These are the top desktop publishing software programs on the Mac platform 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 CS3
Adobe InDesign CS3, 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 some of the Creative Suite bundles: Production Premium (Buy Direct) | Design Premium 3.3 (Buy Direct) | Design Standard 3.3 (Buy Direct) | Master Collection 3.3 (Buy Direct) InDesign CS3 came out in mid-2007 with a minor 3.5 upgrade in 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. 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 Available for Mac and Windows, PageMaker is no longer being updated by Adobe but you can still purchase it.
