Adobe PageMaker 7.0

PageMaker 7.0's user guide measures in at more than 400 pages, and it thoughtfully explains every aspect of the vast and complex program. A wide range of impressive-looking templates, which cover just about every type of document imaginable (including business cards, labels, newsletters, ads, posters, and more), makes PageMaker a little more accessible to users unfamiliar with its functionality. The templates are divided into various levels of complexity, with the lowest level containing helpful annotations for novice users.

While its improvements over version 6.5 are minimal, PageMaker 7.0 makes a few worthy strides to justify its sparkly new version number. Among the most welcome is a surprisingly intuitive data merge feature, which allows users to configure target areas in their publications and import respective fields from a spreadsheet or database. Unfortunately, it only recognizes comma-delineated CSV or TXT files; it doesn't import data directly from common file formats created by Microsoft Excel or Lotus 1-2-3.

Ironically, another area of improvement in PageMaker 7.0 is compatibility with other programs. It easily imports and handles layered image files from Illustrator and Photoshop 5.0 and 6.0, and features input converters for files created in QuarkXPress and Microsoft Publisher. PageMaker's PDF export capabilities have been enhanced both in the main program and with the included Acrobat Distiller applet, allowing users to configure security and embedded tag options.

Even with its plethora of templates, PageMaker 7.0 isn't by any means an entry-level application. Nonprofessional users who have never used a high-caliber desktop publishing program should probably consider a simpler package such as Microsoft Publisher. While hardened, professional magazine designers tend to prefer QuarkXPress, Adobe PageMaker 7.0 is nonetheless a complex and powerful tool that packs a serious learning curve.

PageMaker 7.0 is perfect for small businesses that can't afford to hire out designers for promotional materials, or for companies that have the need to create professional-looking PDF files. Owners of PageMaker 6.5 might not feel compelled to upgrade, but companies and creative folks newly in the market for a muscular desktop publishing tool will be well served by PageMaker 7.0. --Joel Durham Jr.

Amazon.com Product Description
Adobe PageMaker 7.0 provides powerful tools to create a wide variety of publications, from simple one-page flyers to complex reports and compilations. You can build your own publications from scratch, or take advantage of hundreds of customizable templates. Quickly lay out publications by creating frames to hold text and graphics, applying master pages to obtain different page designs within a single publication, and using layers to set up a single file for multiple versions of a publication. You can type and format text directly in layout view, or edit using the built-in story editor. Typeset your text professionally by using kerning and tracking.

PageMaker is tightly integrated with other products. It shares common menus, palettes, and keyboard shortcuts with other Adobe products, and allows you to place Illustrator and Photoshop graphics directly into PageMaker files. When exporting to Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF), you can add document information, change security options, and modify advanced Acrobat Distiller settings from within PageMaker. Using the new Data Merge feature, you can merge text and graphics originally stored in spreadsheets or databases to create custom publications, including form letters, mailing labels, envelopes, and catalogs.

Adobe PageMaker 7.0 provides support for the leading print standards. Output files to any printing device, including digital quick printers and high-end commercial printers. Integrated trapping and built-in printing of color separations ensure professional-quality color. You will have access to advanced printing options, including duplex printing and the Save for Service Provider and Build Booklet plug-ins.

Thumbnail Designs to Comps

You need pencil and paper to create your thumbnail designs. The tradition still works for creating your design for layout pages in PageMaker. Follow this with the "Comp" (Comprehensive Sketch) for the number of pages, number of columns, picture placement, type specs and add color for affect.

The Comp is the first proof the client approves. Comps could include tables, sidebars, footnotes and various headlines. Next, have your client approve or suggest alterations for your work.

PageMaker Basic to Advanced Construction

You have the required tools and utilities built into PageMaker for creating basic layouts. With PageMaker you can automate repetitive tasks and combine manual operations into a few short steps. These are just some of the ways for speeding up your production time with PageMaker.

Avoid Costly Mistakes

Advantages of digital files allow you to change the text fonts, images, and colors before finally sending your publication to your service provider. Create several documents from your Master document. Use your PageMaker magazine advertisement on your website. You can also use your PageMaker file for your company sales kit and trade show posters and banners.

PageMaker Work Environment

Start with: Title Bar, Menu Bar, Tool Palette (Tool Box) and Control Palette. Add Page Navigation icons and finish with Story Editor.

The PageMaker mighty nine menus: Start with File, Edit, Layout, Type, Element and Utilities. Add View, Window and Help for direction.

PageMaker 7 and PDF files

PageMaker supports the import of Acrobat 5's PDF format files. Also, PageMaker 7 can now produce PDF files throughout the new Distiller 5. This is significant as PDF has establishes itself as one of the preferred medium for commercial print.

Quick Look at PageMaker 7 Improvements and Bundled Goodies

* Graphic placement is improved.
* Drag-and-drop placement works well.
* QuarkXPress 4.0 documents can be converted to PageMaker format.

Bundled goodies worth having: PageMaker 7.0 includes 57 font families with 207 Adobe typefaces, a huge collection of design templates, and a large library of Adobe Illustrator clip art and stock photo images.

Pro Reaction

PageMaker 7.0 has hundreds of A4 and U.S. letter templates for newsletters, brochures, flyers and advertisements.

PageMaker 7 now supports files in Photoshop's native PSD and Adobe Illustrator 9's AI format. In addition, PageMaker 7.0 comes with its own 401 page User Guide.

PageMaker's unique features are its ability to wrap text completely around objects. Another unique feature to PageMaker is its preflight capabilities to help users deliver error-free documents to printers and service bureaus.

Con Reaction

PageMaker 7 works with Mac OS 9 Classic and not directly in Mac OS X. You can still access it throughout OS X platform.

Missing is the Adobe Press book on how to use the Adobe PageMaker 7.0 templates similiar to Adobe PageMaker Plus 6.5 Productivity Kit. Also, there is no command to automatically open the placed PSD back into Photoshop.


For Beginners Only   June 20, 2002
A.Trendl HungarianBookstore.com (Glen Ellyn, IL USA)
13 out of 15 found this review helpful

I learned graphic design and layout on PageMaker, and wished Adobe would take the product seriously. Instead, PageMaker seems to be falling into the ranks of Microsoft Publisher as a program people use believing it'll do the job right.

While many service bureaus still offer PageMaker services, it is by far better to go with Quark. It can do more, has more flexibility with printers and publishing houses, and will cause fewer problems regarding bugs and crashes.

The plus side is the templates. Beginners will depend on these, and templates simply aren't found in Quark. They will reduce the learning curve a little, though be aware, as a result, you templated documents will suffer from a canned, over-done look. Just the same, your work will be clean and well-structured.

If you intend to be a serious designer, stay away. None of the people you want to work for use this. This is for amateurs only.

If you have PageMaker, don't upgrade. 6.5 is plenty: the new stuff isn't worth the money. Do a little homework on Quark, and figure out how to convert your files with the newest version. It the short run, you'll spend a few more bucks, but in the long-run, you'll save time and frustration.

I cautiously recommend PageMaker 7.0, but only as a tool for users intending to publish newsletters from their desktops.

Anthony Trendl