Adobe InDesign CS5.5
Professional desktop publishing software
- Professional capabilities
- Efficient
- PC or Mac
- Integrates with Dreamweaver, Illustrator, Flash, Photoshop
- Steep learning curve
- Overkill for many users
- Improvements from CS4 primarily benefit digital designers
Reviews say that for professional desktop publishing, Adobe InDesign CS5.5 is more streamlined than its main competitor, QuarkXpress 9. Adobe InDesign CS5.5 offers sophisticated typography and page layout tools for creating commercial projects such as books, magazines and newspapers, and it integrates well with Adobe Dreamweaver, Illustrator, Fireworks, Flash and Photoshop. The main drawback, besides the price, is the steep learning curve, according to reviewers. For home and small-business users, reviews say Adobe InDesign CS5.5 is overkill, recommending Serif PagePlus X5 Publisher Professional (*Est. $75) as much easier to use, and much less expensive.
We found the most balanced, critical reviews of Adobe InDesign CS5.5 at Ars Technica, Macworld, and Tech World. Reviewers find the upgrades to be exciting, but as Neil Bennett of the U.K.'s Macworld pointed out, they may not be critical for print publishers. User-contributed reviews at CNET are also helpful.
| Adobe CS6 Design Standard Student and Teacher Edition for Mac [Download] | |
In Stock. |
|
| Featured Stores | Store Rating | Notes | Total Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  1,833 store reviews | In Stock. Get free shipping on orders over $25! | $47.89 | See It |
 |  235 store reviews | In Stock. Fantastic prices with ease & comfort of Amazon.com! | $40.98 | See It |
| See All Stores | ||||
Our Sources
1. Arstechnica.com
This comprehensive Adobe InDesign CS5.5 review covers most aspects of interest to designers. Dave Girard highlights features for creating e-publications, as well as updates to the software's standard tools. Linked text, object export options, and cover-embedding options are discussed and dissected here, and screenshots help publishers visualize the software program. Girard notes that empty applications and leftover patch files are two glitches of the software that Adobe leaves lying around, "like a bad roommate."
Review: Indesign CS5.5 review: e-books made easy, Dave Girard, June 2011
2. Macworld (U.K.)
This review focuses on the new electronic publishing capabilities Adobe InDesign CS5.5. Neil Bennett says turning layouts into e-books is easy, and users can also embed videos into electronic publications. Hey says the upgrades are lacking for print publishers, but primarily benefit digital publishers.
Review: Adobe InDesign CS5.5 Review, Neil Bennett, May 26, 2011
3. CNET
User reviews at CNET highlight the integration with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, and experienced designers don't feel the learning curve is too steep. Concerns include the high cost and that the software can be slow at times.
Review: Adobe InDesign CS5.5 Reviews, Contributors to CNET
4. DownloadCrew.com
This review is brief, but provides an encapsulated overview of the new features in the latest release of Adobe InDesign software. Mike Williams describes new features, including integrating interactivity, audio, and video files into projects. He says dragging, dropping and organizing image files is quick and easy.
Review: Adobe InDesign CS5.5, Mike Williams, May 3, 2010
Desktop Publishing Software Runners Up:
5 picks including: CNET, Computer Shopper…
4 picks including: About.com, Amazon.com…
2 picks by top review sites.
![Serif PagePlus X6 [Download]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51PihyoKCvL._SL75_.jpg "Serif PagePlus X6 [Download]"){kind=small}
Best Reviewed
Desktop Publishing Software
- Best desktop publishing software for home Serif PagePlus Starter Edition *Est. $0
- Best desktop publishing software for small businesses Serif PagePlus X5 *Est. $75
- Desktop publishing software for Mac Apple Pages '09 *Est. $20
- Professional desktop publishing software Adobe InDesign CS5.5 *Est. $700
- Best free desktop publishing software Scribus *Est. $0
Get info about new reports and updates
