Program Overview

Document Design and Production for Editors

The course, Document Design and Production for Editors, is designed to help writers and editors create documents that are easy to understand. Editors often work as part of a design team when the purpose of a document is to report or persuade. In this course, students will examine the elements of design and how they affect usability, production, and cost.

Overview

• Location: Online
• Format: Self-paced within deadlines set by instructor
• Duration: 4 weeks
• Tuition: $485
• Can be applied to: Editing Certificate

Upcoming Offerings

The course is offered at various times throughout the year. The upcoming offerings include:

• Start Date: Wed, Feb 11, 2026
  • Schedule: Wed, Feb 11 - Tue, Mar 10 (self-paced within deadlines)
  • Location: Online
  • Instructor: Flora Gordon
  • Cost: $485.00
  • Seats Available: 22
• Start Date: Wed, May 13, 2026
  • Schedule: Wed, May 13 - Tue, Jun 9 (self-paced within deadlines)
  • Location: Online
  • Instructor: -
  • Cost: $485.00
  • Seats Available: 25

What you will learn

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Describe good design and how it applies to technical documents
• Apply the five guiding principles of effective graphic design
• Demonstrate knowledge of the terminology, types, and reasons for using grids for page layout
• Explain the history, terminology, classifications, and components of typefaces
• Use tables, charts, graphs, and other graphic elements
• Demonstrate knowledge of image file formats, their terminology, and their use
• Identify document structures, organization methods, and binding
• Analyze different output processes (printing, electronic) and select the best one based on the project usage, budget, schedule, distribution, and accessibility needs

How you will learn and be evaluated

Students will spend 6–10 hours per week on coursework, including:

• Readings
• Discussions
• Exercises
• Assignments Evaluation will be based on:
• Assignments
• Participation in discussions

Learning Materials

No textbook is required, as all course materials will be provided online.

Technical Requirements

For online courses, students will need a computer with audio and microphone connected to the internet. Canvas is the online system used for the course. Technical requirements include:

• High-speed internet access
• Adobe Acrobat Reader Students should be comfortable with the following MS Word and/or Google Docs functions:
  • Adding headers, footers, and hyperlinks
  • Using and editing paragraph styles
  • Creating and formatting lists and tables
  • Tracking changes and accepting or rejecting changes
  • Inserting a table of contents, media
  • Creating a custom page size
  • Sharing documents (Word / Google Docs)
  • Resizing images
  • Overlapping images and text Assignments can also be completed using Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Publisher, Adobe InDesign, or Canva.

English Language Requirements

To succeed in this course, students will need an advanced level of written and spoken English. The recommended minimum English language proficiency is:

• Overall band score minimum 6.5
• No band below 6.0
• Writing band score minimum 8.0 The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is recommended for assessing English language proficiency. If students are unsure about their English language skills, they are encouraged to contact their local IELTS Test Centre. Please note that registration fees cannot be refunded after the course start date if students find their English language skills are not adequate.