Whether you're using it for business or for leisure, desktop publishing software can give you complete control over the look and feel of your written works and promotional materials. PagePlus gives you a wide variety of tools for editing pictures, fonts, colors and more, yet the application is easy to use and you can adjust it according to your skill level. This high-functioning yet user-friendly desktop publishing software allows you to create a variety of eye-catching printed materials, but it can also create files for online use and eBooks. It is because of this application's versatility and extensive feature set that PagePlus gets our TopTenREVIEWS Gold Award.
No matter what kind of project you're working on, PagePlus has you covered. This application features a large number of templates, including templates for banners, business cards, postcards, resumes, menus and stationary. After you pick the template that you like, PagePlus allows you to select the layout and the color scheme of the template at the touch of a button. If you don't like the color schemes Serif's PagePlus offers, you can also create your own to fit your needs.
We are impressed with the number and variety of templates that PagePlus offers. Each one of the templates we viewed was colorful and well organized, but we were also able to alter the templates easily and add or delete text and images as needed. We are disappointed that they don't offer some templates, such as iron-ons and direct mail, but for the most part, you will be able to work around these missing templates and create whatever you need.
One of the most impressive things about PagePlus is the fact that you can create and edit PDF files, including PDF files that have been made in other programs. You can adjust colors, add images, change text and more on the PDFs you import into this desktop publishing software. An additional bonus is that if you need to send your project to someone else, the recipient does not need the PagePlus application in order to view the file.
Once you become familiar with PagePlus, it's quite easy to use. It has an interface that is similar to Microsoft Office applications, which you're probably accustomed to. Serif offers a number of video tutorials and a helpful manual. Plus, you will also find that within the application itself, you can click on the help button at any time and learn to use all the different tools you have at your disposal for creating and publishing documents.
This desktop publishing software includes options to adjust text and page qualities as well as open, save, and print documents. It also features toolbars that will allow you adjust images, change shapes, use drawing tools and create effects. Additionally, you can alter the attributes of documents, viewing pages and color schemes simply by clicking a button. You can also customize the look of PagePlus to display the tools that you commonly use.
You can either use one of the pre-loaded images in PagePlus for your project or you can upload your own images. The logo design studio, as well as the photo editing tools, offer much more than the average user will need. You can also repair damaged pictures using PagePlus. The application features a red-eye tool, a repair tool and more to clean up photos, hide scratches and make everyone look their best.
Besides the standard tools for resizing and correcting color and contrast, PagePlus has tools to add 3D effects, transparencies and filter effects. The filter effects you can create with PagePlus are among the best we've seen in the other applications we reviewed. Some of the filter effects include an inner or drop shadow, inner or outer glows, bevel and emboss effects, feather effects and 3D or 2D effects.
PagePlus comes with a large variety of fonts, so you can create a look in your printed or online materials that is unique to you or your business. You can import plain Microsoft Word and Open Office files and turn them into something worth noticing.
Very few of the desktop publishing programs we reviewed allow you to take your text beyond basic shapes; PagePlus is the exception. Using the included tools, you can shape your text around almost anything. Using the freehand, straight-line and curved tools, you can create a custom shape and then add your text to it. This is ideal for curving text around circular shapes.
Along with the ability to save your files in PDF format and print your projects yourself, PagePlus also gives you tips and provides a wizard for preparing your document for professional printing. You can set this desktop publishing software to save your work in the PDF X file format, which is universally compatible with most professional printing shops. You can set your layout, separations for color, prepress file information, crop marks, registration targets and more.
Since Serif is continually changing their product to fit the needs of its users, PagePlus now gives the option for you to publish your work online or in eBook form. You can then upload your work directly online, or put it on a Kindle or iPad. When you choose to publish this way, you can add video and hyperlinks to your project for an interactive experience. This kind of technology is invaluable to a world that seems to be shifting away from the printed word.
PagePlus provides some excellent help resources, including helpful tutorials and a user guide. You can also visit Serif's website and view a knowledgebase, a FAQs page and an online community forum where you can discuss issues with other PagePlus users. You can also contact the customer support team by telephone. Serif also features Live Remote Assistance, where a technician can directly help you with the application.
Serif does not offer live chat support and they use an online contact form instead of offering a direct email address. However, they have a Facebook account and a Twitter account, where you can ask questions regarding PagePlus. During our review, we found the customer support team to be prompt and informative in their responses to our questions.
Overall, we really like PagePlus and the variety of options it offers. Not only does it include professional-looking templates, it also has great tools for working with larger documents such as books and catalogues. Plus, this software allows you to edit imported PDF files and publish to eBooks, if necessary. This application allows you to do so much, yet it's still easy to use, which is why we consider PagePlus to be the best desktop publishing software available.
