Comparison between InDesign and PageMaker (1)

InDesign, as a new generation of publishing software produced by Adobe, includes more than 30 functions in addition to almost all functions of PageMaker. From the perspective of the market positioning of both softwares, InDesign and PageMaker are not the same level of software. This article focuses on the issue of “What is the strength of InDesign in the end?” proposed by users of PageMaker in order to provide a point of reference for the user being selected.

First, the difference in the design concept

Software structure

After years of continuous supplementation and modification, PageMaker software has its own internal structure that is quite complex, and there is little room for further modification and improvement. InDesign, as a new generation of PageMaker, adopts the software structure of “small core + function plug-in”. The software core is very small. The functions of most application layers are realized through plug-ins. The core is only the operating platform of plug-ins. This is a very open structure, and there is a huge amount of room for extension of application functionality. So InDesign is both an excellent software product and a development platform. At present, third-party developers have developed a large number of InDesign feature plug-ins. Today, as the level of application becomes more and more specialized, an open interface is a must, and PageMaker is a software that does not have an open interface. Performance-enhancing tools are some of the features that software vendors slowly enhance in the long-term upgrade.

2. Software positioning

PageMaker can be used for single-page production and general document production, but it can not meet the demanding requirements of professional users, such as the production of books and long texts. InDesign is different, 2.0 version has demonstrated a strong professional, such as special features, tools to produce books, magazines, newspapers, advertising and so on. The aforementioned open interfaces can also meet special professional requirements. At the same time, InDesign has extensive support for cross-media publishing technology, and has found a wide application space in emerging publishing fields such as online publishing and e-books.

3. Compatibility with design elements and multiple languages

InDesign has a strong ability to accept various document formats. It has the advantage of directly reading PSD files. Therefore, in the entire workflow, you can directly use Photoshop-generated PSD native files without having to convert various graphic formats. Can work.

PageMaker is also very good at reading foreign file formats. It supports up to 50 file types such as AutoCAD, CD5, Xpress tag, Quickframe, etc. Unfortunately, software upgrades have not been able to catch up with file format upgrades. , PageMaker users can only read some of the regular image files, such as TIF, JPEG, GIF, etc., can not read the PSD file, and can not support the document is now the main source - Word 2000 version format.

InDesign has a very prominent place in terms of compatibility is support for Uncode, which not only conforms to the development direction of the operating system, but also very convenient when typesetting multi-country text, as long as you have other language fonts, you can typeset on the same layout multi-country Text.

4. Easy to operate

InDesign's interface style is very close to Photoshop and Illustrator, the operation mode, shortcuts, etc. are also very similar, which makes it easier for users who have used these two software to get started. In PageMaker's complex layout, its backward operation and functional loopholes still plague users. For example, when using the alignment table function to align text, PageMaker cannot make text adjustments while opening the window. InDesign can be interoperable.

Second, the new function of InDesign

1. Automatic document repair

InDesign has a document auto-recovery function. In the event of a crash, InDesign will automatically restore the document in the last operation.

2. Set the Chinese layout

The user can use the "Set Layout Grid" command to define page elements that conform to Chinese habits, such as font, size, and word spacing. The text grid can be displayed or hidden on the page, and there are multiple styles available. You can also use the display word count function under the grid to track how many texts have been entered and how many texts have not been entered.

3. Edit shortcuts

The default shortcuts in InDesign are very similar to the Adobe series software. It also allows the user to change shortcuts and add shortcuts to commands without shortcuts. InDesign also presets Quark shortcut keys for Quark users.

4. Automatic Chinese and English mixing

In the case of typesetting, English is often scattered when encountering mixed Chinese and English situations. InDesign has added automatic Chinese-English mixing features, and InDesign's own typesetting algorithm (MultiGraph Composer) is much more advanced than PageMaker's single-line algorithm, and the layout is more beautiful.

5. Chinese and English interface conversion

In InDesign, users can switch Chinese and English operation interfaces according to their own needs.

6. Add shadows, feathers, and transparency

InDesign has introduced the image processing function of Photoshop in an all-round way, make up for the defect that the typesetting software can't carry on the image processing. The shadows generated in InDesign are soft shadows, which are virtual shadows, and are more dimensionally pleasing than those generated by ordinary typesetting software.

7. Text to Curve

InDesign has added the "word to frame" command, which can convert a font into a curve, and can perform operations on the curve, such as adding and deleting nodes; adjusting the direction and curvature of the curve.

8. Path text

In InDesign, you can enter text directly on various paths, and you can adjust the arrangement and position of text on the path. (to be continued)