Guide to Adobe PageMaker

Discontinued in 2004, Adobe PageMaker is still a favorite for desktop publishing

By Chris Perrin

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In 1985 the Aldus Corporation created software that would later become Adobe PageMaker and helped set the standard in desktop publishing for many years. The first release of Adobe PageMaker for Mac was wildly successfully. It contributed heavily to the idea that the Mac was the platform for desktop publishing software, though Adobe PageMaker was later released for the PC.

The current version of the software is Adobe PageMaker 7.0, which supplanted Adobe PageMaker 6.5 in 2001. However, in 2004, Adobe PageMaker software distributors announced that Adobe PageMaker would be discontinued, altogether, in favor of Adobe InDesign, its next-generation desktop publishing software. Still, even in the middle of 2008, customer support for Adobe PageMaker and Adobe PageMaker upgrades were still available. Because of price and the fact that Adobe PageMaker download sites are still providing support, the Adobe PageMaker software is still a good choice for smaller companies with basic page layout needs.

However, companies with more advanced needs should consider InDesign instead of the PageMaker page layout software. The choice of which software to buy rests with each buyer. If you are facing this decision, consider the following:

Eventually Adobe will stop releasing an Adobe PageMaker upgrade. This may be a concern if there are features you want that are not available yet.
Adobe PageMaker 7.0 does not run on Mac OS X or Windows Vista. If you or your company is planning to use these operations systems, you will need Adobe InDesign.
Adobe PageMaker is easy to use. Adobe InDesign has a steeper learning curve.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Do you have experience with Adobe PageMaker Software?

Knowing how to use a software program is very important when trying to figure out which program to purchase. Even though other programs may be newer or better features, if you know how to use Adobe PageMaker, it makes sense to buy Adobe PageMaker.

I recommend: If you are the primary user of the PageMaker page layout software, you know your comfort level with the program. If you are making a decision for others in the company, gauge their experience level with this product. Read sites like ZDNet's review of Adobe PageMaker which offers a list of Adobe PageMaker for Mac information. ActiveWin also offers software features for Adobe PageMaker 7.0. If the majority of your organization knows Adobe PageMaker better than Adobe InDesign, you might consider purchasing the Adobe PageMaker software.

Try to find a trial version of Adobe PageMaker

Adobe Pagemaker software distributors offer trial versions of their product. If you need more than a feature list to know if Adobe PageMaker is right for you, you can download a trial version of Adobe Pagemaker for Mac or PC.

I recommend: Download.com offers a trial version of Adobe PageMaker, but you are required to register and log in to view the free trial. If you cannot download this file, do not be tempted to use an Adobe PageMaker student version. This is a fully featured version of the product, but it is licensed for educational use only. For more information about this, considered software piracy, visit the Adobe website or read more about it at the Business Software Alliance page for employers.

Consider whether Adobe PageMaker has the features you need

Only you know what you need in a desktop publishing system. Corporate newsletters, school newspapers, and brochure and flyer layouts can all be accomplished easily in Adobe PageMaker. More difficult layouts may require more feature-rich software.

I recommend: Visit the Adobe website, and browse through the information about Adobe PageMaker. If Adobe PageMaker 7.0 has what you need for the foreseeable future, it can be purchased. If not, InDesign can be found at Amazon.com.

Continue checking for Adobe PageMaker upgrades

As of 2008, you can still find an Adobe PageMaker download page for upgrades and support. Over the next several years, that download page may disappear as Adobe PageMaker software distributors continue to decline.

I recommend: Adobe offers Adobe PageMaker for Mac that you can download. It also provides information about versions of this product. If you need customer support, visit the Adobe Pagemaker Support Center. You can check here to see if any upgrades still exist. If these pages are not found, it means that Adobe PageMaker software is no longer supported, and you should only download it if you feel confident you can install and support it yourself or with the help of online training materials and forums.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

Ensure you have a licensed copy of Adobe PageMaker. Because it is not supported, many people will say that it is okay to use an unlicensed copy or an Adobe PageMaker student version. This is still software piracy.
Universities are still teaching Adobe PageMaker. As of 2008, students are still taught basic page layouts with Adobe PageMaker. This should assure you that it will continue being supported for some time.
You are not stuck. Adobe PageMaker software distributors may offer a discounted upgrade to Adobe InDesign if you purchase Adobe PageMaker and decide to upgrade later.

The official source of Adobe PageMaker is the Adobe PageMaker page at Business.com