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Adobe InDesign CS2

*Est. $700
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Adobe InDesign CS2

Pros
  • Professional capabilities
  • Good interface
  • Time-saving features
  • Mac version available
  • Integrates with PhotoShop
  • Exports to Dreamweaver
  • Phone support
Cons
  • Steep learning curve
  • Overkill for many users
  • Upgrades can be tricky
 
 
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Reviews favor Adobe InDesign (the latest version is CS3) as more convenient than the other top professional desktop publishing software, Quark Xpress. Adobe InDesign offers sophisticated typography and page layout tools for creating commercial projects such as books, magazines and newspapers, and it can export well to Dreamweaver for website publishing. Control over professional printing is also excellent. The main drawback, besides the price, is the steep learning curve. Reviews say InDesign is overkill for most small-business and home users, recommending Microsoft Publisher (*est. $160) as much easier to use.

We found the best reviews of Adobe InDesign at Macworld magazine and CreativePro.com. The review at CNet.com is briefer, and the comparison tests at Smart Computing magazine and HomeReports.com, while helpful, cover an earlier version. User-written reviews at Amazon.com are scattered over various versions and formats, with more comments about upgrade problems than about the software itself.

Where To Buy
 
 
Adobe InDesign CS2 (Mac) [Old Version]

 (1 reviews)
Buy new: $699.00   1 Used from $225.00
 
 
 

Our Sources

1. Macworld

Though this review notes quite a few flaws, Macworld gives Adobe InDesign CS3 a higher rating than Quark Xpress7 (though the latter can still do more things than InDesign), and it recommends upgrading to CS3 from CS2. If you have trouble understanding this review, that tells you something about the complexity of learning to use InDesign.

Review: Adobe InDesign CS3, Galen Gruman, April 25, 2007

2. CreativePro.com

This long, detailed review is loaded with helpful screen shots that explain some of the best features of Adobe InDesign CS3. The review concludes that CS3 is well worth the upgrade from CS or CS2, but that learning to use InDesign could be overwhelming for a beginner.

Review: Adobe InDesign CS3, Michael Murphy, April 20, 2007

3. CNET

This review of Adobe InDesign CS3 says its "better work-flow integration and type, layout, and editing features give reason never to touch QuarkXPress again."

Review: Adobe InDesign, Daniel Drew Turner, Jan. 15, 2004

4. Smart Computing

Comparing four desktop publishing software titles, this review names Adobe InDesign CS2 the best product on the market, finding it much more convenient than the other QuarkXPress 6.5.

Review: Power of the Press, Jeff Dodd, Dec. 2005

5. Home Office Reports

This comparison review recommends Adobe InDesign as the best desktop publishing software for professionals. It notes that InDesign and its main competitor, QuarkXPress, -- require a lot of time and effort to master.

Review: Publishing, Editors of HomeOfficeReports.com

6. Amazon.com

Amazon.com lists various versions of InDesign, so you may want to check other comments on the site. Here, a handful of owners give the CS3 upgrade mixed reviews, but most warnings are about upgrading, especially if you use CS2 to design books or are upgrading from an Adobe suite.

Review: Adobe InDesign CS3 Reviews, Contributors to Amazon.com

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