Why Desktop Publishing Software?

Desktop publishing software is the perfect tool for businesses, no matter the size. Desktop publishing programs can design and print stationery, letterheads, envelopes, calendars, posters and signs and even business cards. Paying a professional printer for these necessities can be expensive, but with desktop publishing software, anyone can put together professional-quality business materials.

While desktop publishing software is useful for businesses, it's also a great tool for all many other people. Desktop publishing software offers projects and tools for teachers, home crafters, volunteers and even parents. And, the versatility of desktop publishing software means that you'll use it over and over again.

In this site, you'll find articles on how to design business cards and professional printing projects, recent news stories and comprehensive desktop publishing software reviews to help you make an informed decision on which desktop publishing program is right for you. At TopTenREVIEWS — We do the research so you don't have to.™

What to Look for in Desktop Publishing Software

You need desktop publishing software that's intuitive and that offers a wide selection of features, including project templates, images, clipart, image editing tools, text editing tools and helpful documentation. Below are the criteria that TopTenREVIEWS used to evaluate desktop publishing software:

• Ease of Use – Desktop publishing software features and instructions should be easy to find and simple enough for anyone to use. Creating a project both from scratch and from a template should be easy.
• Feature Set – A publishing project has several parts; desktop publishing software should include all the popular options so you never have to compromise. For example:

  Desktop publishing software should come with a variety of templates, including stationery, calendars, posters and more.

  Desktop publishing software should include a large library of images, including photos and clipart images. Images should be well organized and easy to search so you can find the perfect picture every time.

  For business use, desktop publishing software should have templates to create professional-looking stationery, letterheads and business cards.

• Graphic/Imaging Tools – Desktop publishing software should never restrict your creativity when working with images. Built–in desktop publishing tools should allow you to manipulate (resize, crop or compress) images, correct scratches and fix red eye on photos.
• Text Tools – Desktop publishing software should include tools that allow you to manipulate text in several ways. It shouldn't limit which effects can be applied to which types of text, including headline and body text.
• Print/Sharing – Desktop publishing software should allow you to easily print your project on paper or to send it to friends and clients via email and instant messenger.
• Help/Support – Desktop publishing software should offer a comprehensive user guide and help system. The manufacturer should offer a customer service email address or telephone number in case you need more specific help.