EmailBest Reviewed
Desktop Publishing Software
- Best desktop publishing software for families Broderbund The Print Shop 23 Deluxe *Est. $35
- Small-business desktop publishing software Serif PagePlus X3 Publisher Professional *Est. $90
- Desktop publishing software for Mac Nova Print Explosion Deluxe 3.0 *Est. $45
- Professional desktop publishing software Adobe InDesign CS4 *Est. $700
- Free desktop publishing software Scribus *Est. $0
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- Easy to use
- Lots of customizable templates
- Can create PDF files
- Time-saving features
- Windows only
- Relies on Web for graphics
- Only basic photo editing
- Complaints about installation and navigation
March 2009. 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. However, more recent reviews find that Publisher (which hasn't been updated since 2007) is losing its edge to the less expensive Serif PagePlus X3 Publisher Professional (*est. $90). Reviews do 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 23 Deluxe (*est. $35).
We found the best comparison review of Microsoft Publisher 2007 at PC World Australia, where it gets a full review plus ratings that make it easier to compare with three other major desktop publishing software titles. The single-product review at Australian PC Authority compares Publisher 2007 mostly with earlier versions. At Amazon.com, nearly 50 users review and rate Publisher 2007. Far fewer discuss it at a Lockergnome.com forum, but that discussion is helpful if you plan to send projects to a commercial printer. We found useful information in several earlier reviews as well.
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Microsoft Publisher 2007 earns a ranking here that's as high as that of the far more expensive Adobe InDesign CS4, but lower than that of the less expensive, newer Serif PagePlus X3 Publisher Professional. The Publisher templates do earn praise, and the software is easy to use.
Review: Microsoft Office Publisher 2007, Chris Jager, Jan. 2008
2. PC AuthorityDetails/Subscribe
According to reviewer Simon Jones, who's clearly experienced with earlier versions, Publisher 2007 is considered a "minor upgrade," with PDF capabilities the main improvement. It's rated higher for features than for value, but earns praise for its templates, which mean "virtually anyone can produce good marketing communications with little effort."
Review: Microsoft Publisher 2007, Simon Jones, Feb. 2007
3. Amazon.com
Nearly 50 owners review Publisher 2007 here, giving it a rating of 4.5 stars (on a five-point scale). 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, As of Mar. 2009
This forum discussion is useful because users compare Microsoft Publisher with Adobe InDesign as well as with QuarkXpress, Scribus, Photoshop Elements and Serif PageMaker. Publisher gets some criticism when it comes to preparing files for professional printers, and printers recommend InDesign or the free Scribus software instead.
Review: Publisher vs. InDesign, Contributors to Lockergnome.com, 2007
Editors rank Publisher 2007 third out of eight 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 titles, such as PagePlus 10.0.4, have better photo-editing capabilities.
Review: Microsoft Publisher 2007, Editors of TopTenReviews.com
6. Smart ComputingDetails/Subscribe
This rather outdated review gives Microsoft Publisher 2003 a Smart Choice award after comparing it with Print Shop Pro Publisher 21 Deluxe 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
7. 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 / Microsoft Office Publisher, Jacci Howard Bear
Desktop Publishing Software Runners Up:
4 picks including: About.com, Amazon.com…
2 picks by top review sites.
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