Publisher software

Rockingrach100

Hi guys,

What is the best package to get for things like leaflets, posters etc?
I work for children's services, so want to be able to produce professional pieces of work for the service, at the same time I need to be able to create bright, fun documents that will interest young people also.
So I need an idea of a package that does what I need, thats reasonably priced!

Rach

djkaizen

The best for what you need is Photoshop. It does have a learning curve though. However it can be sourced quite thriftily if required. However I do not condone this

djkaizen

I think photoshop has a 30-day trial also, which would let you see if its really for you or not

[Deleted User]

Quark is a really good package for developing promotional material across media, it comes with a 60 day trial that might allow you to do what you want with it.

To buy, it's going to be expensive unless you are nonprofit, but it really is pretty much the defacto

benjus

Quark (or perhaps Adobe InDesign) would be ideal, but expensive.

You could also try a free option: http://www.scribus.net/

Photoshop is more geared towards manipulation of photographic images (as its name suggests). It is not ideal for page layout.

Microsoft's offering (Publisher) is generally derided although it might be worth a try if you already have it as part of an MS Office installation.

cazziebo

We use publisher for newsletters etc. It's good enough, easy to use, and people with MSoft Office already had it so no additional cost.

Unfortunately, not compatible with Macs like me.... :rolleyes:

wanye

what is your intended destination? printed output? if so, is it stuff you print yourself, or will they be sent to a proper printing place? it might be an idea to find out what type of files they will accept.

if youre doing it on the cheap, then try serif software. you can get a relatively old version off them for a couple of quid.

photoshop is good, but expensive, and not the best tool for layout/design. quark is good hardcore design stuff, as is adobe indesign.

i would avoid MS publisher if you can help it. its ugly and clunky.

if you want a free photoshop alternative, give the GIMP or paint.net a try

HTH

dedward67

Serif is pretty easy to use and the SE version is FREE!! Check it out at http://www.freeserifsoftware.com/software/PagePlus/default.asp?SP=G305_UK&gclid=CLyNiM3D-ZQCFROI1Qod-hyCqg. There is an option to upgrade for £9.99

Rockingrach100

Thanks for the replies - very useful!

Pieces of work will be sent to reprographics dept, so thats a good idea about checking what programmes will be compatible with them.

I have used publisher before for newsletters etc. It was ok, but want something a bit better.

I'm off to check out the suggestions made so far.... :rolleyes:

ukbill69

photoshop all the way!

M4RKM

for desktop publishing, Adobe InDesign is a great piece of software..

i disagree with people recommending photoshop, as this is a photo manipulation software package, which you can do some design work in, but for flyers, handouts, magazines, etc, InDesign is a much better piece of kit...

M