PageMaker Targets Publishing Novices

SUMMARY

PageMaker 6.5 Plus PRO: Easy-to-use templates and huge clip art library, excellent publishing tools. CON: No wizards, no printed catalog of clip art or template files. VALUE: Expensive, but worthwhile for desktop-publishing novices who want to use commercial printing services. $499, upgrade $99 Adobe Systems 800/422-3623 www.adobe.com

Until recently, small-business and home-office users who lacked professional graphics expertise were limited to inexpensive, simple programs like Microsoft's $99 Publisher 2000. Now, Adobe is reaching out to novices who want to create eye-catching documents for commercial print runs.

While not a major upgrade, PageMaker 6.5 Plus substantially enhances the excellent publishing tools in PageMaker 6.5. A new Template Palette contains about 300 layouts. A new Picture Palette affords access to a good-size library (4700 illustrations, 300 stock photos) of high-quality clip art.

In my tests using a preproduction copy, both Palette features were so easy to use that I didn't miss the wizards that other packages supply. However, a printed list of the templates and clip art to supplement Picture Palette's keyword search feature would have been nice.

Other goodies include a handy Microsoft Office­style toolbar, a Publisher 98 (but not 2000) file converter, and a limited edition of Adobe Photoshop 5.0.

PageMaker vets will probably find the $99 upgrade worthwhile, if only for the clip art library. But those who've shied away from PageMaker because of its high-end reputation--and $499 price tag--may also want to take a look. Publisher 2000 is cheaper and easier to use, but PageMaker's color tools and widespread service bureau support make it a better investment if you'd like to use a commercial printing service for better-quality projects or large print runs.