How to Buy Desktop Publishing Software

Are you looking for desktop publishing software? It might be useful to you if you put out a newsletter, or need a shinier looking output than a word processor can give you. Essentially, desktop publishing software allows you to enter the world of graphic design, laying out your content in a manner that is professional and pleasing to the eye. Programs such as Quark XPress and Adobe Pagemaker get phenomenally complex, (and expensive!) and are designed for people with backgrounds in graphic design who will be doing elaborite, high end work. Short of that, however, there are programs such as Microsoft Publisher that are more suited to a lower caliber of work, such as publishing a small newsletter from your home.

If you are looking for one of these more basic pieces of software, think about exactly what you will be using it to do. Most of these will be capable of more basic layout work, and will be less suited to high end typesetting. This is probably just fine for your purposes. Look at the fonts included. Are there good options? Do you know what you would use them for? Think also about included graphics, along the lines of "clipart." How are the options? Could you make proper use of them?

Templates are also important. If you are looking at a piece of software along these lines, you likely don't know much about, or want to bother with, elaborite layout options. A good set of templates would allow you to come up with a nice, appealing product with not too much work. Also, consider whether you will be using the program as a word processor. Although it might make more sense to use a word processor such as Microsoft Word or Corel WordPerfect to generate your content, if you plan to do that directly in the DTP program, look at its word processing features. Judge it as you would another word processor.

If you are thinking about getting a more advanced program, don't rush into it. First off, will you be able to take advantage of all the features? If you haven't taken a class in graphic design or the program you are looking at specifically, chances are you wouldn't. If you still think you need those features, though, by all means, go out and learn how to use them. Get a book or take a class, perhaps online. Get good at it!

Also, think about your printer. Elaborate desktop publishing programs output your files for PostScript printers. If your printer can't handle this, and you don't have access to a program that can, that is a problem. Buy a printer that can or get a different program. Also be aware that "service bureau" format outputs your document to offset printing film.

As for specific options, Quark XPress is a good option if you are working on a long typesetting project. If you plan to work with other Adobe programs, try PageMaker. Read reviews exhaustively for any program you are looking at. Try the demos, too. Keep in mind that any of these programs will set you back at least $500.

Sources:
http://www.adobe.com
http://www.amazon.com
http://www.ehow.com