Alexis Kestler
Desktop publishing (DTP) software has revolutionized how individuals and businesses design and publish content. With DTP software, anyone can create professional, high-quality marketing materials to promote their brand or business on a budget.
In this guide, we‘ll explore the top 8 desktop publishing software tools to help you create stunning marketing materials.
What is Desktop Publishing Software?
Desktop publishing software allows users to design and layout content with a professional polish. These tools give you fine control over text styling, image placement, color schemes, and more.
Unlike basic document creation apps, desktop publishing platforms are built for intricate page layouts. They have robust features to arrange visual elements and text on the page.
DTP software emerged in the 1980s as the publishing industry transitioned from traditional typesetting to digital workflows. Early tools like PageMaker and QuarkXPress enabled designers to craft documents directly on personal computers.
Today, desktop publishing is accessible to anyone with a computer and design software. Individuals, small businesses, schools, nonprofits, and corporations use DTP tools to create marketing materials in-house.
Common desktop published materials include:
- Brochures
- Flyers
- Posters
- Newsletters
- Magazines
- Reports
- Presentations
- Books
With desktop publishing, you can output professional print marketing collateral along with digital publications. Many tools support exporting to formats like PDF, eBook, and HTML for web publishing.
Benefits of Desktop Publishing Software
Here are some of the key advantages of using desktop publishing tools:
Professional results – Create polished collateral that rivals expensive agency designs. Advanced layout and typography tools help craft pro-grade materials.
Complete control – Customize every element like images, text, colors, and layouts. Tweak and refine designs until they are perfect.
Cost savings – Design in-house rather than hiring a graphic designer. Desktop publishing provides pro-level capabilities at a fraction of the cost.
Efficient workflows – Many desktop publishing apps integrate with other tools like word processors and allow batch automation. Work faster and smarter.
Print and digital output – Export finished products into various formats for print production or online publishing. Expand reach and use.
Creative freedom – Express your brand‘s unique style with limitless design options. Go beyond canned templates to craft something original.
With the right desktop publishing software, anyone can create professional marketing collateral. Even those without formal graphic design training can learn to use these tools effectively.
How to Choose Desktop Publishing Software
With many desktop publishing app options available today, how do you select the right one for your needs? Here are key factors to consider:
Learning curve – Look for an intuitive interface with a shallow learning curve, especially if you‘re new to DTP. However, advanced tools have steeper climbs but expand creative capabilities.
Compatibility – Ensure the software works on your operating system, whether Mac, Windows, Chrome OS, or other platforms. Some are OS-agnostic web apps.
Template libraries – Consider apps with large template collections to give you design starting points and save time. Make sure it includes templates for your specific collateral needs.
Output formats – Determine which export formats are critical for your print production and digital publishing needs, like PDF, JPEG, ePub, HTML, etc.
Subscription model – Many DTP apps now use a subscription licensing model. Factor ongoing costs into your budget considerations.
Integration – Look for integration with complementary applications you use like Microsoft Office, cloud storage, Photoshop, and more.
User reviews – Read up on real user reviews to gauge the software‘s ease of use, quality of output, and accessibility for beginners vs. experts.
Trial option – Test drive the DTP app firsthand with a free trial. This lets you evaluate the interface, features, output quality and more risk-free.
Weigh these factors carefully as you assess desktop publishing tools to find the best match. Let‘s look at eight top options on the market today.
1. Adobe InDesign
Adobe InDesign is the industry standard for professional desktop publishing and a top choice for designers. It‘s part of Adobe‘s popular Creative Cloud suite alongside Photoshop, Illustrator, and more.
InDesign delivers advanced page layout capabilities. It offers precise control over typography with robust text styling options. Images integrate easily for professional multi-page document designs.
Key features include:
- Intuitive drag and drop workflow
- Streamlined collaboration features
- 700+ professional templates
- Tight integration with other Adobe CC apps
- Interactive digital publishing capabilities
- Excellent print production support
This tool is versatile enough for any desktop publishing job, whether it‘s a 50-page product catalog, digital brochure, magazine, poster, and more. Export and share files in various formats like PDF, JPG, and ePub.
InDesign does have a steeper learning curve than some competing tools. But it provides the deepest feature set and creative control in a desktop publishing platform.
Pricing: $21.99/month with annual plan. 7-day free trial available.
Platforms: macOS, Windows
Overall, Adobe InDesign remains the premiere DTP software for professional designers and studios. But it‘s overkill for simple desktop publishing jobs.
2. Affinity Publisher
Affinity Publisher provides an affordable InDesign alternative for Windows and Mac. It‘s part of Serif‘s suite of Affinity creative apps for desktop.
This DTP software provides professional quality typography and layout tools. But it uses a more modern, streamlined interface. Affinity Publisher supports advanced CMYK and pantone colors critical for print production.
Standout features:
- Affordable one-time license cost
- Intuitive UI with minimal learning curve
- Big library of templates and assets
- Can import and export Affinity and Adobe file formats
- Streamlined workspaces for different outputs
- PDf export, ebook publishing, and digital outputs
Affinity Publisher is great for beginners looking for pro-level DTP capabilities. Experienced designers appreciate its smooth UX and seamless Affinity suite integration. And the affordable price makes it attractive for budget-minded users and small businesses.
Pricing: $54.99 one-time payment
Platforms: macOS, Windows
For those seeking an InDesign alternative, Affinity Publisher delivers desktop publishing excellence. It‘s arguably the best blend of value, features, and usability.
3. Lucidpress
Lucidpress provides desktop publishing capabilities directly in your web browser. The SaaS platform requires no downloads or software installation.
This online DTP editor streamlines collaboration across teams. It imports Microsoft Office documents for easy content repurposing. Lucidpress integrates with Google Drive and other cloud platforms.
Notable features:
- Cloud-based browser access
- Real-time collaboration
- Hundreds of professionally designed templates
- Intuitive drag and drop editor
- Built-in image editor and library
- PDF and document exports
Lucidpress makes light desktop publishing accessible from any device. It‘s a great fit for teams that need multi-user DTP capabilities. The online tool may lack some advanced features power users want. But its ease of use and seamless collaboration are big advantages.
Pricing: Free – $10/month per user
Platforms: Any with modern web browser
For basic desktop publishing tasks and team collaboration, Lucidpress is a solid cloud-based choice. The free plan provides a capable DTP starter option.
4. Scribus
Scribus is a popular open source desktop publishing application. It provides professional quality DTP abilities at no cost.
Scribus supports Windows, Mac, Linux, and OS/2. It can open robust file types like AI, PSD, and INDD. The tool exports to various print and ebook formats.
Features include:
- Completely free and open source
- Multi-page layouts with master pages
- Vector drawing and image editing tools
- Excellent typesetting features
- Color separations for advanced print workflows
- Support for interactive PDF capabilities
Scribus has an understandably steeper learning curve as an open source tool. But it provides excellent pro-level DTP features once mastered. The open architecture also allows advanced customization options.
Pricing: 100% Free
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, OS/2
For an open source desktop publishing tool, Scribus delivers surprisingly robust capabilities. The free price point makes it accessible for everyone.
5. SwiftPublisher
SwiftPublisher provides an affordable desktop publishing app tailored for Mac. It streamlines brochure, flyer, pamphlet, and catalog designs.
This DTP editor delivers 500+ drag and drop templates to jumpstart projects. It seamlessly imports images from Photos and iTunes. SwiftPublisher includes 2,000 free clipart images to enhance designs.
Other key features:
- Simple drag and drop workflow
- Tons of easy to customize templates
- Integrates photos from Apple libraries
- 2,000 free clipart images included
- Affordable one-time payment
- PDF exporting for print and digital
SwiftPublisher won‘t match feature-heavy tools like InDesign. But its focus on ease of use for basic DTP makes it an appealing Mac-exclusive option.
Pricing: $29.99 one-time payment
Platforms: macOS
For Mac users seeking an affordable, template-driven desktop publishing solution, SwiftPublisher hits the marks.
6. Soda PDF
Soda PDF offers desktop publishing features within its broader PDF editor tool. It provides an easy way to create great looking documents of all types.
The DTP capabilities focus on brochure, flyer, poster, and presentation designs. Pick from ready-made templates and customize the layouts and visual elements.
Notable Soda PDF features:
- Hundreds of customizable templates
- Intuitive drag and drop editing
- Photos, graphics, charts, and shape integration
- Collaborative editing and commenting
- Support for interactive PDF exports
- Affordable subscription pricing
Soda PDF isn‘t as full-featured for desktop publishing compared to standalone DTP apps. But it provides quality results for basic marketing collateral needs. And the rest of the tool‘s broad PDF features add even more value.
Pricing: $6/month
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
If you want light desktop publishing capabilities bundled into a multi-purpose PDF editor, Soda PDF is a great choice.
7. PagePlus
PagePlus from Serif delivers a highly accessible desktop publishing option for Windows. It makes professional print collateral design easy for novices and businesses.
Pick from a wide array of templates for brochures, flyers, letterhead, business cards, and more. Customize the layouts and text with an intuitive drag and drop editor.
Notable features include:
- Hundreds of professional templates
- Easy to customize layouts and images
- Quality typography and text handling
- Integrates with Microsoft Office
- Affordable one-time payment
- PDF export for print
PagePlus prioritizes simplicity over advanced capabilities. But its excellent template selection provides polished results fast.
Pricing: $59.99 one-time fee
Platforms: Windows
For Windows users that want fast, quality DTP without complexity, PagePlus is a leading choice.
8. PrintMaster
PrintMaster focuses on easy-to-use desktop publishing for invitations, flyers, brochures, banners, and more. It provides one of the simplest DTP interfaces on the market.
The software includes many professionally designed templates to start any project. Customize colors, fonts, graphics, and layouts with a few clicks. Add your own photos or illustrations to give designs a customized look and feel.
Key features:
- Beginner-friendly simplified interface
- Ton of templates for every occasion
- Fun creative options like stickers, ribbons, and frames
- Excellent for party, event, and greeting designs
- Affordable pricing for households
- Print shop integrations
PrintMaster won‘t offer the advanced capabilities of InDesign or Scribus. But if you want super simple greeting card, banner, and flyer creation, it delivers.
Pricing: $39.99 one-time fee
Platforms: Windows
Consumers and very small businesses can benefit from PrintMaster‘s basic but intuitive DTP approach.
Key Criteria for Selecting Desktop Publishing Software
As you evaluate desktop publishing tools, keep these criteria in mind while comparing options:
Platform Compatibility
Ensure the DTP program supports your operating system like Windows, Mac, Linux etc. Some work across platforms, while others are OS-specific. Cloud-based apps can work anywhere.
Learning Curve
Look at reviews and previews to evaluate the learning curve. If you‘re new to desktop publishing, choose an intuitive program. Advanced tools have deeper capabilities but steeper setups.
Templates
Some apps pack tons of customizable templates so you can quickly build on polished designs. Others focus more on custom layouts. Consider which flow suits your skills.
Output Formats
Factor in what file export formats you need, like PDF, JPG, HTML, ePub etc. Certain software supports more outputs useful for print production vs digital sharing.
Pricing
Desktop publishing software ranges from one-time purchases around $50 to monthly Creative Cloud subscriptions at $20+ per month. Evaluate pricing models against your budget.
Customer Support
Make sure the company provides solid customer support in case you need help. This includes knowledge bases, forums, email/chat support, and tutorials.
How Can You Create Stunning Marketing Materials with Desktop Publishing?
Here are some tips and best practices to create sleek, professional marketing collateral with desktop publishing software:
Learn layout principles – Get familiar with fundamental design concepts like alignment, contrast, hierarchy, grids, white space, etc. This will vastly elevate results.
Explore templates first – Templates provide polished starting points matching your specific needs like tri-fold brochures, product flyers, pamphlets, etc.
Use high quality images – Invest in stock photos and/or create quality custom product shots. Crisp, print-ready images make all the difference.
Focus on typography – Use the desktop publishing software‘s typography tools to craft professional fonts, styles, kerning, leading, and alignment.
Double check dimensions – Ensure designs precisely match any required print dimensions and bleeds for proper production. Leave nothing to chance.
Limit edits to 2-3 rounds – Don‘t get trapped endlessly tweaking designs. Review twice or three times then finalize before print submission.
Export with print provider specs – Check printer or design agency requirements for proper file exporting to PDF-X, packaging assets, bleeds, etc.
With practice and these tips, you can master desktop publishing to create print and digital marketing assets that build your brand and business professionally.
Conclusion
Desktop publishing software provides tremendous power to design sleek marketing materials. Organizations of all sizes and budgets can craft pro-grade collateral that makes an impression.
For maximum creative control, Adobe InDesign remains the gold standard. But excellent alternatives like Affinity Publisher, Lucidpress, and Scribus offer capabilities at lower price points.
Thanks to intuitive drag and drop editing UIs, even non-designers can quickly get up to speed. An array of professionally designed templates provide running starts on myriad projects.
By combining desktop publishing tools with fundamental layout principles and best practices, anyone can produce clean, polished marketing collateral. The benefits range from cost savings to brand building to engagement.
Software advancements continue to enhance desktop publishing abilities. Newer tools embrace the cloud, collaboration, and digital publishing. This opens DTP to a wider range of users across more diverse applications.
Give one of the leading desktop publishing solutions a try today. Let the creative marketing juices flow as you craft designs to impress, inform, and convert.
