Serif PagePlus X6 review

Serif PagePlus X6 is a desktop publishing software for both home and business use. Serif has been undercutting the market with high quality do-it-yourself publishing software since 1990, so you know they’ve got it down. With Serif PagePlus X6 you get an extensive array of tools, including photo editing applications. You’ll be able to edit PDFs including text, image altercations and layout. Desktop publishing software focuses on the design aspects since getting that professional look is all important when trying to get your foot in the door.

We were looking to find a clean layout with tools that are easy to execute and software that manages the landscape of your page without hassle. Have serif finally nailed it with the sixth incarnation of PagePlus?

What we like best

Serif PagePlus X6 is a quick installer: it may just be our shiny new computer making short work of it, but less than 7 minutes installation time for a package requiring 566 MB on the hard drive is not too shabby. It also gave us a bit of time to whizz through one or two of Serif’s online tutorials for PagePlus X6 – if you’re new to this software the video tutorials will really speed you on your way.

This software cuts to what you need quickly. The startup wizard will get you direct access to tutorials, previous work, samples, the option to import a PDF and of course, a blank workspace so you can start from scratch. One of the best features of this wizard is the option to ‘choose your workspace’. This means that if you’re a designer, the tools you need will already be set out for you. You can also opt for a customised workspace or a Graphic Design one. For beginners, the ‘How To’ workspace offers instruction on whatever you wish to begin working on.

The feature our designer was most pleased with was the integration of Pantone swatches, a professional standard of colouring, which will mean no confusion when taking work to the printers – and no mistakes either!

We were also very happy with the PDF editor. Anyone who has ever had to wrestle with converting files will dread coming across a mistake once the PDF has been formed. No more though – Serif PagePlus X6 lets you chop and change to your heart’s desire. This software allows you to publish to the web, in print and via mobile devices including smartphones, iPads and Kindles. The capacity to self-publish your work and upload it to the KindleStore could be an appealing prospect for some.

Editing your images to give them the right look before going to print is made simple by PhotoLab and Cutout Studio. These features are comprehensive editing tools which enable you manipulate those images to your satisfaction with numerous filets and effects which can be implemented with a single click.

What we like least

This may seem like an argument of the unenlightened, but there is an awful lot to this software. We spent the majority of the morning tinkering around and still wouldn’t call ourselves versed in it. If you are familiar with most of the tools a designer needs then this package is well worth it, but this software is a little too sophisticated for a novice, so don’t be fooled by its low price.

The verdict
Serif PagePlus X6 will be an invaluable tool to small businesses and freelancers who know their stuff. It certainly has one of the easier user interfaces that I’ve seen on such a technical package. Though it may take you some time to use Serif PagePlus X6 like a pro, the wealth of tools it puts at your fingertips makes this one of the best Desktop Publishing packages that we’ve seen.