#Forms Program
12 messages in this thread
I'm looking for some information. I've recently acquired a Canon
BJ-200 printer to complement my A3K. I'm interested in finding a
program that will allow me to produce informational leaflets and
different types of forms. Reading through the advertisements of my
last AmigaWorld, I see programs like "Pagesetter" and the word
processor "Final Copy II" that look like they might perform this
function. I'm not familiar with any of these programs. I don't
particularly need a new word processor, but won't rule out a program
that could handle both aplications. Can anybody out there give me a
basic education and an opinion?
It sounds as if your projects might be better suited to a DTP program
(DESK-TOP PUBLISHING, or Page Lay Out). I use PageStream (SoftLogik
Publishing Corp)on my A3000 along with a suite of image manipulation
and scanning software to produce these types of materials. You might
also want to take a look at ProPage from the same company that does
PageSetter (GOLD DISK).
Gold Disk monitors messages here in AmigaUSer, and Soft Logik has a
section in AmigaVendor Forum (GO AMIGAV)
Thanks for the info! I think you've pointed me in the right
direction. I'll have to make a good guess and buy one of those
packages. Unfortunately, my only access to software is mail order …
I'll probably select the one for which I can find the most
information "on-line".
Rob
Rob,
Ask questions right here! The best way to determine what software package
is best suited for you, is to describe to us in as much detail as possible
exactly what it is you want to be able to do… both right now, and as
your business/hobby expands: 'flyers and brochures' doesn't tell us much!
Will you be outputting in B&W or color, or both? Do you need the ability
to incorporate photographs, original art, EPS clips, logos? Will your
final product be 8 1/2 X 11 or poster size or what? The more specific you
can be, the more specific the advice you'll get.
The users here have a vast amount of collective experience in MANY fields,
and are more than willing to jump in with suggestions, opinions, warnings,
hints, tips, tricks, etc.
I have ProPage. Despite other posts here, though, I think Pagesetter
III would more than suit the kind of work you're doing. It's a
stripped-down ProPage, but it doesn't give up that many features; it
still outputs in color, for instance. On the other hand, Pagesetter
is around $70, which is a heck of a value, while the full-blown
ProPage big brother can be had for only about $150. It just depends
on your wish list and needs. Final Copy II is excellent as a word
processor/word publisher (really nice output). For simple,
two-column newsletters and the like, it might suffice. But for
anything ambitious it would come up short. Its advantageous is strong
output with ease of use. All the desktop publishing (DTP) programs
are harder to master than Final Copy but also allow you far more
control.
The main difference between Final Copy and the other mentioned
programs is that FC is meant is a word processing program with strong
graphics features, while the others are layout programs with
functional text editors. You can use built-in text editors with the
DTP programs to input copy, but they're not as handy. It's nice to
have both a word processor and a DTP program. — Ron Legro from
Rob,
I haven't used PageSetter or FC II to any great extent but they _might_
suit your needs. However, I'd generally recommend a full-featured, pro
quality page layout program such as ProPage or PageStream; particularly if
this is a money-making venture or something you expect to do a lot of.
I assume you have a word proc you like since you say you don't need a new
one and that tends to make me favour a layout package even more. With a WP
you're mostly concerned with presenting text nicely; doesn't matter if
it's 19 pages, 21 pages, whatever. Layout software is what you want when
you _have to_ get all of your logical components on a single page or
precisely 3 pages or onto a trifold legal size page.
If your needs are modest, you can probably make do with PageSetter or FC
II. OTOH, if you're intending to undertake `trick' pages or a subject to
the demands of a customer, you'll be very glad to have the added
functionality of the full-featured programs.
FWIW, PageSetter bills itself as a limited layout program while FC bills
itself as a high end word pro. The implication (and I don't know them well
enough to say for sure) is that FC will be stronger in handling large
amounts of text while PS will be stronger in manipulating objects on the
page.
Malcolm
Thanks for the info. I'm looking to produce forms/ leaflets strictly for use
at work. The prices of both PageStream and ProPage are reasonable. It looks
like I just need to make a decision as to which package will best fit my needs.
Thanks for the information!
Rob
My pleasure, Rob.
Malcolm
What is a A3K?
–Paul < Motorola Inside >
sounds like an A3000 amiga.
A3K = Amiga 3000!
Rob