These are the top desktop publishing software programs for Windows users that define desktop publishing. Ease of use, time-saving features, or industry-wide acceptance are some of the key attributes, although not every desktop publishing software program has them all to the same degree. These programs are the major players in desktop publishing and graphic design for in-house, small business, and freelance designers.
1. Adobe InDesign CS4
Adobe InDesign CS4, Image from Adobe, Inc.
It's getting better with every release for both Mac and Windows users. Many readers of this site feel that InDesign is the clear leader of the pack and that it may have reached the "Quark Killer" status envisioned when first released. InDesign is available as a standalone package or in three of the Creative Suite bundles which also include Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, and other programs:
InDesign CS3 came out in mid-2007 with a minor 3.5 upgrade in 2008. InDesign CS4 became available in October 2008.
- Creative Suite 4 Design Premium (Buy Direct)
- Creative Suite 4 Design Standard (Buy Direct)
- Creative Suite 4 Master Collection (Buy Direct)
InDesign CS3 came out in mid-2007 with a minor 3.5 upgrade in 2008. InDesign CS4 became available in October 2008.
2. QuarkXPress 8
QuarkXPress 8 Image courtesy of PriceGrabber
Although InDesign now threatens its desktop publishing dominance, QuarkXPress remains a formidable tool in the hands of professionals. Available for Windows and Mac, it is built for Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Mac OS X. QuarkXPress 8 was released in August 2008.
3. Serif PagePlus X3
© J. James
Aimed at both novice and professional users, Serif PagePlus combines ease-of-use and professional output options, including PDF, with word processing, drawing, and advanced layout and typesetting. It's a strong competitor for Windows users wishing to step away from Microsoft Publisher and with PagePlus X3, it's on a par with industry leaders Adobe InDesign and QuarkXPress. PagePlus X3 came out in 2008.
4. Microsoft Office Publisher 2007
Microsoft Office Publisher 2007 Image courtesty of PriceGrabber
Despite its detractors, Microsoft Publisher is a major step up from consumer creative printing programs. For Windows users, it fills the void between price and pro features. It's a top choice for business use where Microsoft Office products are the standard.
5. Adobe PageMaker 7
Adobe PageMaker 7, Adobe, Inc.
Not quite on a par with InDesign or QuarkXPress, it still delivers professional quality results. Marketed toward business users, Adobe PageMaker outshines Publisher in output but not in price or ease of use. Available for Mac and Windows, PageMaker is no longer being updated by Adobe but is still available for purchase.
