No-Bull Review
Serif—PagePlus X3
Be Warned!
Scores a 3 on my 1-10 rating system
We wanted a simple graphic-design program that our non-designers could work with for logos, ebooks, ezines, and the like. Our production department uses Quark and InDesign, but this software has a long learning curve. I wanted something that normal people could use quickly.
PagePlus X3 has received excellent ratings and write-ups in numerous venues. After exhaustive research, my team decided to buy this software. It was less than $100, and, given the reviews that we had found, it should have been our dream come true. Instead, it was a nightmare to work with.
Keep in mind that my Lone Wolf Enterprises, Ltd., people design and layout pro books every day. All of us here have a higher-than-usual understanding of production software.
Our first experience was trying to make a logo. I was able to make one quickly. The problem came when I saved it and tried to use it. I could not save it with a transparent background. It can be done, according to the technical department at Serif, but they could not explain to me how to do it.
The graphics are not of a very high quality, and this affects the finished product when it is printed out. For web applications they would be fine, but they don’t cut it in the print world.
My wife tried to make an E-book. Her daughter, who is a professional designer, helped her. Again there were glitches.
All in all, the frustration level was so high that we abandoned the product. It might work for you. Apparently a lot of people like it, based on reviews I have read, but our first-hand use has left a bad taste in my mouth for any Serif product.
RDW
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