Customer Reviews

Adobe PageMaker 7.0 [Old Version]

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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

Pagemaker is, deservedly, an industry standard for page layout. It does the job well and offers an incredible amount of finesse to the user. That being said, it does have some quirks.

I have always hated the Adobe user interface (except PREMIERE PRO). That is especially true with Pagemaker. No matter how I arrange things, I always find that there is something in the way. I must admit, however, that I can't think of a reasonable alternative for them to implement.

The limitation to 1000 pages is the source of some grief but most users will not need to go over that.

The learning curve is steep but that is to be expected with highly capable applications.

Despite my complaints, I would choose no other. Pagemaker is a top shelf application.

PageMaker marries your text, graphics and images into one PageMaker file from your computer desktop. Also, you can send the file to a service provider. Commercial service providers can turn your PageMaker files into high quality newsletters and magazines.

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.