The latest version of QuarkXPress (version 8) is out and, as usual, there is a wide range of opinion about its cost/benefit ratio. If your publishing enterprise relies on QuarkXPress as your layout tool of choice, then you are likely trying to decide whether or not to upgrade. 

 

To assist you with this important decision, we have kept our ears perked for the industry's response to the upgrade. Macworld’s “Review: Quark 8”  is the most thorough and impartial critical analysis of Quark 8 we have found. It includes a lengthy review of new features, followed by an entertaining chat thread consisting of entries (both pro and con) from folks with strong opinions.

 

Galen Gruman, author of this review, notes that the biggest change with this version is an overhaul of the user interface.  Gruman writes, "QuarkXPress 8 is a brave release. It marks a major change to the user interface of the venerable page-layout and design program for the Mac. The familiar interface that QuarkXPress has held to for 21 years is now more similar in style to that of Adobe's design applications. At the same time, version 8 offers very little in the way of new features, thus making the interface change its hallmark."  

 

Ultimately, you will need to determine how much value Quark 8's improvements would have for your group--given designer preference and overall workflow. Gruman's thorough review is an excellent place to start.  

 

Lane Press PDF Export Settings for Quark 8 

If you decide to upgrade to QuarkXPress 8 and you use a PDF workflow, be sure to request our Lane Press PDF export settings for Quark 8. These updated settings take into account changes in this version to print/export options. To obtain this document, please contact your Customer Service Representative or go to lanepress.com > Customer Service > Private Access (requires customer login) > Utilities > PDF Procedures and Settings. See "QuarkXPress 8.x (Download)".