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Microsoft Publisher

*Est. $160
Email
Microsoft Publisher

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Lots of templates
  • Can make PDF files
  • Time-saving features
  • Can make custom templates
Cons
  • Windows only
  • Relies on Web for graphics
  • Only basic photo editing
  • Complaints about navigation
  • A few reports of installation problems
  • Not as sophisticated as other software
 
 
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Reviews recommend Microsoft Publisher as ideal desktop publishing software for most users, noting that significant improvements with every version make it as useful for small-businesses as for family use. One review even recommends it for professionals who use more-expensive desktop publishing software, because Publisher can often do small jobs faster. Reviews agree that Publisher is much easier to learn to use than more complex software, and it's easier to customize than simpler family oriented desktop programs such as The Print Shop Deluxe 22 (*est. $40).

We found reviews of Microsoft Publisher at Amazon.com, where about 40 owners rate it and add comments about their experiences. TopTenReviews.com covers the preceding version, Publisher 2007, rating and ranking it in relation to nine other desktop publishing programs. PC World magazine also reviews Publisher 2007, noting changes from earlier versions. Even earlier versions are reviewed at Smart Computing magazine, HomeOfficeReports.com, and About.com. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Where To Buy
 
 
Microsoft Publisher 2007 [Old Version]

 (86 reviews)
Buy new: $169.95 $62.68   17 Used & new from $58.88

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping
 
 
 

Our Sources

1. Amazon.com

About 40 owners review Publisher 2007 here, giving it a rating of four out of five possible stars. Most love it, but a few complain about installation problems, tricky navigation or the lack of a printed manual.

Review: Microsoft Publisher 2007 Reviews, Contributors to Amazon.com

2. TopTenReviews.com

Editors rank Publisher 2007 fourth out of nine competing desktop publishing software programs, giving it top marks for projects and ease of use but slightly lower ratings for features, tools and support. Higher-ranked software comes with better photo-editing capabilities.

Review: Microsoft Publisher 2007, Editors of TopTenReviews.com

3. PC World (Australia)

Giving Publisher 2007 a rating of four stars out of a possible five, this review praises new time-saving features plus the ability to make PDF files. Although Publisher is "underpowered" compared with more-expensive professional publishing software, it's easier to use and fine for most purposes.

Review: Microsoft Publisher 2007, Chris Jager, Jan. 29, 2008

4. Smart Computing

This review gives Microsoft Publisher 2003 the "Smart Choice" award after comparing it with Print Shop Pro Publisher Deluxe 21 and two more advanced programs (QuarkXPress 6.5 and Adobe InDesign CS2). For both home and small-business use, Publisher earns praise as "modestly priced and fully capable" but this earlier version doesn't make PDF files.

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

5. Home Office Reports

This review compares Microsoft Publisher with many other desktop publishing software programs, recommending it as easy and fast -- useful for quick jobs even if you have more-sophisticated desktop publishing software.

Review: Basic Desktop Publishing Software, Editors of HomeOfficeReports.com

6. About.com

Bear, About.com's guide to desktop publishing, says Publisher "fills the void between price and pro features," positioned in between family oriented and professional desktop publishing software. There isn't any evidence of testing here. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Review: Microsoft Publisher, Jacci Howard Bear

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