Desktop publishing has come a long way and there are many programs out there that will make your documents look professional. But which one is best suited for small tasks? Which one is suited for slick, magazine quality documents? How do you find these things out before you lighten your wallet? Well, this is your lucky day. Just read this series of articles by Denise McNickle and you will amaze your friends with your practical grasp on DTP. Yes, you will probably be saying things like DTP and grinning ;-)  There are four articles in all; a new article will be posted each week. So if you don't see the article you want, wait a week and come back.

Desktop Publishing Programs
Putting in Text
Putting in Text II
Putting in Text III

Desktop publishing programs vary as much as desktop publishers. Some are complete full-featured publishing packages that do everything from newsletters to books and manuscripts. Others may only be suited for garage sale flyers. Does this mean that one is better than the other? Not necessarily. The kind of desktop publishing that you need to do will largely determine the kind of program you need.

Adobe Pagemaker

PageMaker is probably one of the best known desktop publishing programs and is said to be the original desktop publishing software. It is a full-featured publishing package with all the tools necessary to publish anything you want. It has many features, including a fully integrated word processor, color separation, import/export filters, typographic controls, multiple open publication capability, and many more features. In addition, PageMaker allows you to import text, graphics, spreadsheets, and databases from a wide variety of sources. There are also many additions and plug-ins by various vendors that can enhance and simplify what PageMaker can do for you. One of its best features, though, is that it is easy to learn.

QuarkXPress

Quark is also one of the best known desktop publishing programs. It is hailed as having unequaled design flexibility, making it the choice for design-intensive page layout. It has many features, including document construction, word processing, imported graphics, typography, fully integrated grated color management system, page layout, moveable on-screen palettes, and more. Its power and sometimes complex features can be intimidating to a beginner but comforting to a seasoned professional who needs to get the job done. There are numerous XTensions by various vendors that can enhance and simplify your use of Quark.

VivaPress Professional

Viva Press is a newcomer to the desktop publishing market in the United States. It is a frame-based publishing program that has many features of the other high-end page layout programs: typography, word processing, graphics and text import, page layout, and more. However, VivaPress has features not found in the other programs: object-oriented interface, Bezier-curved editing, and the capability to import and edit Freehand, Illustrator, and CorelDraw files. It is being promoted as a complete design package, combining the precision of page layout software with the flexibility and power of graphics software.

FrameMaker 5

FrameMaker is complete desktop-publishing package that gives you an easy way to write and publish your documents, whether they are books and manuals or simple newsletters. It provides word processing, page layout, importing of graphics and text, and more. Frame has undergone some major revisions with its new release of FrameMaker 5, due in June. Frame 5 will add a translator to create HTML documents, a great benefit to web users. In addition, it will enable users to run text around graphics. Other new features will make placing text and graphics easier.

Ready Set Go!

Ready Set Go! is a full-featured desktop publishing program that includes typographic word processing and style sheets. Its new version is the first desktop publishing program based on Apple's QuickDraw GX. It includes multiple page formatting, drag and drop support, and the ability to create and manipulate Bezier curves. Its new interface is easy enough for a novice yet powerful enough for the professional.

ClarisWorks

ClarisWorks is an integrated program that lets you create and combine several types of documents. It has many features, including word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, database, painting, and page layout capabilities. It is very user friendly with Claris Assistance built-in to guide you through many types of documents. After launching ClarisWorks, you are asked what type of document or task that you want. You can choose Assistance or go it alone, making it useful for the beginner and professional alike. ClarisWorks also offers true WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) font display. You can also import graphics from the included selection or from another source.

HomePublisher

HomePublisher is a complete publishing package that may not be as "powerful" as PageMaker but is a perfect alternative for creating many home and office documents. It combines a word processor with ready-made templates to create newsletters, brochures, flyers, calendars, and more. You can also by-pass the templates to create your own document, and graphics can be imported to add that "professional" touch to any document. It is a great solution for the novice in desktop publishing to get the look and results of a professional. HomePublisher even appeals to professionals when that "more powerful" desktop publishing program may be too much for the project at hand.

Canvas

Canvas is probably best known as a multi-purpose drawing and painting application; but, in fact, Canvas 3.5 is an integrated graphics application with word processing capabilities that can be used for illustration, design, presentation, and publishing. These features mean that many users can use Canvas for their entire project instead of switching to another desktop publishing program to finish their project. New features even let you stamp documents with the date, time, and name. Canvas has the tools necessary for the professional without intimidating the casual user.

Print Shop Deluxe

Print Shop Deluxe is a versatile program that lets you create professional looking printed material without being a professional. You may not be able to create a newsletter or book with Print Shop Deluxe, but you can create a basic projects such as a wonderful greeting card, a garage sale flyer, a coloring book, or even a menu for your church dinner. The basic projects are just that -- basic! You create them by simply adding graphics and text. This program is perfect for those times when you need something simple yet professional looking. As you can see, there are a wide variety of options available to the desktop publisher. All are capable of completing a wide range of projects. The challenge is to wade through all the options and choose the program(s) best suited for a particular project.

Gateway offers this column to its readership as a service, but please note that it is not responsible for the accuracy or opinions of the author and offers no warranty either expressed or implied that the information will produce the desired result. The information provided in this article is based upon the writers particular experience with certain equipment. Familiarize yourself with the requirements of your local and state electrical code and insure yourself that the work you plan to do does not require a licensed professional. If you decide to attempt to do the work yourself, always exercise extreme caution when working on electrical systems because accidents may cause serious injury including death and damage your computer. If you experience difficulty or do not understand the instructions, please consult a professional in your area.

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