QuarkXPress

QuarkXPress, commonly known as “Quark,” is the leading design software in the publishing industry. If you’re looking for desktop publishing software, this is it.

Pros

QuarkXPress has been the top layout and page design software pretty much since its first release over 10 years ago. Although it was originally only available on Macs, today, QuarkXPress is available for either Mac or PC.

QuarkXPress’ what-you-see-is-what-you-get (WYSIWYG) interface has made it popular with beginning and experienced designers alike. The program deftly combines automated design features with hands-on control capabilities, and version 7 introduced collaborative features perfect for larger workgroups. These include the ability to have more than one person work on a document at the same time, with real-time changes, and the ability for the project manager to set job parameters and specifications (colors, fonts, etc.) that will be enforced throughout the workflow (called “Job Jackets”).

Cons

The biggest problem with QuarkXPress is its idiosyncrasy. The program has its own way of doing things, which, once known, is perfectly effective, but which can be a little overwhelming to new users, especially those new to desktop publishing software on the whole.

A more minor complication is the need to purchase additional software to produce PDF files.

The Gist

QuarkXPress has been the front-runner in desktop publishing software for years. It lost some ground in the PC market to Adobe InDesign, but with the added features in its newest versions, it seems to be on the comeback trail. The program can take a bit of time to get used to, but the end result is high-quality, design-intensive documents that are second to none.