QuarkXPress
Quark Inc.
QuarkXPress is page layout and desktop publishing software for Mac that allows users to produce stunning layouts for print and digital media. From newspapers and magazines to websites and e-books, QuarkXPress provides tools for typography, graphics & illustrations, and digital publishing, making it suitable for independent designers, publishers, students, and business users.
User Sentiments
Top Likes
- Versatile features for print and digital publishing
- Precise control over typography and layout
- User-friendly interface for experienced users
Top Dislikes
- High subscription price
- Can be unstable and prone to crashes
- Customer service and tutorials could be improved
Popular Comments
Gtmitchsailing - Mac App Store User
2022-08-09
Best version ever! I've used QuarkXpress since Version 1.0... given a choice, I'll produce my work in QuarkXpress. I know there are lots of Quark haters but for me it's still the go-to for ease of use and versatility.
JOSEPH KELLY - Mac App Store User
2020-02-02
Fantastic software. Finally dragged myself up from Quark 9, and I'm delighted with the new version. I thought it would complex to upgrade but process was really simple. Works like a dream with all my old docs. Great news too that you can pay monthly - really helps spread the cost. Well done Quark - still the best publishing programme by a mile for anyone serious about publishing.
UK designer - Mac App Store User
2022-11-12
Hopeless - doesn't work. Im a Quark user for 30 years and upgraded from Quark 18 because I am now on Mac OS12 - with which my old (5 yesrs old) software won't work. This version won't open legacy files - even those in Quark 2018 and you can't save changes. It is useless and a complete waste of money. How the developers can sell this as working software is beyond me. They should be ashamed of themselves for turning what was a powerful working tool into this travesty - and making my old files inaccessible.
krisdeflap - Mac App Store User
2024-01-18
great programme but could do more tutorials online. Prefer Quasrk to InDesign but Customer service is aweful, tutorial videos are non existent. More work required to compete.
Reddit User - GeneralChillMen
2022-07-21
I work at a newspaper that lays out all its pages using Quark Xpress 4.11 on 19 year old PowerMac G4s running Mac OS 9... I would still use QuarkXPress today (the latest version I personally hold a license for was version 9) if it wasn't for their stupid marketing / pricing model (subscription that is not a subscription but in fact it's a subscription) and it's (sadly) not worth it for occasional users like me.
MacUpdate User - MacRumors Forum User - gpat
2023-04-18
Switched from LaunchBar to Alfred and never looked back. Alfred is faster, more flexible and with the Powerpack it's just awesome.
Detailed Review
QuarkXPress is a long-standing desktop publishing software for macOS and Windows, known for its robust features for creating complex page layouts for both print and digital media. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for typography, image handling, vector graphics, and digital publishing formats like e-books and web pages. While it was once the industry standard, it now competes with applications like Adobe InDesign and Affinity Publisher.
Standout Features
- Page Layouts: Create detailed and precise page layouts for various media, including print, web, and digital publications.
- Typography: Offers advanced typographic controls to fine-tune text appearance and readability.
- Graphics & Illustrations: Refine and edit graphics and illustrations directly within the application.
- Digital Publishing: Convert print layouts to responsive digital formats, including HTML5 and e-books, without requiring coding knowledge.
- Flex Layouts: Design responsive HTML5 web pages in a WYSIWYG environment.
- Table Module: Create and style tables, with options to import data from Excel and maintain design consistency upon updates.
- XTensions Support: Supports add-ons (XTensions) for extending functionality.
Conclusion
QuarkXPress remains a powerful tool for professional desktop publishing, particularly for users deeply invested in its ecosystem or those who prefer its traditional approach to page layout. It offers a wide array of features suitable for complex projects, from print publications to digital media. However, its subscription-based pricing model and reported instability can be drawbacks compared to some competitors. While some users praise its ease of use and versatility, others find its interface less intuitive than alternatives and cite concerns about customer support and the availability of tutorials. For users already familiar with QuarkXPress or requiring specific features, it can still be a viable option, but those new to desktop publishing might want to consider alternatives like Adobe InDesign or Affinity Publisher, especially given the pricing and reported issues.