[2005] How to design interface for document layout

Hi,
I was asked to design an interface that looks like MS Publisher for creating layouts of the catalog pages that are generated from the database with the help of PDF component.

Right now all changes are done through the code which is very time consuming and confusing.

They want to have a visual representation of all text boxes, images and dynamic tables so they can visually change text positioning, font size & other things and have these changes reflected in code.

I have worked before only with asp.net applications, so my question this:
are there any tutorials, books or sample applications on designing desktop publishing interface?

I have no idea what controls can be used for drawing text and image areas, so any help will be appreciated!

GeorgeSS:

Since you posted this in the VB.Net area I am assuming that you are using VB.Net.

Most of the tools that are available are displayed in the ToolBox or can be added to the ToolBox. And, most any VB.Net explains the various tools in the first chapter or so.

I am sure you could design an interface which would be suitable, but I am not sure that it would work very well to have other people start dragging your controls (textboxes, labels, etc.) around and changing things.

Just maybe a desktop publishing program could be the way to go if you main goal is to just design an interface.

If you want to create an actual program to display data in the interface then something like VB.Net would probably be ideal.

Not sure that really addressed your question.

Goo Luck