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Desktop publishing software is an important component of graphic design and print design. However, with so many options available, it can be hard to know which desktop publishing software is best for your needs. Thankfully, we’re here to guide you through the top choices.
What Is Desktop Publishing Software?
Desktop publishing software—or DTP software—are specialist design programs for visual layout design. Many DTP software require paid subscriptions or premium fees, but there are good free options available.
Desktop publishing software differs from word processing software, but they fall under the same umbrella. Word processing software is for creating text documents, while DTP software makes the information visually pleasing, so the form matches the function.
DTP software is great for creating posters, eBook or traditional book layouts, brochures, printed stationery, cover art for digital and printed media, and more. You can create digital layout designs with desktop publishers when required, but the focus is on print-based design.
1.Adobe InDesign
Adobe InDesign provides Adobe’s standard user interface and its powerful design system for desktop publishing success.Adobe is considered the industry standard of graphic designtools, and InDesign is up in the ranks for DTP software.
InDesign can integrate with other Adobe products—you can easily incorporate Illustrator layouts and package assets from Photoshop into your InDesign artboards.
InDesign’s layers panel, grid system, and text tools are helpful in creating beautiful and functional layouts. You can also use its master page function and page tools for all different layout types before finalizing your design into print-ready formats for high-quality results.
2.Affinity Publisher 2
Serif Affinity Publisher has the power of integrated design systems without costly overheads. In 2022,Affinity released version 2 of its products, including Affinity Publisher 2. For on-the-go layout design, Affinity Publisher 2 is also available for iPad.
Affinity Publisher 2 provides seamless software collaboration across the suite. It boasts multiple export and import formats, including its own Affinity file format, increasing efficiency across the Affinity suite.
Affinity Publisher 2 offers great DTP features including master page options, presets and templates, Publisher document merging, professional typography support, helpful design aids, and vector support. The features are everything a DTP needs.
You can buy a single license for Affinity Publisher 2 for $60. You can also buy the Affinity V2 universal license with all Affinity software for $160. Affinity offers a free 30-day trial.
Canva offers many tools to create beautiful documents, including Canva Docs, which helps you create attractive documents for print and digital use. You can alsouse Canva’s Docs to Decks featureto repurpose your designs into beautiful presentations.
Canva’s template options start you off on the right path to a great design. You can also design from scratch using native tools or by importing assets into Canva.
Canva’s desktop publisher has collaboration options that save time and improve communication. You’ll also enjoy Canva’s large AI toolbox, includingthe Magic Write tooland text-to-image, and its print store for direct printing of your layout designs.
There is a free version, and you may get the Canva Pro annual plan for $199.99.
4.Microsoft Publisher
You may consider Microsoft Publisher one of the original desktop publishing apps, but with the rise of design software taking over, it’s taken a back seat since. But Microsoft Publisher is still a powerhouse for desktop layout design and deserves its place on this list.
Part of the Microsoft Office Suite, Publisher can help you fit your information into a design layout for important documents. Publisher is a great option for everyday users and those not coming from specific graphic design backgrounds. You can easily create greeting cards, brochures, and invitations using this software.
Microsoft Publisher is only available for Windows. you’re able to buy Microsoft Publisher for $159.99 for use on one PC. It is also available as part of Microsoft 365—available from $69.99/year for a personal plan.
5.VistaCreate
VistaCreate offers a free and pro version, both of which offer plenty to get you started with your desktop publishing designs. You can access templates for layout designs across social media, digital applications, and some printed collateral templates.
Along with layout-building tools, VistaCreate also offers image editing options to enhance your publishing designs. It provides libraries of photos, videos, vectors, and pre-designed templates. you’re able to also print directly with VistaPrint after creating your layout design.
Get VistaCreate for free with limited features or get the Pro subscription for $10/month.
Prezi is a renowned online presentation software, but it fits the bill as successful desktop publishing software, too. While DTP software is largely used for print-based publishing, such as layouts for books, brochures, or large-scale print designs, Prezi offers a digital-only approach to creating beautiful online presentations and business-use collateral.
Easily create multipage spreads from one of Prezi’s templates, or you can create designs from scratch and realize your creative vision. You can easily create infographics, presentations, and videos with Prezi.
Prezi offers a free basic account. Subscription to the premium software starts at $7/month for a standard account, and there is a 15-day free trial.
7.Design Huddle
Design Huddle is an all-in-one premium desktop publisher that supports your digital, print, video, and slide deck needs.
It features generative AI for adding new imagery to your layout designs, and it also offers standard layout design features such as typography, image and video libraries, PDF conversion into fully editable templates, and password protection with embed support. Moreover, it offers a developer toolkit and creative automation tools for you to take advantage of.
Design Huddle is available from $500/month and is best suited for industry professionals.
8.Swift Publisher
BeLight’s Swift Publisher is a Mac-only desktop publishing software that is affordable and offers solutions for all page layout requirements.
Although the layout is simple, there is a short learning curve to understand its intricacies. Features include master pages, a two-page spread view, creative text tools, integrated Apple apps, and a free asset library.
Swift Publisher offers an unlimited free trial, but your documents are saved with a watermark. you’re able to buy Swift Publisher for $19.99.
Scribus is a free and open-source desktop publisher for layout design that offers DTP solutions for Linux, BSD UNIX, Solaris, OpenIndiana, GNU/Hurd, OS/2 Warp 4, eComStation, Mac OS X, and Windows users. While its interface is a little outdated, its universal usage opens up desktop publishing to anyone.
Scribus' essential desktop publishing tools include spot colors—which are integral forcreating spot UV print designs—CMYK options, ICC color management for your print needs, as well as PDF creation. These tools combine everything needed for designing and printing successful layout designs.
10.QuarkXPress
QuarkXPress has long been an industry standard for design studios and print houses. However, it has fallen to the wayside since InDesign became popular.
Released in 1987, QuarkXPress paved the way for printed designs created with grid systems and collaborated pages. While it’s still used today, it’s more often seen in industry studios, such as marketing or print factories.
QuarkXPress still has a place on the desktop publisher map, even with newer, faster options available. XPress offers PDF creation, text tools, image asset placements, and multipage document designs.
Whether designing professionally, as a hobby, or to learn a new skill, there is DTP software to suit both your needs and budget.
