QuarkXpress

QuarkXPress, versions from 2016 onward that I have been using, have already been on the leading-edge of digital publishing innovation, recently including Flex layouts and progressive web app capability. But, the latest release QXP 2020 16.1.2 has gone beyond this by adding an exceptional, new HTML5 custom interactivity feature. As an eLearning content developer and creator of interactive web apps, coded in HTML, JavaScript and CSS, focused on stress reduction and behavioral healthcare, this new feature allows me to create, size and position a custom HTML frame and add script, layout, etc. All within the QXP GUI. When exported, the frame flawlessly displays the animation, essentially embedding a fully functioning interactive web app into the published screen. In my opinion, this is a quantum leap forward for digital publishing!

Having been a QXP user since 2016 through multiple versions, I have become very familiar with the GUI, but this has been for me a steep learning curve. With complex and full capabilities comes a complex and deep bench of options, dialogs, controls, customization needing mastery. Sometimes requiring the support of other users and support engineers on the forum, who have been generous with their help and quickly responsive. But, make no mistake: this is a professional-level tool requiring dedication and patience to learn. Happily, the result of diligent effort to learn QXP is rewarded by professional output.

Willingness to take the time to learn how to use the large feature set, navigate the GUI. Advanced features like HTML5 Custom Interactivity require some knowledge of coding in HTML, CSS and JavaScript.

During challenging times, with many people needing help to reduce stress, maintain/improve their health, while maintaining social distancing, has made online delivery of helping information critical. QXP's extraordinary digital publishing capability, coupled with the latest HTML custom interactivity features, provides a top-flight tool to strengthen technology-assisted care delivery. Providing this help is a complex and challenging undertaking. QXP offers a full feature set to make this possible. These features, plus further innovations by Quark as a forward-leaning company to be added in future releases, provide enduring solutions as we transition to more web-based behavioral healthcare delivery, over time.

I love that essentially, this program has remained the same for 26 years that I have been using it. The tools work well and I go do layups quickly and precisely.

I have 2 things that I would like to see improved, one thing is that often when I try to select text, I'll instead put a new text box. It's one of those little aggravations that end up taking up time. The other thing I would like it to see previews of documents in the open window.

Quark has been the industry standard since the 90s and there is a reason for that. I wouldn't hesitate to utilize this program.

We use Quark to create a course catalog. Quarks efficiency make this job go as quickly as possible and the files are always acceptable to our printer

Ease of use. Consistency of familiarity between upgrades

Random crashing. Though very seldom, and usually font related or image related, it’s annoying.

None. Smooth interface

Quark gives you precise control over text, images, shapes, colour, opacity, and it's compatible with a wide range of file formats, allowing you to always find a way to convert to what require.

I honestly can't think of anything I don't like ☺️

A couple of times I tried to use inDesign and gave up as I found the software hard to navigate. For me Quark is software that covers everything you need and I would highly recommend it to anyone whether you're a designer, author

I don't have business problems as such. As a Graphic Designer I have used Quark since 1987 and it has always encompassed all my needs for design, layout and setting up artwork for print.

Quark has good support. I bought into the advantage plan and they are there for you when you need it, and they are qualified. I started out with QX, and I work alone with no need to share files, and they have always upgraded with the trends, so why switch.

That it is not as mainstream as InDesign. it is a definite requirement to know InDesign if I want to obtain new freelance clients but I have no need to.

Tried and true. Excellent service. Integrates with Adobe JUST FINE.

Desktop Publishing of all sorts. Layout, design, print, web etc. They are a trusted software provider, I would never use anything else excpet InDesign, but then again I really dont want to use InDesign. I was trained in QX originally.

How it handles type, flows far better than its competitors

I've used Quark Xpress since 1991, I can't find any faults with it as its done everything i've expected it to do.

The layers option was a real game changer, colour sampling too, and lately, being able to create page sizes 3000 mm

I use QuarkXPress 2020. It is smooth, I like the type controls.

So far there is nothing that I dislike. The only thing for me is the send & bring menu.

I like that I own the ssoftware.

I do double pages and then combine then into a catalog. Makes my life simpler.

I've been using Quark Xpress for over 20 years, since before its major competitors existed. It does everything I need it to do, has rich features for implementing and adding non-destructive filters to images, saving me a step of going to a photo editing tool. It can export web an email-ready images and PDFs which are perfect for offset printing. I keep discovering advanced features in it (even after all these years) that help with my workflow. I can't imagine doing graphic design without it.

I work on a Mac and annually I'm not able to join the excitement of updating to the new version of Mac OS when it's released because Quark takes a few extra weeks to update its software to confirm conpatibility.

The problem of having to use multiple apps to create the types of media I need is solved as I can do everything within the one app.

Quarkxpress is the best tool for page layout. Whether it's a large magazine or a single page ad, I'll use Quark over Indesign. I've used both but prefer the speed and functionality of Quark.

I think the gradient tool should be tweaked a bit so there are fewer steps to create and alter the colours. It works well as is but think reducing the number of steps to make the selections I need would be helpful.

It's a great product and the best layout program for designers and advertising professionals. Plus, you can own a copy without cloud based subscription.

Recently, creating flipbooks within Quarkxpress has been a huge benefit to me.

Design and layout to is so easy for magazines, brochures etc, anything that is going to print.

Fantastic new features but no detailed videos or instructions on how to use these in particular Flex Layouts and Web pages.

Creating brochures or magazines a lot quicker and easier than InDesign.