Publishing software

Discussion in 'Mac Apps and Mac App Store' started by sanclemente, Aug 1, 2005.

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  1. sanclemente, Aug 1, 2005

    sanclemente macrumors newbie

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    #1
    This may be an impossible question to answer. My girl friend has a 1ghz Ti powerbook. She's also a real estate agent that does all her marketing materials using Macromedia Fireworks. The problem is that the default format for Fireworks is a .png format which her printer (think low budget, not professional level), a PC user, can't edit if she needs to make changes to the materials before they go out because all the layers have been compressed together. Is there a decent program that can do page layout with pictures, transparent backgrounds and such, that is compatible with readily available PC software (i.e. publisher probably). I looked at Pagemaker and quark, but they both seem like overkill for what she's doing. Apple Pages looked ok, but it seemed more like a replacement for word than it did publishing software. So basically, I want something like Pagemaker Lite (I wish that existed) that can handle mainly graphics heavy, postcard size mailings. Any sugestions?
     
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  2. CanadaRAM, Aug 1, 2005

    CanadaRAM macrumors G5

    CanadaRAM

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    #2
    Well, you already know the answer: Pagemaker or Quark. Those are the only layout programs that are cross-platform and your printer is likely to have. There is no MS Publisher on Mac, Ready Set Go is gone, for the most part.

    Check to see if the printer has ACD Software Canvas (formerly Deneba Canvas). That is cross platform, and combines illustration, raster graphics and page layout (and some CAD type features, so it is good for floor plans and lot plans)

    Or Adobe Illustrator, which doesn't do much with raster graphics but is wizard for vector graphics.

    If your printer HAS illustrator, you can try exporting PDF files and see if they can open them in Illustrator.

    Fireworks is primarily a Web graphics program, and will never be suitable for creating files that are easily editable downstream.

    Thanks
    Trevor
    CanadaRAM.com
     
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  3. MisterMe, Aug 2, 2005

    MisterMe macrumors G4

    MisterMe

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    #3
    PageMaker 7 runs on MacOS 9 and possibly Classic, but not MacOS X. ACD Canvas produces HUGE files. Its EPSF production is competent, but it will surprise you on occasion.

    sanclemente wants to produce marketing materials. However, he doesn't specify the type of documents included among these materials. Leaflets? brochures? posters? He should ask about the best software to produce the kinds of documents that he wants. Afterall, his girlfriend is running a business. Successful businesses don't waste money, but they do invest the money required to ensure success.
     
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  4. sanclemente, Aug 2, 2005

    sanclemente thread starter macrumors newbie

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    #4
    Typically, the marketing materials are just 8x5.5 mailers. There is an opaque beach scene as the background. This may be overlayed with pictures of recent listings, a list of houses on the market, mainly text describing current promos. Washington Mutual then gets it and puts their stuff on 1/4 of it and sends it to the printer. This way WAMU foots the bill for the marketing costs.

    Beyond that usually just fliers for listing presentations that are fairly simple. Perhaps I need to head to the Apple store and have her try out some of this software. What do you think the chances of the apple store having any of these on a PB?
     
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  5. CanadaRAM, Aug 2, 2005

    CanadaRAM macrumors G5

    CanadaRAM

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    #5
    I forgot to mention that InDesign was the successor to PageMaker on OSX
    However I have a number of clients who successfully run Pagemaker and Quark 4.x in Classic, so given the scenario it may be viable. The TiBook has OS9 too, so that;s an option.
     
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  6. MacDawg, Aug 3, 2005

    MacDawg macrumors Core

    MacDawg

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    #6
    Pagemaker does run fine under Classic, and is a lot easier to use than InDesign. In fact, earlier versions of PM would probably do fine and could be edited by later versions and InDesign.

    Actually, with a little effort, Word can handle a lot of layout.

    Of course Photoshop could also do the trick itself, but is pricier than the alternatives. Maybe Gimp would be an alternative.

    Woof, Woof – Dawg [​IMG]
     
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  7. zim, Aug 3, 2005

    zim macrumors 65816

    zim

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    #7
    I think she would be best using something like Pages from iWork (better optoin) or even Word... neither are the best design options but will do the job. Ultimatly I would suggest using Illustrator or InDesign for this job but as you said she is not working with high end stuff.

    Even better... higher a graphic design intern. I am sure you could find an decent intern at a good rate and they could design her the flyers while gaining experience working with a client (more and more have their own laptops and software).
     
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  8. zelmo, Aug 3, 2005

    zelmo macrumors 603

    zelmo

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    #8
    pleaseohplease buy Adobe Creative Suite Standard. Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign is a killer combo that will make any printer you ever send files to a very happy printer. And it wil reduce additional tech support charges on your print buy.
     
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