yet - I have too many clients still using 2002 and the special effects won't convert to the older versions. That is something for you to keep in mind. When feasible, save as a PDF document then no worries with folks opening in older versions.

Hello, I am Liz LaClair, President of Virtually Helps, LLC. I have researched and compiled this information with the idea of helping my friends, potential clients and readers. Knowing that sometimes change is a challenge and not always received well, my goal is to shed some light and guide you through the new set up for Office 2007. I hope you find this to be helpful.

©Research compiled and written by Liz LaClair, President of Virtually Helps, LLC

http://www.virtuallyhelps.com