# Best Desktop Publishing Software for Small Business - Page 2

## How Many Desktop Publishing Software Products Does G2 Track?

**Total Products under this Category:** 130

### Category Stats (Jul 2026)

- **Average Rating:** 4.37/5 The average rating of products in this category, based on all submitted ratings
- **Top Trending Product:** KITABOO (+3.53%) - Among all products in this category, KITABOO recorded the largest rating increase compared to last month

_Last updated: July 26, 2026_

## How Does G2 Rank Desktop Publishing Software Products?

**Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:**

- 30 Analysts and Data Experts
- 20,400+ Authentic Reviews
- 130+ Products
- Unbiased Rankings

G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category.

## G2 Grid® for Desktop Publishing Software
 ![G2 Grid® for Desktop Publishing Software plotting products by satisfaction and market presence](https://www.g2.com/categories/desktop-publishing/grids.png?focus%5B%5D=1440992&focus%5B%5D=4400&focus%5B%5D=660&focus%5B%5D=17098&focus%5B%5D=10856&focus%5B%5D=1244662&focus%5B%5D=16921&focus%5B%5D=6488)

Highlighted products: Adobe Express, Canva, Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Publisher, Foxit PDF Editor, VistaCreate, Wondershare PDFelement, and Venngage.

Underlying data: [Grid® JSON](https://www.g2.com/categories/desktop-publishing/grids.json?focus%5B%5D=adobe-express&focus%5B%5D=canva&focus%5B%5D=adobe-indesign&focus%5B%5D=microsoft-publisher&focus%5B%5D=foxit-pdf-editor&focus%5B%5D=cimpress-n-v-vistacreate&focus%5B%5D=wondershare-wondershare-pdfelement&focus%5B%5D=venngage&segment=small-business)

**Sponsored**

### Publuu

Publuu is an online tool that lets you turn a regular PDF into a flipbook you can open and read in a browser. It’s used by businesses, marketers, educators, and creators to share catalogs, brochures, magazines, or reports in a way that feels closer to a real publication and is easier to view online. Once a PDF is uploaded, it can be turned into a flipbook that feels similar to browsing a printed document, with pages that flip as you go. It’s also possible to add things like videos, links, photo galleries, audio, or clickable hotspots directly into the pages. The look of the publication can be adjusted as well – for example by adding a logo, choosing colors, or using a custom link so everything stays consistent with your brand. People use Publuu to put together different types of materials, from product catalogs and digital magazines to presentations, educational content, and sales documents. Since everything runs in the browser, the publications can be opened on phones, tablets, and desktops without downloading anything. Key features and capabilities include: – Conversion of PDF files into interactive flipbooks with realistic page-turn effects. – Support for multimedia elements such as videos, links, audio, and photo galleries. – Custom branding options, including logos, colors, and white-label sharing. – Multiple sharing methods, including direct links, website embedding, and social media distribution. – Analytics and tracking tools that provide insights into reader behavior, including views, time spent, and interactions. Beyond creating and sharing publications, Publuu also makes it easier to keep them organized. Users can arrange their content on virtual bookshelves and connect their publications with analytics tools. There are also built-in security settings, such as password protection and access restrictions, which help control who can view the content. Instead of sharing static files, users can publish documents in a more interactive form that’s easier to distribute and track. This makes Publuu a practical option for teams that want a clearer way to present content and see how it’s being used.

[Visit website](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bad_program%5D=ppc&secure%5Bad_slot%5D=category_product_list&secure%5Bcategory_id%5D=574&secure%5Bchosen_at%5D=2026-07-31T02%3A24%3A01Z&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_id%5D=1692&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bmedium%5D=sponsored&secure%5Bplacement_reason%5D=neighbor_category&secure%5Bplacement_resource_ids%5D%5B%5D=1692&secure%5Bprioritized%5D=false&secure%5Bproduct_id%5D=150165&secure%5Bresource_id%5D=574&secure%5Bresource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bsource_type%5D=category_page&secure%5Bsource_url%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.g2.com%2Fcategories%2Fdesktop-publishing%2Fsmall-business%3Fpage%3D2&secure%5Btoken%5D=0920b80377e2c96765e78ad16d1a9fbcd4c27c0c1708633818db481a8dde706d&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fpubluu.com%2Fflipbook-maker%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=product_website)

### [Xara Designer Pro +](https://www.g2.com/products/xara-designer-pro/reviews)

Xara Designer Pro+ is a type of all-in-one graphic design, photo editing, desktop publishing, and web design software solution that helps users create, edit, and publish visual content for print, web, and digital use within a single desktop application. The product belongs to the graphic design and creative software category and is designed to support complex visual content creation workflows that combine raster images, vector graphics, text, page layouts, and website design. It allows users to work on photo editing, vector illustration, multi-page document layout, and web design in the same workspace, reducing the need to switch between multiple specialized tools. The software is installed and run locally on Windows systems and supports a wide range of industry-standard file formats for importing and exporting creative assets. Xara Designer Pro+ is intended for professional designers, marketing teams, publishers, and advanced users who need a broader set of design capabilities in one environment. Common use cases include creating brochures, magazines, manuals, and marketing materials, designing and publishing websites without coding, editing and enhancing photographs, and producing graphics for both print and digital distribution. The application uses a visual, on-canvas editing approach that enables direct manipulation of images, shapes, text, and page elements. The software combines non-destructive photo editing with vector drawing, advanced layout, and web design tools. Non-destructive editing allows images to be adjusted while preserving original data, while vector-based tools ensure graphics remain scalable without quality loss. Desktop publishing features support multi-page documents with text flow and layout control, and integrated web design tools enable users to create responsive websites within the same application. Key features, capabilities, and value-related aspects include: - Non-destructive photo editing and image enhancement tools. - Vector illustration and drawing tools for scalable graphics and custom designs. - Advanced layout and desktop publishing tools for multi-page documents. - Integrated website design tools without the need for coding. - Support for a broad range of file formats, including print-ready and web-ready outputs. Overall, Xara Designer Pro+ is positioned as a comprehensive, general-purpose creative application that brings photo editing, graphic design, publishing, and web design together in one environment, supporting professional-level content creation across multiple output channels without requiring separate software solutions.

**Average Rating:** 4.2/5.0

**Total Reviews:** 20

#### How Do G2 Users Rate Xara Designer Pro +?

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Publishing formats:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **File Storage:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Layout editor:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10)

#### Who Is the Company Behind Xara Designer Pro +?

- **Seller:** [Xara Cloud Limited](https://www.g2.com/sellers/xara-cloud-limited-3af5da87-5d0a-44ff-b993-e40bd0999e9f)
- **Year Founded:** 1981
- **HQ Location:** Berlin, Germany
- **Twitter:** @XaraGroup  
1,492 Twitter followers
- **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=f12b58837eca01efec1c8249417a054aa7a5a8c52c12ec1a7118bd483e64c6aa&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fxaragmbh%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website)  
43 employees on LinkedIn®

#### Who Uses This Product?

- **Company Size:** 65% Small, 20% Large

#### What Do G2 Reviewers Say About Xara Designer Pro +?

_AI-generated summary from verified user reviews_

##### Pros

- Users value the **excellent audience engagement** capabilities of Xara Designer Pro+, enhancing their presentations and websites effortlessly.
- Users highlight the **first-class customer support** of Xara Designer Pro +, ensuring quick resolutions for any issues encountered.
- Users appreciate the **ease of learning** in Xara Designer Pro +, facilitating smooth website creation and publishing.
- Users value the **ease of use** in Xara Designer Pro +, making website creation straightforward and intuitive.
- Users love the **easy creation** process in Xara Designer Pro+, enabling effortless website design and publishing.

##### Cons

- Users report that some image formats are **not compatible** , causing difficulties in image management with Xara Designer Pro +.
- Users find the **poor image quality** problematic, as certain formats do not yield satisfactory results.

#### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Xara Designer Pro +?

**["Xara Software: Unleashing Creative Brilliance with Seamless Design Tools"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/xara-designer-pro-review-8977539)**

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

_— Verified User in Design_

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/xara-designer-pro-review-8977539)

**["Complete tool for websites and presentations"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/xara-designer-pro-review-11686270)**

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

_— Jaclyn H._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/xara-designer-pro-review-11686270)

#### What Are G2 Users Discussing About Xara Designer Pro +?

- [What is Xara Designer Pro + used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/xara-designer-pro-what-is-xara-designer-pro-used-for)
- [What is Designer Pro?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-designer-pro)
- [How much is Xara Designer Pro?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-much-is-xara-designer-pro)
- [Is Xara Designer Pro good?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-xara-designer-pro-good)
- [What is Xara Designer Pro used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-xara-designer-pro-used-for)

### [Storyboard That](https://www.g2.com/products/storyboard-that/reviews)

Storyboard That is an intuitive, browser-based digital storyboard and visual creation tool designed to enhance communication, streamline product development, and facilitate the creation of compelling presentations. With its user-friendly interface, users can craft storyboards from scratch or utilize pre-made templates, making it accessible for both beginners and professionals. The platform offers a vast library of customizable characters, scenes, and props, enabling users to bring their ideas to life without the need for artistic skills. Whether for brainstorming new products, planning marketing strategies, or educational purposes, Storyboard That provides a versatile solution for visual storytelling. Key Features and Functionality: - Extensive Image Library: Access over 5,000 fully customizable images, including posable characters and diverse scenes, to create detailed and personalized storyboards. - Flexible Layouts: Choose from multiple layouts, allowing the creation of storyboards up to 100 cells long, accommodating various storytelling needs. - Drag-and-Drop Interface: An intuitive interface that simplifies the process of adding and arranging elements, making storyboard creation quick and efficient. - Privacy and Security Settings: Offers customizable privacy options, ensuring that storyboards can be shared securely or kept private as needed. - Export and Presentation Options: Easily export storyboards to PowerPoint, Keynote, or Google Slides, and utilize various print and download options for presentations and distribution. Primary Value and User Solutions: Storyboard That addresses the challenge of effectively communicating complex ideas by providing a visual platform that simplifies storytelling. For businesses, it aids in product development by allowing teams to visualize concepts, plan user journeys, and create marketing materials without extensive resources. Educators can leverage the tool to create engaging lesson plans and visual aids, enhancing student comprehension. Overall, Storyboard That empowers users to convey their ideas clearly and creatively, fostering better understanding and collaboration.

**Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0

**Total Reviews:** 36

#### How Do G2 Users Rate Storyboard That?

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 7.7/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)

#### Who Is the Company Behind Storyboard That?

- **Seller:** [Storyboard That](https://www.g2.com/sellers/storyboard-that)
- **Year Founded:** 2012
- **HQ Location:** Boston, MA
- **Twitter:** @StoryboardThat  
15,437 Twitter followers
- **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=f7ea682f2b7474472219cf369939a3e370197f4c2feeaa26219d99d9f51f167b&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fstoryboard-that%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website)  
13 employees on LinkedIn®

#### Who Uses This Product?

- **Company Size:** 50% Small, 28% Medium

#### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Storyboard That?

**["Great for storyboarding my writing and creative process"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/storyboard-that-review-6933623)**

**Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars

_— Verified User in Writing and Editing_

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/storyboard-that-review-6933623)

**["Storyboard Review | One of the best software for creating storyboards"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/storyboard-that-review-6964732)**

**Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars

_— Adnan A._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/storyboard-that-review-6964732)

### [Comic Life](https://www.g2.com/products/comic-life/reviews)

Presenting Comic Life 3, the app with everything you need to make a stunning comic from your own images. Packed with fonts, templates, panels, balloons, captions, and lettering art, Comic Life is a fun, powerful and easy-to-use app with endless possibilities.

**Average Rating:** 4.7/5.0

**Total Reviews:** 14

#### How Do G2 Users Rate Comic Life?

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)

#### Who Is the Company Behind Comic Life?

- **Seller:** [plasq](https://www.g2.com/sellers/plasq)
- **HQ Location:** United States
- **Twitter:** @plasq  
2,091 Twitter followers
- **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=36d759a56ab74421b80de56af323f20f12d3ed9a248a728c311b9380cae422b0&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2F125407%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website)  
4 employees on LinkedIn®

#### Who Uses This Product?

- **Company Size:** 73% Small, 20% Large

#### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Comic Life?

**["User Friendly Software"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/comic-life-review-6969288)**

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

_— MOHAMMAD AKHTAR A._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/comic-life-review-6969288)

**["Amazing application make desiging easier"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/comic-life-review-5448527)**

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

_— Sandhya K._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/comic-life-review-5448527)

### [QuarkXPress](https://www.g2.com/products/quarkxpress/reviews)

QuarkXPress – Revolutionizing Desktop Publishing with AI-Powered Innovation For decades, QuarkXPress has been the go-to solution for designers, publishers, and businesses needing a professional-grade desktop publishing tool. Now, with the latest AI-driven features, QuarkXPress is redefining how creatives work—streamlining design processes and optimizing content output with unparalleled precision. 🔹 AI-Powered Features for the Modern Designer 🔹Image & Text Optimization – Resize, scale, and fit images or text dynamically for perfect composition. 🔹 Font Pairing & Adaptive Typography – AI-powered font recommendations and real-time multiple Stylesheets adjustments ensure seamless, professional-looking designs. 🔹 Content-Aware Scaling & Resizing – Effortlessly create designs that adapt to multiple formats, from print layouts to responsive digital content. 🔹 Advanced Digital Publishing – Publish interactive eBooks, web-ready HTML5 publications, and professional PDFs

**Average Rating:** 4.0/5.0

**Total Reviews:** 295

#### How Do G2 Users Rate QuarkXPress?

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.1/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Publishing formats:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **File Storage:** 8.1/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Layout editor:** 8.1/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10)

#### Who Is the Company Behind QuarkXPress?

- **Seller:** [Quark](https://www.g2.com/sellers/quark)
- **Year Founded:** 1981
- **HQ Location:** Grand Rapids, Michigan
- **Twitter:** @QuarkNews  
927 Twitter followers
- **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=3b2b0b7d3ca20b1b937d6cbf12cef323b2e95b168bd061765f8f3d007cd0fd19&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fquark%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website)  
627 employees on LinkedIn®
- **Phone:** (800) 676-4575

#### Who Uses This Product?

- **Who Uses This:** Owner, Graphic Designer
- **Top Industries:** Graphic Design, Design
- **Company Size:** 80% Small, 12% Medium

#### What Do G2 Reviewers Say About QuarkXPress?

_AI-generated summary from verified user reviews_

##### Pros

- Users admire the **interactive animation capabilities** of QuarkXPress, enhancing their digital publishing experience significantly.
- Users commend the **innovative features** of QuarkXPress, especially HTML5 interactivity for creating engaging web apps effortlessly.
- Users value the **interface simplicity** of QuarkXPress, making the creation of complex designs effortlessly intuitive.
- Users commend the **innovative layout design** of QuarkXPress, enhancing digital publishing with interactive features and seamless integration.
- Users greatly value the **time-saving features** of QuarkXPress, enhancing efficiency in digital content creation and publishing.

##### Cons

- Users face a **steep learning curve** with QuarkXPress, demanding patience and dedication to master the complex features.
- Users face a **steep learning curve** with QuarkXPress, requiring dedication and support to master its complexities.

#### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of QuarkXPress?

**["All in all, QuarlkXpress combines many useful functions that are easily accessible."](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/quarkxpress-review-9019341)**

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

_— Jorge F._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/quarkxpress-review-9019341)

**["QuarkXPress HTML5 Leading-Edge Interactivity"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/quarkxpress-review-4483704)**

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

_— Stephen W._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/quarkxpress-review-4483704)

#### What Are G2 Users Discussing About QuarkXPress?

- [What is QuarkXPress used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-quarkxpress-used-for)
- [Who owns QuarkXPress?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/who-owns-quarkxpress)
- [Is QuarkXPress better than InDesign?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-quarkxpress-better-than-indesign)
- [How much does QuarkXPress cost?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-much-does-quarkxpress-cost) - 1 comment
- [Does anyone still use QuarkXPress?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/does-anyone-still-use-quarkxpress) - 5 comments

### [Xara Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/xara-cloud/reviews)

Xara Cloud is an AI real estate marketing automation platform for brokerages and agents that want every listing and agent consistently promoted across more channels without requests or manual work. Xara runs 24/7 in the background, detecting new listings and listing updates, turning MLS property data into branded campaigns, and delivering ready-to-publish marketing assets to agents. Campaigns can include social media posts, captions, flyers, postcards, listing presentations, open house materials, email content, and other brokerage-approved materials. With Xara, brokerages can increase listing visibility, give every agent consistent marketing support, and keep every campaign on brand without adding marketing headcount or increasing operating costs. Xara helps brokerages scale listing marketing across every agent, every listing, and every channel.

**Average Rating:** 4.8/5.0

**Total Reviews:** 27

#### How Do G2 Users Rate Xara Cloud?

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 9.7/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Publishing formats:** 9.6/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **File Storage:** 9.4/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Layout editor:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10)

#### Who Is the Company Behind Xara Cloud?

- **Seller:** [Xara Cloud Limited](https://www.g2.com/sellers/xara-cloud-limited-3af5da87-5d0a-44ff-b993-e40bd0999e9f)
- **Year Founded:** 1981
- **HQ Location:** Berlin, Germany
- **Twitter:** @XaraGroup  
1,492 Twitter followers
- **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=f12b58837eca01efec1c8249417a054aa7a5a8c52c12ec1a7118bd483e64c6aa&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fxaragmbh%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website)  
43 employees on LinkedIn®

#### Who Uses This Product?

- **Company Size:** 96% Small, 4% Medium

#### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Xara Cloud?

**["Xara Cloud & Stellar Support Elevate Our Newsletter"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/xara-cloud-review-10241849)**

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

_— Cara R._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/xara-cloud-review-10241849)

**["Xara is Better Than A\*obe Products"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/xara-cloud-review-7605981)**

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

_— Raymond C._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/xara-cloud-review-7605981)

#### What Are G2 Users Discussing About Xara Cloud?

- [What is the cost of Xara Web Designer?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-cost-of-xara-web-designer)
- [How much does Xara cost?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-much-does-xara-cost) - 1 comment
- [What is Xara used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-xara-used-for) - 1 comment
- [What is Xara cloud?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-xara-cloud) - 1 comment

### [Xara Page & Layout Designer 11](https://www.g2.com/products/xara-page-layout-designer-11/reviews)

The people who bring you Xara graphics and web design software.

**Average Rating:** 4.2/5.0

**Total Reviews:** 10

#### How Do G2 Users Rate Xara Page & Layout Designer 11?

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 7.5/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Publishing formats:** 6.7/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **File Storage:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Layout editor:** 7.1/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10)

#### Who Is the Company Behind Xara Page & Layout Designer 11?

- **Seller:** [Xara Cloud Limited](https://www.g2.com/sellers/xara-cloud-limited-3af5da87-5d0a-44ff-b993-e40bd0999e9f)
- **Year Founded:** 1981
- **HQ Location:** Berlin, Germany
- **Twitter:** @XaraGroup  
1,492 Twitter followers
- **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=f12b58837eca01efec1c8249417a054aa7a5a8c52c12ec1a7118bd483e64c6aa&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fxaragmbh%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website)  
43 employees on LinkedIn®

#### Who Uses This Product?

- **Company Size:** 100% Small

#### What Do G2 Reviewers Say About Xara Page & Layout Designer 11?

_AI-generated summary from verified user reviews_

##### Pros

- Users value the **flexibility and unique features** of Xara Page & Layout Designer 11, enjoying its cost-effective tools.
- Users commend the **flexibility and options** of Xara Page & Layout Designer 11, enhancing their design and documentation work.
- Users value the **variety of tools** in Xara Page & Layout Designer 11, enhancing their design and documentation capabilities.

##### Cons

- Users report **compatibility issues** with Xara Page & Layout Designer 11, particularly when sharing documents with other applications.
- Users find the **poor interface design** of Xara Page & Layout Designer 11 to be outdated and problematic.

#### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Xara Page & Layout Designer 11?

**["Flexible Layouts and Unique Tools Make Xara Page Stand Out"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/xara-page-layout-designer-11-review-11972405)**

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

_— Bruce E._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/xara-page-layout-designer-11-review-11972405)

**["best product got.."](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/xara-page-layout-designer-11-review-9738249)**

**Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars

_— Milan A._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/xara-page-layout-designer-11-review-9738249)

#### What Are G2 Users Discussing About Xara Page & Layout Designer 11?

- [What is the meaning of page layout?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-meaning-of-page-layout)
- [What is page layout and features?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-page-layout-and-features)
- [What is Xara used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/xara-page-layout-designer-11-what-is-xara-used-for)

### [Scribus](https://www.g2.com/products/scribus/reviews)

Scribus is an open source alternative for entry-level desktop publishing.

**Average Rating:** 4.1/5.0

**Total Reviews:** 27

#### How Do G2 Users Rate Scribus?

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Publishing formats:** 9.4/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **File Storage:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Layout editor:** 8.5/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10)

#### Who Is the Company Behind Scribus?

- **Seller:** [The Scribus Team](https://www.g2.com/sellers/the-scribus-team)
- **Year Founded:** 2003
- **HQ Location:** Berlin
- **Twitter:** @scribus  
4,783 Twitter followers
- **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=a6dba0360b27eadf472cb8f7570fad7f090edd85d4640f098bb5aa75238b63b2&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fscribus-dtp%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website)  
1 employees on LinkedIn®

#### Who Uses This Product?

- **Company Size:** 93% Small, 7% Large

#### What Do G2 Reviewers Say About Scribus?

_AI-generated summary from verified user reviews_

##### Pros

- Users value the **ease of use** in Scribus, enjoying its multilingual support and straightforward installation across platforms.
- Users find **easy editing** in Scribus beneficial, streamlining the process of creating and managing professional documents efficiently.
- Users enjoy the **versatile features** of Scribus, enabling professional graphic creation and document management across multiple platforms.
- Users find Scribus **easy to use and intuitive** after experimentation, plus the benefit of being free is a bonus!
- Users love the **professional graphic creation** capabilities of Scribus, enabling multi-page document management with ease.

##### Cons

- Users face significant **app instability** with Scribus, as it frequently crashes during use, impairing productivity.
- Users face **compatibility issues** with Pantone swatches, file types, and limited color profiles, affecting design accuracy.
- Users note significant **design limitations** in Scribus, including a basic interface and limited color management options.
- Users find the **file management capabilities lacking** , as it struggles with certain file formats and color options.
- Users face **limited options** in Scribus, particularly regarding color management and file compatibility challenges.

#### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Scribus?

**["Free, Multilingual, Cross-Platform Tool for Professional Print Graphics"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/scribus-review-12378987)**

**Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars

_— Verified User in Architecture & Planning_

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/scribus-review-12378987)

**["Scribus: Excellent Free Tool for Brochures, Master Pages, and Print-Ready PDFs"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/scribus-review-13046516)**

**Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars

_— Muzammil M._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/scribus-review-13046516)

### [FlowPaper](https://www.g2.com/products/flowpaper/reviews)

Transform Your PDFs with FlowPaper: Interactive Flipbooks, Brochures, and Magazines Made Easy Unlock the full potential of your PDF documents with FlowPaper, the leading solution for converting static PDFs into dynamic, interactive online experiences. Whether you're looking to create engaging flipbooks, eye-catching brochures, or responsive magazines, FlowPaper offers seamless conversion with superior quality and speed. Elevate your content presentation and captivate your audience effortlessly. Discover the power of FlowPaper today and turn your PDFs into stunning interactive publications!

**Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0

**Total Reviews:** 34

#### How Do G2 Users Rate FlowPaper?

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Publishing formats:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **File Storage:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Layout editor:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10)

#### Who Is the Company Behind FlowPaper?

- **Seller:** [FlowPaper](https://www.g2.com/sellers/flowpaper)
- **Year Founded:** 2010
- **HQ Location:** Auckland, NZ
- **Twitter:** @getflowpaper  
8,275 Twitter followers
- **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=6bca95da1cc4b4e6fab0c491cdf1ab8001f0f396208b77f2d35eb0af316d254b&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fflowpaper%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website)  
1 employees on LinkedIn®

#### Who Uses This Product?

- **Top Industries:** Education Management
- **Company Size:** 65% Small, 24% Medium

#### What Do G2 Reviewers Say About FlowPaper?

_AI-generated summary from verified user reviews_

##### Pros

- Users love FlowPaper for its **affordability** , making it perfect for startups without breaking the bank.
- Users praise the **ease of use** of FlowPaper, enjoying its intuitive features for creating engaging content effortlessly.
- Users value the **time-saving convenience** of FlowPaper, significantly enhancing their workflow and productivity for digital content.
- Users find FlowPaper to be extremely **beginner-friendly** , making it easy to create and customize engaging publications.
- Users enjoy the **easy cloud integration** of FlowPaper, simplifying updates and improving accessibility for members and guests.

##### Cons

- Users find a **difficult learning curve** with FlowPaper, especially when self-hosting publications initially.
- Users often face **difficult navigation** , making it hard to duplicate past ezines without rebuilding them from scratch.
- Users find the **difficult onboarding** process frustrating, particularly with challenges during login to the program.
- Users struggle with the **limited options** for duplicating past content in FlowPaper, often needing to rebuild from scratch.
- Users find **login issues** frustrating, reporting that accessing FlowPaper can be unexpectedly challenging.

#### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of FlowPaper?

**["Smooth PDF Viewing with Room for Improvement"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/flowpaper-review-12904230)**

**Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars

_— Amol S._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/flowpaper-review-12904230)

**["Perfect for Publishing with Customization Perks"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/flowpaper-review-13173770)**

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

_— Ahmed t._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/flowpaper-review-13173770)

#### What Are G2 Users Discussing About FlowPaper?

- [Is FlowPaper safe?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-flowpaper-safe)
- [What is FlowPaper desktop publisher?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-flowpaper-desktop-publisher)
- [What is a FlowPaper?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-a-flowpaper)

### [Designrr](https://www.g2.com/products/designrr/reviews)

Create eBooks, Reports, Whitepapers & Leadmagnets to Reach More People, grow your audience and revenue. With Designrr, you can transform your content including blog posts, word, Google docs, Podcasts, Audio files, Videos and PDFs into eBooks and Flipbooks. Best For Users who want to repurpose content into ebooks, reports and whitepapers.

**Average Rating:** 4.1/5.0

**Total Reviews:** 24

#### How Do G2 Users Rate Designrr?

- **Publishing formats:** 8.0/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **File Storage:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Layout editor:** 8.2/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10)

#### Who Is the Company Behind Designrr?

- **Seller:** [designrr.io](https://www.g2.com/sellers/designrr-io)
- **Year Founded:** 2016
- **HQ Location:** London, GB
- **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=c995d38f390bf928225b325efd648fdd4f0e8090356e40baad1c4b2b09ffbc84&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fpageonetraffic%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website)  
10 employees on LinkedIn®

#### Who Uses This Product?

- **Company Size:** 96% Small, 4% Medium

#### What Do G2 Reviewers Say About Designrr?

_AI-generated summary from verified user reviews_

##### Pros

- Users appreciate the **easy creation** of ebooks, seamlessly transforming simple ideas into comprehensive stories with minimal effort.
- Users love the **writing assistant** feature, enabling effortless story creation and simple editing tailored to their needs.
- Users appreciate the **ease of learning** with Designrr, allowing seamless creation and editing of content effortlessly.
- Users appreciate the **ease of use** of Designrr, enjoying its intuitive writing assistant and simple editing options.
- Users love the **easy editing** feature, allowing them to customize content length and streamline their writing process.

##### Cons

- Users experience **difficult navigation** in Designrr, often resorting to manual methods for compiling their projects.
- Users find the **navigation challenging** , often resorting to workarounds for compiling their Kindle books for submission.
- Users find Designrr.io to have **high costs** due to misleading upsells for essential features after initial purchase.
- Users struggle with **navigating file management** , often resorting to manual methods for compiling and submitting books.
- Users express frustration over the **intuitiveness issues** with Designrr, emphasizing misleading feature access and upsell practices.

#### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Designrr?

**["Amazing Designrr Updates Make Ebook Creation Easy and Impressive!"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/designrr-review-12678080)**

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

_— Angelica R._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/designrr-review-12678080)

**["Powerful Writing Assistant That Brings Topics to Life"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/designrr-review-12383543)**

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

_— Verified User in Consumer Goods_

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/designrr-review-12383543)

#### What Are G2 Users Discussing About Designrr?

- [How do you make a 2 minute eBook?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-do-you-make-a-2-minute-ebook)
- [How do I create a flipbook in Designrr?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-do-i-create-a-flipbook-in-designrr)
- [Is Designrr legitimate?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-designrr-legitimate)
- [What is Designrr used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-designrr-used-for)

### [The Print Shop](https://www.g2.com/products/the-print-shop/reviews)

The Print Shop is your one-stop digital design solution, offering the widest range of design & layout tools available for the everyday user, including page layout, photo editing, graphic design and more.

**Average Rating:** 3.9/5.0

**Total Reviews:** 28

#### How Do G2 Users Rate The Print Shop?

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Publishing formats:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **File Storage:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Layout editor:** 9.4/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10)

#### Who Is the Company Behind The Print Shop?

- **Seller:** [Broderbund Software](https://www.g2.com/sellers/broderbund-software)
- **HQ Location:** Novato, CA
- **Twitter:** @Broderbund  
84 Twitter followers
- **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=fe1b86fd32b2605da9628be3bc84511c8214c55746ea9a242c7a0c5fa3aface2&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2F15975521%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website)  
6 employees on LinkedIn®

#### Who Uses This Product?

- **Company Size:** 43% Medium, 39% Small

#### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of The Print Shop?

**["Exceptional App"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/the-print-shop-review-8363405)**

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

_— Nicolette B._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/the-print-shop-review-8363405)

**["Extremely useful and creative product"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/the-print-shop-review-7509445)**

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

_— Jayant G._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/the-print-shop-review-7509445)

#### What Are G2 Users Discussing About The Print Shop?

- [Does print shop work with Windows 10?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/does-print-shop-work-with-windows-10)
- [Is there a free version of Print Shop?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-there-a-free-version-of-print-shop)
- [What is the newest version of Print Shop?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-newest-version-of-print-shop)
- [What does print shop do?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-does-print-shop-do)

### [Picmaker](https://www.g2.com/products/picmaker/reviews)

Picmaker - The smart AI-powered social media platform! With 1M+ users and counting, Picmaker is the ultimate all-in-one solution for businesses and individuals looking to boost their social presence. Discover trending topics, create stunning designs, schedule posts, engage audience, and analyze metrics - all in one place. Plus, Picmaker's AI features helps you with endless design suggestion, smart post captions, best time to publish , trending content and staying ahead of the competition. Get started for free with one of 10,000 built-in professional social media templates. Get access to 100 million images, 100,000 icons, colors, objects, shapes, and graphic elements that make your social graphics unique. Or, bring in our content calendar and one click scheduler, and get started right away - all within minutes. Visit https://www.picmaker.com/ to create a login id. If you already have a login id, visit https://accounts.animaker.com/login/picmaker/.

**Average Rating:** 4.7/5.0

**Total Reviews:** 111

#### How Do G2 Users Rate Picmaker?

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 9.3/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Publishing formats:** 9.4/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **File Storage:** 9.1/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Layout editor:** 9.6/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10)

#### Who Is the Company Behind Picmaker?

- **Seller:** [Animaker, Inc](https://www.g2.com/sellers/animaker-inc)
- **Year Founded:** 2015
- **HQ Location:** San Francisco, California
- **Twitter:** @animakerhq  
4,054 Twitter followers
- **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=ca7d09252a5792272a2ff53a31fc6dfe91c43d6a30cbfc20f4cb57e8e4f5f4b0&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2F3579051%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website)  
204 employees on LinkedIn®

#### Who Uses This Product?

- **Who Uses This:** Director
- **Top Industries:** Marketing and Advertising, Information Technology and Services
- **Company Size:** 80% Small, 16% Medium

#### What Do G2 Reviewers Say About Picmaker?

_AI-generated summary from verified user reviews_

##### Pros

- Users love the **extensive YouTube thumbnail templates** and easy customization options provided by Picmaker.
- Users love the **ease of creation** with Picmaker's vast templates and quick customer support to customize effortlessly.
- Users praise the **quick customer support** of Picmaker, ensuring a smooth experience during customization.
- Users praise the **quick customer support** of Picmaker, ensuring assistance is readily available when needed.
- Users value the **customizability** of Picmaker, finding it easy to personalize templates for their needs.

##### Cons

- Users find the **limited templates** available in Picmaker restrictive for their design needs across various categories.
- Users express disappointment over the **lack of diverse templates** for various categories in Picmaker.
- Users find the **limited template selection** frustrating, as it restricts creativity in various categories.

#### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Picmaker?

**["Having excellent photos made this tool suitable to produce content that is visually appealing."](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/picmaker-review-9077626)**

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

_— Snehal B._

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/picmaker-review-9077626)

**["Great Site"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/picmaker-review-8316386)**

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

_— Verified User in Education Management_

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/picmaker-review-8316386)

#### What Are G2 Users Discussing About Picmaker?

- [Do you recommend Picmaker for graphic design, and what features do you find most useful?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/do-you-recommend-picmaker-for-graphic-design-and-what-features-do-you-find-most-useful)
- [What is the best thumbnail maker for YouTube?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-best-thumbnail-maker-for-youtube) - 1 comment
- [How do you use Picture Maker?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-do-you-use-picture-maker)
- [How do you use Picmaker?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-do-you-use-picmaker)
- [What is Picmaker?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-picmaker) - 1 comment

### [iStudio Publisher](https://www.g2.com/products/istudio-publisher/reviews)

iStudio Publisher is a powerful and intuitive page layout application for desktop publishing on Mac computers. It's ideal for designing a wide range of document types, including newsletters, brochures, adverts, flyers, booklets, invitations, menus, reports, posters, greetings cards, and yearbooks. Start with a professionally designed template or blank document of any size and produce beautiful, professional quality documents with ease. Export finished documents as PDF files or print them out. Please take advantage of the 30-day free\* trial of iStudio Publisher available here: http://www.istudiopublisher.com/downloads/ \* Try iStudio Publisher without entering any payment details. The 30-day free trial provides full functionality and no watermarks! After your 30-day trial expires any documents you have created during the trial will remain available to open and view - simply purchase a licensed copy to reenable the options save, print, and export.

**Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0

**Total Reviews:** 17

#### How Do G2 Users Rate iStudio Publisher?

- **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Publishing formats:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **File Storage:** 7.8/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Layout editor:** 9.4/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10)

#### Who Is the Company Behind iStudio Publisher?

- **Seller:** [iStudio Software](https://www.g2.com/sellers/istudio-software)
- **HQ Location:** Birmingham, United Kingdom
- **Twitter:** @iStudioSoftware  
153 Twitter followers
- **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=378c44fa0c449b6350d6454c9c4d50353f81a6e65676fd7abde41e014c254c0a&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2F369824%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website)  
2 employees on LinkedIn®

#### Who Uses This Product?

- **Company Size:** 80% Small, 20% Medium

#### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of iStudio Publisher?

**["iStudio Publisher makes it easy to be creative"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/istudio-publisher-review-11363051)**

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

_— Verified User in Arts and Crafts_

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/istudio-publisher-review-11363051)

**["desktop publishing solutions"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/istudio-publisher-review-8585387)**

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

_— Verified User in Real Estate_

[Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/istudio-publisher-review-8585387)

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[Browse Desktop Publishing Themes](/categories/desktop-publishing/themes)

 ![Neeraja Prakash](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Neeraja Prakash")
NP

Researched and written by [Neeraja Prakash](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/neeraja-prakash)

Updated 

Products classified in the overall Desktop Publishing category are similar in many regards and help companies of all sizes solve their business problems. However, small business features, pricing, setup, and installation differ from businesses of other sizes, which is why we match buyers to the right Small Business Desktop Publishing to fit their needs. Compare product ratings based on reviews from enterprise users or connect with one of G2's buying advisors to find the right solutions within the Small Business Desktop Publishing category.

In addition to qualifying for inclusion in the Desktop Publishing Software category, to qualify for inclusion in the Small Business Desktop Publishing Software category, a product must have at least 10 reviews left by a reviewer from a small business.

Show More

* * *

## How Do You Choose the Right Desktop Publishing Software?

### What You Should Know About Desktop Publishing Software

Desktop publishing software allows users to create and publish page designs and various printed materials in a professional style. These tools create layouts of text and other graphic files for publishing in either print or digital formats, focusing on materials like magazines, blogs, ebooks, newspapers, and other online publications.

Desktop publishing solutions often come with a library of premade templates and easy-to-use features that require no editing from the user, so the software is ideal for everyone, from experienced to novice designers. This software can also be equipped with drag-and-drop page builders and editing and design features, making it easy to create custom and unique layouts for specific needs and use cases. These designs can then easily be exported in a variety of different formats.

Any organization that publishes print or digital content, including graphic design, advertising, and publishing companies, can benefit from desktop publishing software. Design teams can also use it in an organization to create branded marketing materials, since they also easily integrate with [drawing software](https://www.g2.com/categories/drawing) or [photo editing software](https://www.g2.com/categories/photo-editing) to streamline the production of publication-ready materials.

### The basics of desktop publishing software

Desktop publishing software creates visual communication documents and media files, like business cards, web pages and [blogs](https://www.g2.com/glossary/blog-definition), newspapers, posters, brochures, and magazines, for personal or professional publishing online or through print. 

The term “desktop” refers to the personal computer where the software is installed and where the work is performed from design to production. 

Whether through pre-made templates or creating layouts from scratch using drag-and-drop menus, these tools are used by individuals working in advertising, graphic design, media, and publishing. Ultimately, any organization that publishes print or digital [content](https://www.g2.com/glossary/content-definition) can use desktop publishing software.

### What are the common features of desktop publishing software?

Desktop publishing tools often include popular features like layout editors, prebuilt templates, exporting capabilities, cloud storage, and document rendering.

The list below contains some core desktop publishing software features that can help users create various graphic materials:

- **Layout editor:** The layout designer and editor offer several design capabilities, including editing images, text, borders, and the ability to resize elements throughout the design.
- **Prebuilt templates:** Users don’t have to create a design from scratch, as many design tools have prebuilt templates to choose from. These templates can be for flyers, posters, or infographics. 
- **File format exporting capabilities:** From JPEGs to PNGs and PDFs, desktop publishing software lets users export files and designs into various formats, depending on their use.
- **Cloud storage:** Many desktop publishing tools allow users to save their page designs and projects into the cloud for security and easy sharing capabilities amongst larger teams.
- **Layout adaptation:** Layout adaptation automatically formats images and content to fit perfectly into blank areas of available space. For example, a template column with an area design for an image will automatically scale the image to fit the column, so the user doesn’t need to resize the image.
- **Asset libraries:** Users can use asset libraries, which often come with resources like icons, texts, and fonts, as well as the ability to upload brand elements, files, saved projects, and other apps.
- **Saving preferencing:** For designers who work with a specific layout, desktop publishing software can automatically save specific preferences, such as the template and export type. This makes it easier to create and distribute the layout multiple times without starting from scratch.

### What are the benefits of desktop publishing software?

There are several benefits to using desktop publishing software. Some of these benefits include:

- **Improved productivity:** When using desktop publishing software, the rate of production becomes distinctively higher, thanks to its new technological capabilities and user-friendly platform design. 
- **Reduced production, printing, and marketing costs:** Using desktop publishing software to print everyday marketing materials is more cost effective than using a third-party printing company. The design process is also less expensive since companies don't have to pay vendor staff members for expensive graphic design work.
- **Simple revisions and customization:** When a company finds a design that's almost perfect for its needs or had envisioned within the asset library, it can easily be customized using desktop publishing software. 
- This may mean the layout is slightly modified, but users don't have to settle for the format they find in a template; they can simply make changes. Customizing every file to be what they want is simple, even if the change is small.
- **Improved document quality:** With so much functionality and varying features, desktop publishing software can improve the document's quality by making it more interesting, readable, and useful for the [end user](https://www.g2.com/glossary/end-user-definition).

### Desktop publishing software vs. word processing software

Some users may confuse desktop publishing software with word processing software, but the two have key differences.

Desktop publishing software handles more graphical elements of a document and is often used to produce physical media like books, newspapers, brochures, and magazines.

Word processing software, sometimes called word processors, focuses on the line-by-line creation of text documents. These tools typically cannot handle many graphical elements as they’re used for creating paragraphs of text in typed documents.

### Who uses desktop publishing software?

Various job roles across industries use desktop publishing software to create, format, and design documents. Some of these roles include:

- **Graphic designers:** Graphic designers use these tools to create layouts for various materials, including advertisements, posters, banners, and other promotional documents.
- **Print and media designers:** Professionals with roles in print and multimedia design use desktop publishing software to create page layouts that can be printed or used in digital formats. This includes working on projects like magazines, brochures, eBooks, interactive presentations, and slide decks.
- **Writers and editors:** Those in writing and editing roles use desktop publishing software to format and structure documents, ensuring the result meets the necessary publishing standards. This is especially important for books, manuals, and other long-form content, like blogs.
- **Marketers:** Marketing teams turn to desktop publishing software when designing marketing documents, such as flyers, product catalogs, and promotional materials. This work helps create visually compelling content for [social media](https://www.g2.com/articles/social-media) campaigns.
- **Small business owners:** Owners of small businesses often turn to desktop publishing software to create promotional materials, business cards, and other documents needed for marketing their products or services to their target audience.

### Desktop desktop publishing software pricing

The pricing models of desktop publishing software vary based on which tool a business is leaning toward and how many packages are offered. Many tools may start with a free plan for users who need basic features and functionality and then offer other packages and plans that range in price and features. 

For example, a free plan may offer five seats, a library of 100,000 templates, and 5GB of cloud storage. The same tool may also have a paid plan offering 100 seats, a library of 400,000 templates, and 1,000GB of cloud storage.

Packages and the price points attached vary by tool, and businesses should first assess how they’ll be using the tool, how many employees will be using it, and which features matter most to those employees.

### Software and services related to desktop publishing software

Some software and services can be used in tandem with desktop publishing software to complement its features. These are:

- [Vector graphics software](https://www.g2.com/categories/vector-graphics): Vector graphics software creates vector images and illustrations. These designs can be easily exported into desktop publishing software for materials created within the platform. 
- [Photo editing software](https://www.g2.com/categories/photo-editing) **:** For more extensive photo editing capabilities, users can use photo editing software to enhance images that can be later exported into desktop publishing software.
- [Drawing software](https://www.g2.com/categories/drawing) **:** Those looking to create custom or unique designs can use drawing software and upload their original artwork into desktop publishing software for further distribution. 

### Challenges with desktop publishing software

While desktop publishing software is a valuable tool for creating visually appealing documents, users may encounter challenges when using it. Some are:

- **Learning curve:** Since desktop publishing software has so many elements and features, it often requires time, effort, and several tutorials to master. The learning curve may be steep for beginners, who also may not know how to utilize more advanced features properly. However, the user-friendly platforms of many products help to make the onboarding process smoother for beginners.
- **Price of the tool:** Some desktop publishing tools, especially ones with high-quality features, may have a high price tag. These software options may be challenging for freelance graphic designers or small business owners with limited budgets.
- **File size and storage:** Depending on how many high-resolution images are used and how complex the layout is, a project designed using desktop publishing software can be a fairly large file size. Managing and storing these files can be challenging, especially when collaborating with others and sharing access to documents online.
- **Processing power and memory:** Similarly, with large file sizes also comes the need for a computer with enough power and memory. Some large projects made with this type of design software could end up slowing down performance or result in software crashes of devices or [operating systems](https://www.g2.com/glossary/operating-system-definition) that are less up-to-date.
- **Font and image licensing:** Depending on the font, typography, or image a user would like to use, licensing agreements may be needed for a project. Not following these licensing terms could lead to legal issues or complications.

### Which companies should buy desktop publishing software?

While desktop publishing software is great for several types of businesses, there are specific companies with multiple benefits to investing in these tools. Some are:

- **Marketing and advertising agencies:** Typically, a marketing or advertising agency must create visually eye-catching and appealing content and materials for customers, like posters, brochures, and other promotional items.
- **Publishing houses:** Publishing programs and houses that produce magazines, books, and other printed materials use these tools to design layouts and format content.
- **Graphic design studios:** Professional designers working in a graphic design studio often focus on creating visual content like marketing documents, branding materials, and vibrant logos.
- **Printing companies:** Commercial printing companies that handle printed materials will use desktop publishing software to prepare and format content before printing.
- **Small businesses:** Small business owners can use desktop publishing software to create their own marketing materials, business cards, and promotional content instead of paying a third-party vendor.
- **Web design and development agencies:** These tools can help web design and development companies design mockups and visual elements for websites or apps.
- **Nonprofit organizations:** Desktop publishing software can design materials for fundraising campaigns, awareness programs, and other events thrown by nonprofit organizations.
- **Photography studios:** When creating portfolios, promotional materials, or photo books for customers, a photography studio may use desktop publishing software. 

### How to choose the best desktop publishing software

The following explains the step-by-step process buyers can use to find suitable desktop publishing tools for their business. 

#### Identify business needs and priorities

Before choosing a desktop publishing tool, businesses should identify what content and materials they’ll create with desktop publishing software. For example, companies looking to create standardized templates, fonts, and colors to establish brand consistency will have a business need for desktop publishing software. 

The same can be said for companies prioritizing marketing and promotional content or ones who want to handle all design tasks within their workflow in-house instead of outsourcing this work.

#### Choose the necessary technology and features

A buyer should then create a list of the features and functionality they want most in desktop publishing software. 

Some of these key features that the best desktop publishing software will have to address specific needs are:

- A library of layouts, templates, shapes, stock images, and clipart to choose from 
- The ability to upload custom images
- Import and export capabilities
- Saving preferences, file sharing, and file storage
- Collaboration among various accounts
- Mobile access or a mobile application with compatibility across Mac and Android devices
- Drag-and-drop functionality for editing

Once buyers narrow down based on their requirements and must-have functionalities, it’ll be easier to narrow down which options best suit their needs.

#### Review vendor vision, roadmap, viability, and support

In this stage, a buyer should start vetting selected vendors and conducting demos to determine if a product meets their requirements. Ideally, a buyer should share detailed requirements in advance so a vendor knows what features to showcase during the demo. 

Below are some questions buyers should ask vendors during the demo.

- What operating systems is the tool compatible with (Windows, Linux, macOS, etc.)?
- Does the tool integrate with other currently used tools (graphic design software, product management software, etc.)?
- What type of training and support is provided to users?
- Is there a support team available for assistance? If yes, what are the support hours?
- Are their additional costs associated with updates, support, or additional features? Are they one-time fees or monthly fees?
- Can this software scale as our business and usage grows?
- How does this tool support collaboration across teams?
- What file formats are supported for import and export?
- Is there a trial or demo version of the software to test its features and suitability?

#### Evaluate the deployment and purchasing model

Once a buyer has received answers and is ready to move on to the next stage, they will likely loop in key stakeholders within the organization and at least one employee from each department that will be using the software.

The final evaluation should also consider end users’ feedback on workflow integration, usability, and departmental requirements of must-have features. 

#### Put it all together

A buyer makes a final decision after getting buy-in from everyone on the selection committee, including end users. This buy-in is essential for getting everyone on the same page regarding implementation, onboarding, and various use cases. 

### Implementation of desktop publishing software

Companies typically implement desktop publishing software once they better understand marketing materials, graphics, or visual content they’d like to create and distribute for their business. 

#### Who is responsible for desktop publishing software implementation?

Implementing desktop publishing software successfully will require collaboration among different stakeholders within a business or organization. The specific individuals or teams responsible will vary depending on the size of the organization, its structure, and the nature of the desktop publishing needs.

Leaders within the IT department, graphic design team, project management team, or the human resources department may be tasked with steps within the implementation process.

#### What does the implementation process look like for desktop publishing software? 

The implementation process for desktop publishing software starts with installing the software and going through training and onboarding from the product’s support team. Having adequate training will set employees up for success and get everyone up to speed regarding the various features and functionality offered.

#### When should you implement desktop publishing software?

Businesses of all sizes typically implement desktop publishing tools once their marketing department is more established, and there's a need to create visual content or graphic design work as part of an ongoing strategy or campaign.

### Desktop publishing software trends

- **More cloud-based solutions:** Cloud-based desktop publishing tools are increasing in popularity as they make it easier for users to access and collaborate on projects from various devices and locations, providing more flexibility and making it easier to work on projects as a team.
- **An increase in artificial intelligence (AI) integrations:** Desktop publishing tools are being integrated with AI to automate certain tasks, provide intelligent design suggestions, and enhance image recognition. Integrating AI with this software can improve efficiency and creativity as users navigate through the design process.
- **Machine learning for image editing:** Some tools are beginning to offer machine learning algorithms for advanced image editing with features like background removal, intelligent image enhancement, and object recognition.