There are many different programs that you can use to design brochures on your computer. There are some high profile (and expensive) programs, and then there are some lesser programs, some of which can do the job just as well.
Here is a rundown of three relatively popular desktop design programs.
Microsoft Publisher
This is the program that has come with most versions of Microsoft Windows for the past 15 years. It has become one of the most widely recognized desktop publishing programs in the world, mostly because of its association with the OS giant.
Publisher is a relatively simple program that is ideal for someone who does not have extensive experience in designing brochures. It comes with a wide variety of pre built templates that give you a great place to start. It also includes a great deal of clipart with a very easy search engine.
If you buy Publisher as a standalone program, it can be quite expensive. That makes it a little less attractive for anyone who does not already have it on their computer. But for someone who does not plan on doing a lot of designing, and has Windows, Publisher can do the job.
Adobe PhotoShop
This program is probably the most powerful design software available, with the possible exception of QuarkXPress.
PhotoShop has an incredible number of features and options available to the desktop publisher. Almost anything you can imagine doing, you can make a reality with this software. It has a vast variety of tools that can make your brochures more attractive and more effective.
For a beginning designer, however, the power of this program can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many options and features available that an inexperienced designer can get completely lost in a hurry. The price can also be prohibitive. The newest version of this software costs upwards of $700, making it inaccessible to many people.
Corel Draw
For designers who have some experience in making brochures, Corel Draw could be a good option. It is best used by someone who can hold their own with a relatively complicated desktop publishing program.
This software is great for creating brochures from scratch, with no pre built templates. If you are an accomplished designer with a really good idea of how you want your brochures to look, you may want to give Corel Draw a chance. It is more powerful than Publisher, but cheaper than PhotoShop.
However, if you think you may need more assistance as you design your brochures, you will probably want to stay away from this product. Stick with Publisher instead.
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