I have been using Microsoft Publisher for years having upgraded several times. But, Publisher is entirely limited by comparison to PagePlus and the price is right also by comparison. Much more flexible with far more opportunities for creativity. I was so impressed with this product I also purchased WebPlus which is one of the easiest editors to use and one of the most versatile. Serif PagePlus X4
I use PagePlus professionally, laying out books, book covers, and magazines. It is a fantastic program. The price can't be beat -- but it also does everything I need and is fast, so even if the price were much higher, I would still go with it for my professional work.
Whether you're laying out a newsletter, want to make cards for friends, or want to publish a book, this program handles it all. And it also will "port" its PDF files to the various formats professional presses use, as well as to a number of graphic bitmap formats for added flexibility.
Try it, you'll like it.
I have tried to use Paint shop pro, photoshop elements and I still keep going back to pageplus. I bought full verisons of both. The only time I use the others is after I have used Pageplus and need to do a small resize or to export in a different file. I don't have to spend time trying to find a book or a tutorial on how to work the darn thing. PLUS I'm a graphic designer and a mom. I don't have time to spend hours make a simple art card. Instead with page plus it only takes me 10 minutes! With photoshop and paint shop pro it takes me about 30 minutes to make one design..
If you hated it.. it's because you prefer photoshop's and paint shop pro's features. This is a better option for those who have a very small budget. To be a graphic designers doesn't require you to spend a ton of money on software and books.. it means designing while having a great time. Being stress free is a way of life and this software makes it super easy.
I purchased this software because I owned Art Explosion Publisher's Pro, and I noticed that it was almost identical. It is very similar to my old program but unfortunately, it doesn't support its files. Some of the problems I noticed with it is that it's not very intuitive, eventhough, it contained many of the features of Publisher's Pro. It doesn't come with its own clip art, so you have to buy it either from Serif (only offers British Clip Art) or from somewhere else. The photo optimizer and logo studio work very well, and I found them to be very easy to use. For the price, it offers a great many features and is well worth the investment, but I would highly recommend purchasing the PagePlusX4 Resource Guide.
First of all, the very best thing is that oh, be still my beating heart, this software comes with a printed manual in the box! That's so incredibly rare these days. I like printed manuals so much I've been known to print the PDFs that come with other software out to put in 3-ring binders so I can look up the help when the program's not working. So, kudos to Serif for getting the most important thing right.
The program itself is easy to use, especially if you're working with one of the templates that comes with it, but some of those templates are not easy to modify to suit your own purposes. That's my major gripe. Their book creation section is somewhat confusing, but in this case practice definitely makes perfect.
All in all, I'd say PagePlus X4 gives really good value for the money and would recommend it to any desktop publisher on a budget.
Have used various software programs like Pagemaker, Corel, etc. over the years, but needed new software with Windows 7 to create items for small business. PagePlus x4 has all that, including templates to get you started. Video tutorials helpful, but wish they had more and longer ones for new users. Tutorials are fast paced and geared more for experienced users. Like most new software, no manual came with it, but was able to download the PDF file from Serif website to refer to (manual sells for $40). For the price it's a great software to meet your graphic needs whether it be for business, school or fun. Recommend you buy or download the manual to refer to.
This software, I can safely say is the best investment that I have ever made concerning Desktop Publishing. It performs and performs and performs. The key to getting the most out of this software is to just start playing around with it. Make posters, logos, call cards and anything else you can think of just for fun! There are also loads of online tutorials available to get you up to speed quickly if you have never used a comprehensive desktop publishing program before. Once you start to get familiar with the software, then you can start the serious work.
What is also fantastic with this software is the value you get, first there is the CD-ROM with the program, but then there is also enclosed a Resource DVD with loads of pictures and clip art that can give you a headstart on giving your projects a professional finish. In addition to this there are numerous sample projects that have been pre-made. These can be edited to meet your personal requirements.
One thing to note when importing documents from another program is to import one type of content at a time, meaning: import text by itself first, then import pictures separately after etc. Do not attempt to take short-cuts when importing content, otherwise the quality of the finish may diminish.
In conclusion, I give this software a big thumbs UP!'
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