There is no single best desktop publishing software program. There are, however, specific programs that are better suited for certain tasks than others. Instead of asking "which is best — QuarkXPress or InDesign, or [fill in the blank with whatever desktop publishing software all your friends are recommending]?" ask "what do I want or need to be able to do?" Then find out what software is best for accomplishing those critical tasks.
A. Few desktop publishers rely on a single program to do it all. You'll also want to look at the variety of tools that are all part of desktop publishing.
Use this outline to get you started. There are four general desktop publishing software groups that most designers need. These types of programs make up the core of your toolbox. Additional utilities, add-ons, and specialty software not covered here can enhance the basic desktop publishing software arsenal. Within some of the four general groups of software are additional sub-categories.
1. Word Processor
You will use a word processor to type and edit your text including spell and grammar checking. You may even be able to format specific elements on the fly and include those formatting tags when you import text to your page layout program, simplifying some formatting tasks.
Sponsored Links
Free Software DownloadsMake Big Money for no cash layout Sit back & watch the money roll inwww.mediaoasis.co.uk
Easy Forms SoftwareModify Templates. Also Create Flyers, Calendars, Org Charts, Morewww.smartdraw.com
Professional PublishingProfessional Publishing Info. Fast & Easywww.ProfessionalPublishing.info
While you can do some fancy, advanced layouts in your word processor software they are best suited to simply working with words, not for page layout. Additionally, if your intent is to have your work commercially printed, word processing file formats are generally not suitable. Choose a word processor that can import and export a variety of formats for maximum compatibility with others.
Examples: Microsoft Word, Corel WordPerfect
2. Page Layout (aka Desktop Publishing)
These are the programs most closely associated with desktop publishing. This kind of desktop publishing software allows for the integration of text and images on the page, easy manipulation of page elements, creation of artistic layouts and multi-page publications such as newsletters and books. High-end or professional level tools include more prepress features including separations, imposition, and fine typographic controls. Sub-categories, with examples that sometimes fit multiple categories, are (see each category profile for details, including more examples):
* Professional Page Layout
Examples: Adobe InDesign, QuarkXPress
* Long Document Composition
Examples: Adobe FrameMaker, Corel Ventura
* Business or Enterprise Publishing
Examples: Adobe FrameMaker, Corel Ventura, QuarkXPress
* Home Publishing
Examples: The Print Shop, Sierra Print Artist
* SOHO (Small Business) Publishing
Examples: Microsoft Office Publisher, Adobe PageMaker, Serif PagePlus
* Database Assisted Publishing
Examples: Adobe FrameMaker, Corel Ventura, QuarkXPress
3. Graphics Software
For most print publishing an illustration program and an image editor are the types of programs needed. Some graphics software programs may incorporate a few features of the other type, but for most professional work you'll need each one.
* Illustration
Illustration or drawing programs work with vector graphics formats. Vector-based drawing programs allow more flexibility when creating artwork that is to be resized or must go through multiple edits. Logos, for example, should be created first in illustration programs.
Examples: Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, Macromedia Freehand
* Photo/Image Editing
Image editors, also called paint programs or photo editors work with bitmap images. Bitmap graphics tools are needed for working with photos, scans, or other "realistic" images. Although illustration programs can export images in bitmap formats, paint programs are still usually superior for final output of images for the Web or for many special effects to photos.
Examples: Adobe Photoshop, Corel Photo-Paint, Jasc Paint Shop Pro
For more detailed descriptions and examples of all types of graphics software, visit our About Graphics Software GuideSite.
4. Electronic or Web Publishing
Many of today's page layout and other desktop publishing software programs now include a variety of electronic publishing capabilities. If your work is exclusively Web Design or you wish to have separate tools for Web Publishing, please visit our About Web Design GuideSite for help choosing the appropriate tools. Otherwise, see the categories above that best fit your print publishing then compare their additional features for Web and Electronic publishing.
Even if Web publishing is not part of what you do, one electronic publishing tool that is becoming increasingly important, even for print publishers, is Adobe Acrobat or similiar tools for producing (not just viewing) PDF files.
Descriptions and Examples for PDF
Before you start comparing products to each other, analyze how you plan to use your desktop publishing software. Your planned use and your current desktop publishing and design knowledge can help you find the software with just the right combination of features. The best desktop publishing software program is the one (or more) that does what you want and need it to do.
