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- What is desktop publishing software?
Desktop publishing software is an important component of graphic and print design. However, with so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which desktop publishing software best suits your needs. Thankfully, we are here to guide you through the best options.
What is desktop publishing software?
Desktop publishing software (DTP software) is a design program that specializes in visual layout design. Many DTP software requires a paid subscription or premium fee, but there are also great free options available.
Desktop publishing software is different from word processing software, but they are in the same category. Word processing software is for creating text documents, but DTP software allows you to enjoy information visually, so the format is tailored to the function.
DTP software is ideal for creating posters, e-book or traditional book layouts, brochures, printed stationery, cover art for digital and print media, and more. You can create digital layout designs using the desktop publisher if you wish, but the focus is on print-based designs.
Adobe InDesign provides Adobe's standard user interface and powerful design system for successful desktop publishing. Adobe is considered the industry standard for graphic design tools, and InDesign ranks among the top DTP software.
InDesign integrates with other Adobe products, allowing you to easily incorporate Illustrator layouts and package Photoshop assets into InDesign artboards.
InDesign's layers panel, grid system, and text tools help you create beautiful and functional layouts. You can also use the master page feature and various layout type page tools to achieve high-quality results before finalizing your design in print-ready format.
Unfortunately, InDesign falls under Adobe's subscription model, which is often avoided by amateur designers. You can subscribe to just InDesign for $19.99 per month or get it as part of the All Apps plan for $59.99 per month. Adobe offers a 7-day free trial for new users.
Serif Affinity Publisher has the power of an integrated design system without the costly overhead. In 2022, Affinity released version 2 of its products, which includes Affinity Publisher 2. For layout design on the go, Affinity Publisher 2 is also available on iPad.
Affinity Publisher 2 provides seamless software collaboration across the suite. It features multiple export and import formats, including the proprietary Affinity file format, increasing efficiency across the Affinity suite.
Affinity Publisher 2 offers great DTP features such as master page options, presets and templates, Publisher document merging, professional typography support, convenient design assistance, vector support, and more. It has all the features you need for DTP.
A single license of Affinity Publisher 2 can be purchased for $60. You can also purchase an Affinity V2 Universal License that includes all Affinity software for $160. Affinity offers a 30-day free trial.
Canva has many tools for creating beautiful documents, including Canva Docs, which helps you create attractive documents that can be used in print or digitally. You can also use Canva's Docs to Decks feature to reuse your designs into beautiful presentations.
Canva's template options will get you started on the right path to great design. You can also design from scratch using native tools or importing assets into Canva.
Canva's desktop publisher has collaboration options that save you time and improve communication. You'll also enjoy Canva's large AI toolbox, including Magic Write tools and text-to-image, as well as the Print Store for printing your layout designs directly.
There is a free version and you can get the Canva Pro annual plan for $199.99.
Microsoft Publisher may be considered one of the original desktop publishing apps, but the rise of design software has since put it on the back burner. However, Microsoft Publisher remains a powerhouse in desktop layout design and deserves a spot on this list.
Publisher, part of the Microsoft Office Suite, helps you fit information into the design layout of important documents. Publisher is a great option for everyday users or those without a specific graphic design background. This software allows you to easily create greeting cards, brochures, and invitations.
Microsoft Publisher is available only on Windows. Microsoft Publisher can be purchased for $159.99 for use on a single PC. It's also available as part of Microsoft 365, with individual plans starting at $69.99 per year.
VistaCreate comes in free and pro versions, both of which have enough features to get started with desktop publishing designs. Access templates for layout designs across social media, digital applications, and some printed materials templates.
In addition to layout building tools, VistaCreate also offers image editing options to enhance your publication design. It offers a library of photos, videos, vectors, and pre-designed templates. After you create a layout design, you can also print it directly using VistaPrint.
Get VistaCreate for free with limited features or get a Pro subscription for $10/month.
Prezi is a well-known online presentation software, but it is also a successful desktop publishing software. While DTP software is primarily used for print-based publishing such as books, brochures, and large-scale print designs, Prezi offers a digital-only approach to creating beautiful online presentations and materials for business use. Masu.
Easily create multi-page spreads from one of Prezi's templates, or create a design from scratch to bring your creative vision to life. Prezi makes it easy to create infographics, presentations, and videos.
Prezi offers a free basic account. Premium software subscriptions start at $7 per month for a standard account, with a 15-day free trial.
Design Huddle is an all-in-one premium desktop publisher that supports your digital, print, video, and slide deck needs.
Featuring generative AI to add new images to your layout designs, it also offers standard layout design features such as typography, image and video libraries, PDF conversion to fully editable templates, and password protection with embedding support. To do. Plus, you'll get access to developer toolkits and creative automation tools.
Design Huddle is available starting at $500 per month and is perfect for industry professionals.
BeLight's Swift Publisher is a Mac-only desktop publishing software that provides an affordable solution for all your page layout requirements.
Although the layout is simple, it takes a short learning curve to understand its intricacies. Features include master pages, two-page spread views, creative text tools, integrated Apple apps, and a free asset library.
Swift Publisher offers an unlimited free trial, but your documents will be saved with a watermark. Swift Publisher is available for purchase for $19.99.
Scribus is a free, open-source desktop publisher for layout design that provides DTP solutions for Linux, BSD UNIX, Solaris, OpenIndiana, GNU/Hurd, OS/2 Warp 4, eComStation, Mac OS X, and Windows users. Masu. Although its interface is a little outdated, its universal usage makes desktop publishing accessible to everyone.
Scribus' essential desktop publishing tools include essential spot colors for creating spot UV print designs, CMYK options, ICC color management for your printing needs, and PDF creation. These tools combine everything you need to design and print a successful layout design.
QuarkXPress has long been an industry standard for design studios and printing companies. But since InDesign became popular, it has fallen by the wayside.
Released in 1987, QuarkXPress paved the way for print designs created with grid systems and collaborative pages. It is still used today, but is often found in studios in industries such as marketing and printing plants.
QuarkXPress remains on the desktop publisher map even though newer, faster options are available. XPress provides PDF creation, text tools, image asset placement, and multi-page document design.
In 2020, QuarkXPress began offering a subscription model in addition to a perpetual license model. QuarkXpress can be subscribed to for $259 per year, or $699 for a perpetual license. You can also take advantage of a 7-day free trial.
Whether you design professionally, as a hobby, or want to learn a new skill, there's a DTP software to suit both your needs and your budget.
