PageMaker 7.0 Basics: Creating a New Document

There are two methods you can use to create a new document in PageMaker:

• Use a built-in PageMaker template
• Use the Document Setup dialog box

This tutorial focuses on the basics of creating a new document using the Document Setup dialog box. A later tutorial in this series will demonstarte how to use PageMaker's built-in templates.

Click on the File menu, and select New... from the drop-down menu. This will open up the Document Setup dialog box.

The Document Setup dialog box enables you to customize your document design. It provides a range of options that you can use to select your page size, specify the document's orientation, print a double-sided document, rotate your document, enlarge or reduce your printout, as well as adjusting the printable area. The sections below describe each of the options in the Document set up box.

Setting Page Size

PageMaker provides a number of standard page sizes that you can choose from. You can customize a standard page size to fit your needs under Dimensions.

Setting Page Dimensions

The default page dimensions differ based on the Page Size that you select. For example, the default for a Letter size paper is are 8.5"x11" while the default for an A4 size paper is 8.268"x 11.693"You can, however, adjust the dimensions of your selected paper size by typing in new values into the two page dimension boxes.

Page Orientation

Select your page orientation to be Tall or Wide.

Your selections in the Options section will determine how PageMaker will handle a document that has multiple pages.

Single-sided

Select this option by un-checking the Double-sided box. The single-sided option creates a publication that will print on only one side of each page. Only one master page will be created.

Double-sided

Select this option for a publication that will print on both sides of each page. The pages will still be displayed one at a time on your screen. However, two master pages will be created.

Facing Pages

Select this option to display two pages at a time on your screen (all except page 1, which is typically displayed alone). This is the appropriate option if you are working on a booklet or magazine, which will have their pages set up to face each other, much like a book's. You cannot have facing pages unless they are double sided.

Adjust Layout

Select this option if you want to change your document's properties after it has been created. The Adjust Layout option forces PageMaker to re-arrange your document to fit new settings.

Number of Pages

Use this option to change the total number of pages that you want to have in your document. Type the desired number into the Number of pages text box.Change the number of pages by typing the appropriate number in the Number of pages text box.

Restart page numbering

PageMaker will, by default, begin all numbered pages from page 1. Select the "Restart page numbering" option if you are working with numbered pages, and want your document to start with a page number other than 1. Check the Restart page numbering and then type the desired starting number into the Start page# text box.

Select the margins for your document in this section. A margin refers to the space between your text or image and the edge of your page. Margins are defined as Inside and Outside, or Right and Left.

*When you set up your document for double-sided printing, your margins will be defined as Inside and Outside. The Inside margin is in the inner side of the page, where the document binding will be.

*When you set up your document for single-sided printing, your margins will be defined as Right and Left.

Target Output Resolution

Use this section to select the resolution for your final document. If you intend to print your document, select the default resolution of 300 dpi.

Compose to Printer

Use this section to specify the printer that you will use to print the document. If your computer is part of a network that has more than one printer, use the drop-down box to select the particular one you want to print to. PageMaker uses your selection to determine the available fonts, printable area and other settings.

Numbers

Click on the Numbers button to select the style of page numbers for your document. Click on OK to save your selection.