Desktop Publishing Software for Windows A-Z

Probably the premiere free desktop publishing software application. It has the features of the pro packages, but it's free. Scribus offers CMYK support, font embedding and sub-setting, PDF creation, EPS import/export, basic drawing tools, and other professional level features. It works in a fashion similar to Adobe InDesign and QuarkXPress with text frames, floating palettes, and pull-down menus -- and without the hefty price tag.

 

Available as of 2011: Scribus 1.3+ for Windows (and Mac, Linux)

From the makers of Serif PagePlus, this scrapbooking software takes tradition scissors, pens, and stencils and turns them into digital tools. You'll get photo editing tools, edge effects, layers, filters, decorative text and more. In addition to scrapbooks, use the software to create greeting cards, postcards, photo books, and invitations. Make pages any size you want including 8" x 8" and 12" x 12".

Available as of 2010: Digital Scrapbook Artist 2 for Windows

• Digital Scrapbook Artist 2 (Buy Direct)
• Digital Scrapbook Artist (Compare Prices)

The page layout application that readers chose as the best for graphic design, business use, and personal projects in the 2010 About.com Reader's Choice Awards. There's a free edition that you can download to see how you like it or buy Version 9 at a greatly reducted price, either one is great for very basic needs.

Available as of 2010: Serif PagePlus X5 for Windows

• Serif PagePlus (Buy Direct)
• Serif PagePlus (Compare Prices)
• Serif PagePlus Starter Edition (Free Edition & Version 9 | Free Edition)

Need a calendar in multiple languages? Simply Calendars supports over 70 languages. It offers 52 calendar styles which you can customize with photos and events. Create your calendars in PDF and various image formats. It's also Windows Vista compatible.

Available as of 2010: Simply Calendars v. 5.1 for Windows

• Simply Calendars (Company Store)

For emailing your scrapbook design or posting to Facebook, it's a free service. Buy the premium version of the design and you can print it at home or save as a JPG. Or, purchase a club membership (monthly fee) for access to more designs, unlimited. Other Smilebox services include slideshows and greeting cards.

Available as of 2010: Smilebox for Mac and Windows

Desktop publishing and page layout for multiple platforms. It also has integrated illustration tools.

Available as of 2010: PageStream 5 for Windows (and Mac, Linux, Amiga, MorphOS)

Print it at home or have it done professionally with their printing service. Drag and drop decorations and your photos to create a wall calendar, CD case calendar, or annual calendar. You can import dates, add holidays and events. There's free trial version too.

Available as of 2010: EZ Photo Calendar Creator 2 for Windows

• EZ Photo Calendar Creator (Company Store)

Want something super simple? Choose from a dozen templates, type in some text, add your own photos then you can choose to print or email the completed newsletter to people in the built-in contact list. It'll even do the envelopes for mailing. There's a free trial version too. Purchase for download or order a CD from Spectrum Software.

Available as of 2010: EZ Photo Newsletter Creator Software for Windows

• EZ Photo Newsletter Creator (Company Store)

Build scrapbook albums from scratch or with the many templates. The online Design Shop offers many more templates and papers to use. For both Mac and Windows platforms, newest features include the ability to drag and drop photos and papers directly onto pages, zoom for more precise positioning, text wrap, and word art.

Available as of 2010: My Memories Suite Version 2 for Mac and Windows

• My Memories Suite (Compare Prices)

This inexpensive, basic calendar program from Tailwag Software (formerly from RKS Software) comes with several layouts, imports several graphics formats, and supports recurring dates for ease in updating calendars. In addition to printing, you can save the calendars as a Windows bitmap or JPEG for use as wallpaper, on Web pages, etc. Program includes icons and hundreds of decorative borders. Download a trial version.

Available as of 2010: Calendar Builder for Windows

• Calendar Builder (Company Store)

This easy-to-use Tailwag Software (formerly RKS) program creates standard size horizontal or vertical cards. Use the card wizard to take you through the card design process. Includes templates and background images, text effects, and simple drawing tools. You can add your own graphics. Download and try this business card software free for 30 days. Register and get free updates and upgrades. Write a review of business card software.

Available as of 2010: Visual Business Cards v. 4.34 for Windows

• Visual Business Cards (Company Store)

Formerly Xara Xtreme Pro, this package combines photo and illustration in one package. In addition to drawing and photo editing, it also does Flash animation. There's also a slightly less advanced and very low-cost version called Xara Photo & Graphic Designer. Get trial versions.

 

Available as of 2010: Designer Pro 6 for Windows; Photo & Graphic Designer 6 for Windows

• Designer Pro & Photo & Graphic Designer (Company Store)