How to Use Microsoft Publisher

Microsoft Publisher is the desktop publishing program that comes with the Microsoft Office suite. If you are familiar with MS Word, you may use the word processing program to create publications such as newsletters or flyers. However, with its familiar toolbar (very much like the one in Word) and advanced graphic options, Publisher is far superior to Word when it comes to creating and printing eye-catching publications. These steps will help you feel more confident and comfortable using this application.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Publisher version 2003 or 2007

1. 

   Start Microsoft Publisher. You can double click the Publisher icon on your desktop, if you have one. If not, click the "Start" button. Point to "Programs" or "All Programs." Double click "Microsoft Publisher" (it may be in the "Microsoft Office" folder). Publisher will open to the "Getting Started" screen.

2. 

   Expand "Publications for Print" from the task pane on the left if you are using Publisher 2003. If you have Publisher 2007, make sure "Getting Started" is selected in the task pane. In the lower section of the task pane, you will see a list of publication types from which to choose.

3. 

   Select a publication type from the list by clicking it once with the mouse. Select a subcategory from the list to see a gallery of styles for this type of publication. For this example, we have selected "Invitation Cards" from the publication types list, and "Birthday Party" as a subcategory. Select a design that you like and double click it. A new Publisher page with this design will open.

4. 

   Make changes to the design's style and format using the task pane on the left. Click "Color Schemes" if you want to select a different group of colors for the publication. Click "Page Options" if you want to alter the size of the publication, or how it is folded if it is a card or similar Publisher design. The "Font Schemes" option will let you choose an alternate set of fonts.

5. 

   Change graphics in the design by clicking on the picture to select it. Right click and point to "Change Picture." Choose "Clip Art," or a picture from file. Find the graphic you want and insert it.

6. Type text directly into the text boxes provided, typing over or deleting any sample text. Work on different pages of the publication using the page buttons at the bottom of the window. Save your publication and print when ready.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are not sure what version of Publisher you are using, click "Help" in the Publisher toolbar, and then click "About Microsoft Publisher." The version will be listed near the top of the Window.

Resources

• Free Publisher Templates