May 07, 2010
Posted by: admin | Category: Graphics and Design
These are the top desktop publishing software programs for Windows users that define desktop publishing. Ease of use, time-saving features, or industry-wide acceptance are some of the key attributes, although not every desktop publishing software program has them all to the same degree. These programs are the major players in desktop publishing and graphic design for in-house, small business, and freelance designers.
1. Adobe InDesign CS4
It’s getting better with every release for both Mac and Windows users. InDesign is available as a standalone package or in three of the Creative Suite bundles which also include Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, and other programs.
2. QuarkXPress 8
Although InDesign now threatens its desktop publishing dominance, QuarkXPress remains a formidable tool in the hands of professionals. Available for Windows and Mac, it is built for Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Mac OS X. QuarkXPress 8 was released in August 2008.
3. Serif PagePlus X3
Aimed at both novice and professional users, Serif PagePlus combines ease-of-use and professional output options, including PDF, with word processing, drawing, and advanced layout and typesetting. It’s a strong competitor for Windows users wishing to step away from Microsoft Publisher and with PagePlus X3, it’s on a par with industry leaders Adobe InDesign and QuarkXPress. PagePlus X3 came out in 2008.
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4. Microsoft Office Publisher 2007
Microsoft Office Publisher 2007 Image courtesty of PriceGrabber
Despite its detractors, Microsoft Publisher is a major step up from consumer creative printing programs. For Windows users, it fills the void between price and pro features. It’s a top choice for business use where Microsoft Office products are the standard.
5. Adobe PageMaker 7
Not quite on a par with InDesign or QuarkXPress, it still delivers professional quality results. Marketed toward business users, Adobe PageMaker outshines Publisher in output but not in price or ease of use. Available for Mac and Windows, PageMaker is no longer being updated by Adobe but is still available for purchase.
January 08, 2010
Posted by: admin | Category: Graphics and Design, Tips and Trick
These are 3 tips to make and design flyer. Using them consistently will save you time in the long run and attract more customers.
1. Use digital photography and illustrations to grab attention and tell your story
Establish a visual focus of your flyer design with an attention-grabbing photo or illustration. Choose from stock photo libraries on the Internet or hire an illustrator to do a custom illustration. A few quick tips:
Place your strongest image in the top half of the page where it will get the best visibility.
Using one large picture makes a stronger impression than several smaller ones.
Group several small pictures so they collectively form a single element.
Juxtapose a small picture with a larger one for contrast.
The results? Photos and illustrations help you add the “eye” appeal that translates into “buy” appeal.
2. “Hook” customers with persuasive writing and a “call to action”
Make a habit of doing these two things: Use persuasive words that “hook” their interest, and include a well-defined call to action in every flyer. What can you do to make your flyers more effective? Apply these basics:
Create a catchy or provocative headline
Know who you are writing for and keep their preferences in mind as you write each word.
Put your message in terms of “you” rather than “I” or “we.” People don’t care about what “we” offer; they care about how your product or service can make their lives better.
Make it clear what your readers should do, think, or believe as a result of reading the information you present.
State your intention as a command—known as a “call to action.” It can be as simple as “Call Today” or “Order It Now.”
3. Limit yourself to 2 fonts with their families
To give your flyer a unified and professional look, I recommend that you limit the number of fonts you use. It is best to use one font (preferably a bold one) for your headlines and another font family for the body copy. (A family is all the related styles that come with the font, and usually include bold, italic, and bold italic.) You can use italics or bold variations within the family for pull quotes or call-outs, captions, and sidebars.