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Desktop publishing software is an important component of graphic design and print design.
Thankfully, we’re here to guide you through the top choices.
What Is Desktop Publishing Software?
Image Credit: Serif/Affinity Publisher
Desktop publishing softwareor DTP softwareare specialist design programs for visual layout design.
Many DTP software require paid subscriptions or premium fees, but there are good free options available.
Desktop publishing software differs from word processing software, but they fall under the same umbrella.
Image Credit: Serif/Affinity Publisher
InDesign’s layers panel, grid system, and text tools are helpful in creating beautiful and functional layouts.
Unfortunately, InDesign falls under the Adobe subscription model that often deters amateur designers.
Adobe offers a 7-day free trial for new users.
2.Affinity Publisher 2
Serif Affinity Publisher has the power of integrated design systems without costly overheads.
In 2022,Affinity released version 2 of its products, including Affinity Publisher 2.
For on-the-go layout design, Affinity Publisher 2 is also available for iPad.
Affinity Publisher 2 provides seamless software collaboration across the suite.
The features are everything a DTP needs.
it’s possible for you to buy a single license for Affinity Publisher 2 for $60.
you’re free to also buy the Affinity V2 universal license with all Affinity software for $160.
Affinity offers a free 30-day trial.
Canvas template options start you off on the right path to a great design.
it’s possible for you to also design from scratch using native tools or by importing assets into Canva.
Canvas desktop publisher has collaboration options that save time and improve communication.
But Microsoft Publisher is still a powerhouse for desktop layout design and deserves its place on this list.
Publisher is a great option for everyday users and those not coming from specific graphic design backgrounds.
you’ve got the option to easily create greeting cards, brochures, and invitations using this software.
Microsoft Publisher is only available for Windows.
you’re free to buy Microsoft Publisher for $159.99 for use on one PC.
It is also available as part of Microsoft 365available from $69.99/year for a personal plan.
you might access templates for layout designs across social media, digital applications, and some printed collateral templates.
Along with layout-building tools, VistaCreate also offers image editing options to enhance your publishing designs.
It provides libraries of photos, videos, vectors, and pre-designed templates.
you might also print directly with VistaPrint after creating your layout design.
Get VistaCreate for free with limited features or get the Pro subscription for $10/month.
it’s possible for you to easily create infographics, presentations, and videos with Prezi.
Prezi offers a free basic account.
Moreover, it offers a developer toolkit and creative automation tools for you to take advantage of.
Design Huddle is available from $500/month and is best suited for industry professionals.
Although the layout is simple, there is a short learning curve to understand its intricacies.
Swift Publisher offers an unlimited free trial, but your documents are saved with a watermark.
you could buy Swift Publisher for $19.99.
While its interface is a little outdated, its universal usage opens up desktop publishing to anyone.
These tools combine everything needed for designing and printing successful layout designs.
10.QuarkXPress
QuarkXPress has long been an industry standard for design studios and print houses.
However, it has fallen to the wayside since InDesign became popular.
Released in 1987, QuarkXPress paved the way for printed designs created with grid systems and collaborated pages.
QuarkXPress still has a place on the desktop publisher map, even with newer, faster options available.
XPress offers PDF creation, text tools, image asset placements, and multipage document designs.
In 2020, QuarkXPress began offering a subscription model alongside its perpetual license model.
you could also take advantage of the 7-day free trial.
