software decision indesign/quark??

[miken44]

I currently use a very old version of Pagemaker. It has been fine for most of my work. I recently did some technical printing where the line location was critical to the printing. I had trouble with going to film because the line moved, even though the location was specified. I am going to be doing more technical printing and need to know that when I specify a location that output will equal the input.

What program will work best for me?

 

[jimoblak]

This sounds like a problem with film stretching in the imagesetter, not the design program. If you are still using the same imagesetter, designs created in a new program may suffer the same problems.

Either way, Quark blows chunks.

- - picklefish - -
Why is everyone in this forum responding to me as picklefish?

 

[miken44]

It is not a film problem. I can see it on the screen. If you place small lines very close (1 mm apart) and have anything close to it, it may move. I think the problem is if it is near, or on top of another object it moves slightly. For example, there is some text next to the line. The text area is larger then the actual text and the line is within that area. Even though I specify the location with coordinates it moves slightly (approx. 0.5mm).

I am not an expert on these things so if I am not describing the problem clearly let me know.

 

[MarcusStringer]

I take it you have any "snap to"..or "gravity" or what ever turned off

Marcus

http://www.midlandtypesetters.com.au

 

[miken44]

i don't think that it is on but i will check it in the morning to make sure.

 

[miken44]

i checked and it is not related to the snap to. Anyways, I am really looking for advice on upgrading to a better overall product. I have read enough that most people seem to think that indesign is the better choice.

I just need to make sure that the output (screen and film) is exactly as input for the location of an object/line. I would type coordinates in so it is not placed.

 

[jimoblak]

I vaguely recall PageMaker being funky with lines but my memory only goes back 3 weeks due to an unfortunate incident after eating gibbon stew in a Thai market. You can check out the new design programs for yourself - they each offer downloadable demos.

In terms of price, it would be silly to choose the more expensive Quark when you can cheaply upgrade to InDesign from your PageMaker.

In terms of functionality, you are right that most people find InDesign better.


- - picklefish - -
Why is everyone in this forum responding to me as picklefish?

 

[miken44]

thanks for the input. i will try the free download..