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Microsoft Publisher is an Office application that allows you to create professional documents such as newsletters, postcards, flyers, invitations, brochures, and more using built-in templates. After selecting one of Publisher’s built-in templates, you can add text and pictures as desired before saving and printing your document.

Part 1
Part 1 of 7:

Selecting a Template

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  1. Upon opening the application, the Catalog window will display on-screen. The Catalog window features a number of different publication types and templates you can use to design your document, including newsletters, brochures, signs, greeting cards, letterheads, envelopes, banners, advertisements, and more.
  2. A number of different templates for the chosen publication type will display in the pane on the right.
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  3. For example, if you chose “Newsletter” as the publication type and your newsletter is geared toward children, you may want to use the “Kid Stuff Newsletter” template.
  4. The Catalog window will disappear, and display your template in the main Publisher window.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 7:

Creating Your Document

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  1. The wizard will guide you through the process of formatting your document.
  2. The steps will vary for each document based on your publication type. For example, if creating a newsletter, the wizard will ask you to select a color scheme, and indicate whether you want the recipient’s address printed on the document.
  3. The wizard will be minimized, and you can now begin adding text and pictures to your document.
  4. Your document will feature multiple frames, into which text or pictures can be added. In most cases, Publisher places example text and photos in each template to provide you with a general idea of how to write and format your document. For example, if creating an envelope, Publisher inserts dummy addresses in the appropriate text frames on the document so you can replace the text with your own information.
  5. You can also insert additional frames into the document as needed.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 7:

Inserting Additional Frames

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Part 4
Part 4 of 7:

Inserting an Image

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  1. This opens the “Insert Picture” dialog box.
  2. The image will be added to your document. [1]
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Part 5
Part 5 of 7:

Cropping an Image

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  1. The outline of a box will appear around the image.
    • Hold down CTRL when dragging a center handle to crop both sides evenly.
    • Hold down CTRL + Shift when dragging a corner handle to crop all four sides evenly while maintaining the proportions of your image.
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Part 6
Part 6 of 7:

Saving Your Document

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  1. Otherwise, Publisher will save your file to the default working folder.
  2. Your document will now be saved. [2]
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Part 7
Part 7 of 7:

Printing Your Document

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  1. In most cases, the properties of your default printer will automatically display in this field.
  2. Your document will now be sent to the printer.
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Community Q&A

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Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I crop to fit the shape of a picture to insert?
    Community Answer
    Hold down CTRL and drag to crop both sides evenly and/or hold down CTRL and Shift to drag a corner to crop all 4 sides evenly maintaining proportions.
  • Question
    How do I put text on top of a photo?
    Community Answer
    That can be done through the use of text box; just create text box above the picture and insert your text.
  • Question
    How do I text in the text box using Publisher? My letters just look like tiny dots.
    Community Answer
    Highlight the words, then press the logo of the bigger text. Then press the fonts and choose what you like.
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