Expert: Glen Demers - 9/19/2008

Question
Hi, remember me?

I'm currently using PageMaker but really seriously thinking of upgrading to InDesign CS2.

I've looked at some screenshots of InDesign and they looked intimidating. Can you tell me what the main difference between ID CS2 and PM7?

The way I understand it is that ID CS2 has some functions like of Photoshop (I'm familiar with PS) like editing photos, gradients, etc.

Hope you weren't confused with my questions :-) and thanks.

Answer
Hi Carlos,

You can download a 30 day trial of InDesign from Adobe to check it out, but I think you have to try CS3.

InDesign CS2 includes the PageMaker Add-on which lets you convert PM files to InDesign, has PageMaker shortcuts and the PageMaker toolbar. This helps in the transition from PM to ID by giving you a lot of the same old tools.

InDesign works like other Adobe apps in that you have a tool to manipulate objects and another tool to manipulate the contents - you use the solid cursor to size and position a box, switch to the outline cursor to scale and position the image in the box. It gives you a lot more flexibility once you get used to it, I think it's easier to go from PageMaker to InDesign than to go to Quark.

Yes, in InDesign you have a lot of the layer effects and blending modes that are in Photoshop. With InDesign you have a better type engine and more transparency effects, drop shadows, glows, etc, for objects. It can be intimidating just because there are so many features and options but the basics are the same. Adobe offers greater support for InDesign users as PageMaker use declines, and you can still ask me questions - I'm one of the experts here for InDesign.  :-)

In my business I see where about 80% of the jobs are in InDesign with Quark a distant second. It is fast becoming the standard for page layout programs and has very tight integration with Photoshop and Illustrator.

Hope this helps,
Glen Demers
Prepress Technician, Best Printing Online
www.bestprintingonline.com

For more PageMaker tips please visit our help pages <a href="http://www.bestprintingonline.com/pagemaker.htm">here</a>

For InDesign tips please visit our help pages <a href="http://www.bestprintingonline.com/indesign.htm">here</a>

I've heard good things about Lynda.com, good luck.