Formatting a Publication in PageMaker

Formatting in Adobe PageMaker is all about making your publication attractive and easy to read. It means changing the look of your text, pictures, and pages to create a professional layout. In simple words, formatting adds beauty and clarity to your document.

In this guide, we’ll learn how to format text, adjust spacing, change colors, and use different tools in PageMaker to make your design look perfect. Even if you are new to PageMaker, these steps will help you understand formatting easily.

What is Formatting in PageMaker?

Formatting means applying special styles or attributes to text, graphics, and pages. It helps improve the appearance and structure of your document. For example:

• Changing font size or type.
• Making text bold or italic.
• Changing text color.
• Adjusting brightness and contrast of pictures.
• Formatting text in columns.

All of this can be done using the Control Palette in PageMaker, which is the main formatting tool.

How to Display the Control Palette

The Control Palette lets you apply various formatting features. To display it:

1. Click on Window in the menu bar.
2. Then click on Show Control Palette.

The Control Palette changes depending on the tool you select. It has two main modes — Object Mode and Text Mode.

Understanding Control Palette Modes

1. Object Mode

When you select a graphical object, PageMaker enters Object Mode. In this mode, you can rotate, move, resize, or reshape the object.

2. Text Mode

Text Mode is used for formatting text. You can choose between two text views:

• Character View: Used to format individual letters or words — like changing font type, size, or making them bold or italic.
• Paragraph View: Used to format an entire paragraph — such as adjusting alignment or line spacing.

Formatting Text in PageMaker

Follow these simple steps to format any text:

1. Select the Text Tool from the toolbox.
2. Highlight the text you want to format.
3. Click on Type from the menu bar.
4. Choose the formatting option like Font, Size, Type Style, or Color.

Changing the Font (Typeface)

The font defines how your text looks. To change it:

1. Select the text.
2. Click on Type → Font.
3. Choose the desired font from the list.

Changing the Font Size

Font size decides how big or small your letters appear on the page.

1. Select the text.
2. Click on Type → Size.
3. Pick the size you want.

Making Text Bold, Italic, or Underlined

Adding styles like bold or italic can help highlight important words.

1. Select the text.
2. Click on Type → Type Style.
3. Choose Bold, Italic, or Underline.

To remove these effects, go back and select Normal.

Changing Text Color

Colors make your publication lively and readable. To change text color:

1. Select the text.
2. Click on Window → Show Colors.
3. Open the Colors tab and pick your favorite color.

Adjusting Line Spacing (Leading)

Leading is the space between lines. Increasing leading makes text more open and readable.

1. Select the text.
2. Click on Type → Leading.
3. Choose the spacing you want.

Changing Tracking and Kerning

Tracking controls the spacing between all letters in a word or line, while Kerning adjusts spacing between specific letter pairs.

To change Tracking:

1. Select the text.
2. Click Type → Expert Tracking.
3. Choose options like Loose, Tight, or Very Tight.

To adjust Kerning:

1. Select the text.
2. Click Type → Expert Kerning.
3. Use the slider to make letters closer or further apart.

Formatting Superscript and Subscript

Superscript is text slightly above the line (like 3 in 10³). Subscript is slightly below (like 2 in H₂O).

1. Select the text.
2. Click Type → Character.
3. Choose Superscript or Subscript under Position.
4. Click OK.

Changing the Case of Text

You can switch between uppercase, lowercase, or title case easily.

1. Select the text.
2. Click Utilities → Plug-ins → Change Case.
3. Pick the case type you prefer and click Apply.

Adding a Drop Cap

A drop cap makes the first letter of a paragraph larger, dropping it into the lines below — perfect for titles or story beginnings.

1. Select the first character of the paragraph.
2. Click Utilities → Plug-ins → Drop Cap.
3. Set the number of lines to occupy and click Apply.

Counting Words and Characters

Want to know how long your publication is? Use the Word Counter tool.

1. Click inside the document or select text.
2. Click Utilities → Plug-ins → Word Counter.

Why Formatting Matters

Good formatting makes your document easy to read and visually appealing. It also helps guide your reader’s attention and gives your publication a professional touch. Whether you are designing a brochure, magazine, or newsletter, formatting is what turns plain content into a polished product.

5 FAQs of Formatting a Publication in PageMaker

1. What is the Control Palette in PageMaker?

The Control Palette is a floating toolbar that lets you adjust text and object attributes such as font, size, color, alignment, and spacing.

2. What is the difference between Character and Paragraph view?

Character view is for individual letters or words, while Paragraph view is for formatting entire paragraphs like alignment and spacing.

3. How do I make my publication more colorful?

Use the Color Palette under the Window menu to apply text and background colors that match your theme.

4. Can I format multiple text attributes at once?

Yes. Open the Character Specifications dialog box and adjust several settings such as font, size, style, and color at the same time.

5. What is Kerning and why is it important?

Kerning adjusts space between specific letter pairs to make the text look balanced and professional.

Conclusion

Formatting a publication in Adobe PageMaker may sound complex at first, but once you understand the tools and the Control Palette, it becomes easy and enjoyable. Every detail — from font type to line spacing — plays a big role in how your publication looks. With these simple techniques, you can make your PageMaker designs neat, readable, and visually attractive. So, explore different formatting options and bring your creative ideas to life!