Large-format (A3) printer

[Andrew123]

Hi

I want to make A4 brochures, A3 laser print folded and stapled. I've only ever used Microsoft Publisher printing A4. A good novice looking for reasonably simple software thats capable of a pro result.

I need recommending some software, and a good A3 laser printer!

Any advice? I'm in the UK but I'm guessing all will be available wherever.

Many thanks...:)

[PeterArnel]

Andrew
It really depends on the content,how often, how many pages and the qty. If its a one off project - text and a few pics then word works - and then go to a copy shop and they will print it for u - anything bigger let us know
Peter

[ktinkel]

I want to make A4 brochures, A3 laser print folded and stapled. I've only ever used Microsoft Publisher printing A4. A good novice looking for reasonably simple software thats capable of a pro result.Many Windows users swear by Serif PagePlus (http://www.serif.com/pageplus/pageplus11/index.asp), which is an inexpensive page layout program that has the necessary functions for producing good printable artwork in the required formats.

It costs $130 U.S. (compared to hundreds for Adobe InDesign and QuarkXPress).

Some of the regulars here are adept at using it as well, so you could get some peer support.

[PeterArnel]

Kathleen
A lot of printers swear at it !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Peter

[ktinkel]

A lot of printers swear at it !!!!!!!!!!!!!Is it the program or unknowing users?

I have no idea as I have never seen it. But it does seem to have fans.

Would Ragtime be a better choice for Andrew from the printing point of view?

[Andrew123]

I hadn't thought of Word. Serif looks worth a try. Thanks!

My old MS Publisher-98 only seems to work with A4. Even trying a custom book-fold it wont let me have a page height more than 21cm. Maybe Serif has some A3 templates to get me up-and-running. It's the book fold that I need, designing across two pages that eventually print on seperate papers.

I want my own printer so I can see my results without walking up the print shop. And make alterations on-the-fly. Expensive I know, but bulk printing leaves me with a box of copies I'll regret first time I get a better photo and see a better way to word the text.

No suggestions on printers?

Thanks for the input.

[ktinkel]

No suggestions on printers?What is your budget?

I have an older HP Laserjet that can print up to 12X18 inches, and it has a duplexer that prints on both sides. To print both sides of the large sheet requires extra RAM in the printer.

If you need color, I do not know much. But others here have praised Epson 1800 inkjet printer (and a couple of other models).

There are also large-format color laser printers. You could look at the Laser Printer Reviews (http://www.laser-printer-reviews.org/) web site; it is not up to date but has some useful general information and it covers older printers (that you may find used).

I used to find color laser printing to be kind of muted, but I have read that it has improved.

None of these can compete exactly with press-printed (ink on paper), so you should be sure to look closely at the output. Quality, especially with inkjets, may depend a great deal on the paper used, so you will not be able to use any paper you want.

I will retitle this thread so it attracts the printer mavens. Good luck.

[PeterArnel]

Kathleen I dont really operate at that end of the market - The only reason I know Serifs is back in the 90's they gave a version away with Mac User - and we had afew clients who decided to use it ( but couldnt get it right so would send us the file half complete expecting us to know how u use it)

[ktinkel]

The only reason I know Serifs is back in the 90's they gave a version away with Mac UserNow that is odd — it is PC-only. Maybe it was PC Week or something?

It’s interesting all the software that gets distributed with magazines over there. Some magazines used to do it here, but years ago. Now they may invite readers to go download software from the web, but no CDs.

[PeterArnel]

U are right it was PC and that was the problem - it all comes back - togther with true type fonts

[Michael Rowley]

Andrew:

No suggestions on printers?

All the manufacturers of laser printers do an A3 version. I would suggest Brother for just printing black, Konica Minolta for black and colour. I think duplex printing will be needed. The cost goes up with the speed of printing, so the price varies considerably, and you may find A3 printers are mainly at the high end of the market.

PagePlus is good, despite its low price. The other alternative is RagTime, which costs even less (nothing, to non-professional users), but I don't think anyone here has used it.

[Michael Rowley]

KT:

Some magazines used to do it here [in the USA], but years ago

I'm surprised to hear that. Many progams used in the UK become known through cover CDs or DVDs; they're usually one, two, or even three versions back, but you can usually get a discount on the update. Don't tell me US users wouldn't be seen dead with an out-of-date version; I'd hate to have my preconceptions confirmed.

[ktinkel]

Don't tell me US users wouldn't be seen dead with an out-of-date version; I'd hate to have my preconceptions confirmed.I like to puncture prejudice when I can: As you can tell from comments in various threads on this forum (and elsewhere), many of us have out-of-date software.

Updating is a matter of necessity or convenience for those who work in graphic design or print production. None of us work alone — we need to mesh with suppliers, printers, clients, and each other. That is also true in the U.K. (and in Canada, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, and any other place you can think of).

[PeterArnel]

Andrew its a problem and in the early days ( unless u are loaded with money) cost - all software will allow u to output single pages to proof ( - a copyshop will take page pdfs - impose them and print them - My suggestion would be to do that for a couple of editions - It sounds like u are new to this -belive me it will be the best way - u can then see what u really need
Peter

[Michael Rowley]

KT:

As you can tell from comments in various threads on this forum (and elsewhere), many of us have out-of-date software

I've seen the comments, but I don't believe reality should be allowed to get in the way of nearly a lifetime's accumulation of prejudice; I shall consider you from henceforth a spoilsport. Of course, the fact that you are living in New England is a convincing plea of mitigation, or it will be if you don't try to tell me that New Englanders are really hedonists at heart.

[ktinkel]

I don't believe reality should be allowed to get in the way of nearly a lifetime's accumulation of prejudice; I shall consider you from henceforth a spoilsport.Okay, I can handle that. But are you sure? Tsk. :rolleyes:

[dogmandouglas]

Your program Publisher (even though I don't like it myself) only needs to create A4 documents unless you're going to do spreads as your page size will be A4 x 2 on a sheet. What I've done in the past is convert pages into pdfs then using Acrobat move the pages into the order I what and tell the software (Acrobat reader (which is free)) to print as a spread onto A3. As to the make of laser printer are you buying a mono or colour printer? The price of laser colour printers has dropped but are still a bit pricey for the home user.
Dogmandouglas

[PeterArnel]

The problem is Kathleen - we would all like to work with old stable software that does the job - unfortunatly our clients update from day one and send us incomplete files in the new software and grizzle if we cant fix them
Peter

[ktinkel]

unfortunatly our clients update from day one and send us incomplete files in the new software and grizzle if we cant fix themNever suggested that designers (or anyone) should get ahead of their suppliers.

On the other hand, some printers are very resistant to change. Part of their charm, no doubt, but sometimes difficult for designers who are have other pressures to change.

No excuse for incomplete or broken files, none at all.