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Top 5 Budget Windows Software for Professional Page Layout

By Jacci Howard Bear, About.com

Budget and professional don't usually mix. If saving pennies is absolutely essential, these programs combine relatively low cost with many of the same features as more advanced page layout tools for desktop publishing. The trade-off is lesser acceptance by commercial printers and limited advanced options. These are excellent programs for home or small business use and some professional design.

1. Microsoft Publisher

Despite its detractors, it is a major step up from consumer creative printing programs. For Windows users, it fills the void between price and pro features for non-designers and small businesses.

2. Serif PagePlus

Aimed at both novice and professional Windows-based users, it combines ease-of-use and professional output options, including PDF, with word processing, drawing, and advanced layout and typesetting.

3. greenstreet Publisher 4

It packs in a number of great features including tools for spreadsheets, graphs, and photo-enhancement. Has HTML export and color separations printing. Utilities include a font manager, screen capture, and picture browser.

4. greenstreet Publisher 3

An extremely capable and inexpensive alternative to Microsoft Publisher for individuals and small business users.

5. Diwan Ready, Set, Go! for Windows

The Mac version is at 7.6 but a younger Windows version is available. Color separations, HTML publishing, and built-in word processing are some of the available features.

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