Can a complex Publisher file be converted to Word? 2

[Treb]

I have designed a new set of stationery for the museum where I am a volunteer using Publisher 2000 but the curator now wants all the items converted into Word because, as he rightly says, that's the only program most of those people likely to use it, understand.

I have tried hard to carry out this request but have been unable to do so. The design includes a gif logo, but it is the subtlety of the placing and spacing of the text matter that defeats me.

I imagine this must be a fairly common problem and perhaps there is another way around it but I don't believe that Word is capable of working to the same fine limits as Publisher.

Can anyone please help.

Many thanks

Eric

 

[fumei]

I don't believe that Word is capable of working to the same fine limits as Publisher

Technically, I think I would agree. Word is not a layout application - as much as people, and Microsoft, like to pretend otherwise.


That being said, how fine a degree are you talking about??

Where is this logo? In the header? What is the relation to the text? You are little short on details when you ask "Can anyone please help."

faq219-2884

Gerry
My paintings and sculpture

 

[Treb]

Gerry

To explain in detail the subtle placing and spacing of a letterheading design, for example, I am sure you will appreciate, is not easy in a few words.

It can perhaps be best described as a fairly normal modern letterheading design based on a grid. The various elements of which fit within this grid and the interlinear spacing is even more involved because, as with all typography, the design relies on intricate variations of spacing (and positioning) calculated in points. The logo fits within one of these grid areas, of course, and has to line-up visually with the text (more subtle positioning!).

In other words, a very normal piece of contemporarily deigned stationery!

Eric

 

[Gavona]

Word is not a layout application - as much as people, and Microsoft, like to pretend otherwise.

Gerry is of course correct, but there are tools that help you to do this sort of thing. For example:

Format, Font - character spacing tab - can adjust height and spacing.
Format, Paragraph - can adjust line and paragraph spacing.
You can use these features within cells in a table and you can have tables within tables.
I have never used them but Word can use Frames.

But then especially if you have graphics as well, why not convert your letterhead into a graphic? That has the advantage that users cannot inadvertently change the intricate formatting options that you have set.

Gavin

 

[fumei]

Gavona is correct. There are ways to fuss with this stuff in Word. Also correct is the idea that, really, why not just do it as a graphic, with that graphic done in a REAL graphic application?

Word can use frames, but IMO these are again attempts by Word at trying to be a graphic application. Bleeech. Use the tool for the right job I say.

It can perhaps be best described as a fairly normal modern letterheading design based on a grid. The various elements of which fit within this grid and the interlinear spacing is even more involved because, as with all typography, the design relies on intricate variations of spacing (and positioning) calculated in points. The logo fits within one of these grid areas, of course, and has to line-up visually with the text (more subtle positioning!).

In other words, a very normal piece of contemporarily deigned stationery!

Use the best tool for the job. For the above, this is NOT Word.


PLUS....you must remember that Word is totally, completely, utterly dependent of the local printer driver. Not what you do with the document.

I have personally seen a document that showed on screen, and printed, differently even though we were both printing to the SAME printer. The other person had a slightly older printer driver for the printer. The same document came out differently.

Yes, very true, you CAN do fine detailing using tables, and tables within tables, and font sizes and placements - yadda yadda yadda. However, the bottom line is that Word is not a graphics/layout application.

Frankly, I wish Microsoft would leave this aspect alone and let Word do what it does very well. Be a word processor.

faq219-2884

Gerry
My paintings and sculpture

 

[Treb]

Thank you both Gavona and fumei for your extremly helpful replies to my query. The only thing I do not understand is what you both mean when you say 'turn it into a graphic'.

Would you kindly explain this because, perhaps, that is the answer I am looking for.

Unfortunately, I retired as a graphic designer some years ago and it this kind of thing that one finds difficult to keep up with when working at home in isolation.

Many thanks.

Eric

 

[Gavona]

Save the artwork you have created as a JPG file, or a Windows metafile. You can then insert this picture into your word document. Probably best within the Header. Save the resultant document as a template.

I am SURE others can give better advice about how to do this but that should get you started in looking up the help files and experimenting.

Your choice of graphics format could drastically affect the size of the finished file and thus every document that the Museum creates.


Gavin

 

[fumei]

You are talking about "grids" etc. There are no grids in Word. So we sort of assumed (I think) that the logo itself was being done in some sort of graphic application. If so, add your text (as graphic applications generally DO allow fine positioning), and save the whole thing (logo and text) as an image file. JPG or metafile (or what ever).

Duly note that as has been pointed out, what you use can greatly affect the file size.

faq219-2884

Gerry
My paintings and sculpture