Desktop Publishing on the cheap.
As much of a Web and Blogging advocate that I am, sometimes you just need to print to paper. For many years I used Aldus/Adobe PageMaker for creating documents. More recently I've used Microsoft Publisher for brochures, cards and posters. What do you do if you can't find your copy of Publisher for that 11x17 layout you have to get out the door? Not with Microsoft Word my friends.
Then I remember, I also played around with Serif products about 10 years ago when they released their Windows 95 publishing software. I quickly found out that the company still exists and yes, they still make a desktop publishing product. From http://www.download.com/, I found a link to download pagePlus SE 1.0.
*note: Here's another place to download either PagePlus SE (free) or PagePlus 9 ($9.99), http://www.freeserifsoftware.com/software/PagePlus/default.asp
The SE edition of PagePlus is a free to use, complete desktop publishing solution. All the tools necessary to design complex page layout with text, graphics, and photos is there. This version of PagePlus is easy to use and figure out. Some of the essential tools include, group/ungroup objects, layers, image properties (I especially appreciate the transparency options), master pages and guides. Happily, PagePlus SE 1.0 is working great for me. No complaints and only praises about this product.
Now how cool is that?
FYI: Serif has other versions of PagePlus for sale on their Web site. PagePlus X3 is the current version and sells for about $99.99.
This newest version includes an extensive library of professional templates (that alone justifies the price) there's also a slick new Logo Studio among many other tools. If I have more desktop publishing projects to do, I'm seriously considering upgrading to the full X3 version. Recommended!
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