There are many types of publishing software programs, but desktop publishing software is crucial for any publishing business. This type of software lets designers and publishers create print-ready pages. Desktop magazine publishing software, for example, displays how images and text look on a page before a publication goes to print.
Desktop publishing software is about much more than just making a publication look pretty, though. A good program lets a publisher communicate effectively with the printer, so the printer knows exactly how the final publication should look. Good publishing software providers also create products that make it easy for publishers to decide on format and presentation. A top-notch program lets an editor picture the final product, in its entirety, in advance.
Before buying publishing software for your company:
1. Compare publishing software programs to choose the best one for your business;
2. Consider your project needs;
3. Budget for the purchase, as high-end professional programs can cost more than generic programs designed for home use.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Choose photo editing publishing software for picture-perfect results
Publishers often work with graphics and photos, which requires desktop publishing software with a good photo editing tool that allows software users to manipulate the images. This type of magazine publishing software allows you to sharpen, stylize and color correct images before they go to print. Today's photo packages even come with some text capabilities so you can create layouts and images with text.
I recommend: Adobe Photoshop ranks among the better photo editing solutions for publishers.
CorelDRAW, an illustration and graphic design program, is also popular in the publishing world.
Select publishing software to create page layouts
Once you have perfect images for your publication, you need page layout publishing software applications to create pages that seamlessly incorporate images and text. Page layout programs allow you to create multi-page publications, such as magazines and newsletters.
I recommend: QuarkXPress has been an industry standard for page layout programs for years.
Microsoft Publisher is a relatively new product with excellent reviews.
Adobe InDesign is one of the best-selling high-end layout programs.
Look for publisher software with electronic publishing capabilities
Even if you are mainly interested in producing a print publication, you need publishing software applications with electronic publishing capabilities. Having publishing software that lets you digitize your publication and publish online is important in an environment where readers increasingly expect online samples, online newsletters and other online content. Although a lot of magazine publishing software includes some electronic publishing features, if your company depends on online content, a separate and more powerful program is your best bet.
I recommend: Pressmart offers magazine publishing software that allows users to digitize a publication and take it online.
PressPublisher lets you easily create and publish online content, including magazines and newsletters.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Look for free desktop publishing software online and for free demos, great ways to try before you buy. Trying your desktop publisher software lets you see how useful it is for your publication and also lets you determine how often you are likely to use the program.
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