Microsoft Publisher is a user-friendly and affordable desktop publishing application that offers a diverse range of solutions for business communications. An entry-level desktop publishing application, MS Publisher enables business to easily create, customize and distribute professional looking marketing materials like newsletters, brochures, flyers, catalogs, websites and other publications.

Once geared primarily to in-house use, newer versions of Microsoft Publisher software offer printing capabilities and support for both commercial and desktop printing. Before purchasing Microsoft Publisher software or a MS Publisher download, research information about Microsoft Publisher and compare pricing and costs of Microsoft Publisher. Consider the following:

1. What is a competitive price for Microsoft Publisher software? Which Microsoft Publisher vendors offer the best deals?

2. How much should your business budget for Microsoft Publisher support costs? Are online, phone or in-office support packages available with your Microsoft Publisher purchase?

3. How much do specialized templates or downloads to enhance Microsoft Publisher software capabilities cost? What should your business expect to pay for resources and upgrades to keep your desktop publishing software current?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase Microsoft Publisher software at a competitive price

Because Microsoft Publisher is an entry-level desktop publishing program, it is more affordable than many other professional desktop publishing and design applications. Microsoft Publisher comes standard with some Microsoft Office Suites, including Microsoft Office 2007 Small Business, Microsoft Office 2007 Professional and Microsoft Office 2007 Ultimate. Before purchasing a Microsoft Publisher download or software package, compare prices between several different software providers.

I recommend: Before purchasing Microsoft Publisher, get a free 60-day trial at Microsoft Corporation. Buy Microsoft Publisher for a discounted price at Software Surplus.

Factor in support costs to your overall Microsoft Publisher software price

Microsoft provides an extensive online help center, but if you can't find answers to Microsoft Publisher questions online, it can be costly. Your business receives only one complimentary online or phone support request with the purchase of Microsoft Publisher 2007. Your business will have to pay for all additional support requests.

I recommend: Research Microsoft Publisher support costs at TopTenReviews. Before paying for Microsoft Publisher support, use Tech Support Guy as a resource for Microsoft Publisher information and help. Get free online Microsoft Publisher help at Tek-Tips.

Calculate additional pricing and costs of Microsoft Publisher downloads and templates

Microsoft Publisher comes with a variety of templates, but if you are looking for a professionally designed template not included with the software, plan to spend a few dollars. There are several free Microsoft Publisher download sites online, but not every site offers quality, professional looking templates suitable for business purposes.

I recommend: Download Microsoft Publisher free product enhancements and patches, like Recovery for Publisher and Brochure Templates at Free Downloads Center. Download MS Publisher affordable business communication templates at LayoutReady with prices ranging from around $10 to over $30. Purchase eye-catching and professionally designed Microsoft Publisher templates at StockLayouts for around $100 each.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before purchasing Microsoft Publisher for sale, check out the online Microsoft Publisher demo. The MS Publisher demo provides helpful Microsoft Publisher information, introduces users to Microsoft Publisher basics and walks users through several business communication applications.

Microsoft Publisher is a software program that lets you self-publish all your business documents. Download Microsoft Publisher and create professional looking documents that you can use for all your business needs. Create business cards, brochures, flyers and newsletters with Microsoft Publisher. Download a free trial version of this business solution and test it out before you buy it. There’s no need to outsource your designing and printing when you can solve your business needs using your own computer.

Understand the special features of Microsoft Publisher. Download the program and additional templates so you can create documents quickly and efficiently. You don’t have to waste time starting from scratch. Use MS Publisher’s templates and designs to help you get the job done. Follow these 4 steps to help you use Microsoft Publisher as your business solution:

1. Gather Microsoft Publisher information and become familiar with the program.

2. Find Microsoft Publisher software online.

3. Download MS Publisher’s free trial versions.

4. Create and publish your documents.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Self-publish all your business documents with Microsoft Publisher

Read the information about Microsoft Publisher's quick publications, macros, graphics and professional uses. Read the answers to common MS Publisher questions and get the most out of your program.

I recommend: Visit Microsoft’s Office website for free tutorials and answers to your common questions. Take a Microsoft Publisher course with Hewlett Packard to help you become more familiar with the program’s features.

Find out Microsoft Publisher's tips and tricks

Take a course and become an expert. Know the program as well as a publisher. Learn the basics of the program and how to get started using Microsoft Publisher for your business needs.

I recommend: Try Microsoft’s training program which is free at Microsoft Office. Find step by step information about Microsoft Publisher at bcschools.

Download Microsoft Publisher's free trial version

Test Microsoft's publishing features by trying out a free copy of MS Publisher. Try an older version of Publisher like Microsoft Publisher 2000, Microsoft Publisher 2002, or MS Publisher 2003 which are often cheaper than newer versions.

I recommend: Try the features of MS Publisher. Download any trial version and compare the differences before buying. Microsoft Publisher downloads are available at Microsoft. You can also download MS Publisher at download.com. Try different versions at this Microsoft Office site. Compare the different versions of MS Publisher; download the version you need.

Use Microsoft Publisher to create professional looking documents

Use Publisher's special features to save you time. Create brochures and flyers using Microsoft Publisher's quick publication feature. Combine text with graphics to create company newsletters.

I recommend: Try using Microsoft Publisher’s online templates to create attractive newsletters and brochures. Try these business card templates to create professional looking company cards.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Try an older version of MS Publisher like Microsoft Publisher 2000 or Microsoft Publisher 2002. You can save a lot of money if you like the features in the older program.

Microsoft Publisher is a user-friendly and affordable desktop publishing application that offers a diverse range of solutions for business communications. An entry-level desktop publishing application, MS Publisher enables business to easily create, customize and distribute professional looking marketing materials like newsletters, brochures, flyers, catalogs, websites and other publications.

Once geared primarily to in-house use, newer versions of Microsoft Publisher software offer printing capabilities and support for both commercial and desktop printing. Before purchasing Microsoft Publisher software or a MS Publisher download, research information about Microsoft Publisher to learn key Microsoft Publisher basics. Consider the following applications for effective business communications:

1. Use MS Publisher to easily create a variety of professional looking materials to promote your business.

2. Customize Microsoft publisher download templates and documents to quickly design materials that reflect your company's brand identity.

3. Prepare documents for different media distribution, like PDF sharing, website viewing, desktop printing or commercial press printing.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Download Microsoft Publisher to create attractive marketing materials

Design eye-catching business communication materials quickly and easily using the expansive selection of Microsoft Publisher templates. Microsoft Publisher 2000, 2002, 2003 and 2007 features coordinated color schemes and fonts that simplify the design process. Use the software's user friendly layout, typography and graphics tools to get professional looking results.

I recommend: Download Microsoft Publisher templates for brochures, business cards, newsletters and other business communication materials at DesktopPublishing.com. Find out how to quickly apply font and color schemes to Microsoft Publisher publications at That Network. Access tips and shortcuts on using Microsoft Publisher at PrintingForLess.com.

Use Microsoft Publisher software to strengthen your corporate branding

When you download MS Publisher 2007, it is easy to create and apply brand identity standards to all of your marketing materials. Simply create a business identity set with your company logo, colors, fonts and business information and then apply the identity set to all of your documents to produce materials with a consistent image.

I recommend: Learn how to efficiently apply your corporate identity standards to Microsoft Publisher documents at Microsoft Corporation. Get more information about using business identity sets in creating brochures and pamphlets at Bright Hub.

Utilize MS Publisher to easily share documents

Use Microsoft Publisher to quickly convert publications to PDF documents, which are universally suitable for online viewing or printing. With Microsoft Publisher downloads, it is easy to post publications to the web, create press-ready files or even develop processed color composites for commercial printing.

I recommend: Get tips on effectively preparing Microsoft Publisher files for commercial printing at CreativePro.com. Learn how to publish files to a website using Microsoft Publisher 2003 at ez2ba.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before purchasing Microsoft Publisher for sale, check out the online Microsoft Publisher demo. The MS Publisher demo provides helpful Microsoft Publisher information, introduces users to Microsoft Publisher basics and walks users through several business communication applications.

Microsoft Publisher software is a desktop publishing application that allows you to design a wide variety of projects in many formats. Such projects include commercial printing, website design, and e-mail. Additionally, Microsoft Publisher software goes further by allowing you to integrate your project with other Microsoft office applications.

With so much competition for design software, it is imperative to learn the fundamentals that make one better than the other for your own business needs. In doing so, you need to understand Microsoft Publisher software key terms so that when the time comes to invest in a design solution, you will be confident that you have chosen the one that suits your needs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

CMYK vs. RGB

CMYK refers to four-color process colors cyan, magenta, yellow and key, or black used on a commercial printing press for full color. Red, green and blue, or RGB, are used for online publishing.

I recommend: Deerfoot Studios offers more information on the difference between CMYK and RGB color palettes.

Catalog merge

This is a feature that allows you to merge text or image files from an existing excel, access or outlook file, into a database or catalog.

I recommend: 451 Press offers an extensive description on how catalog merge works and how it can extend your design capabilities.

Design Checker

A necessary feature that allows you to check your work for potential design problems prior to submitting it to the publishing end, whether the project is for commercial printing projects, websites or even e-mail. Design Checker can save you a lot of money and grief and should be a utilized on every project.

I recommend: Go straight to the source and get information from Microsoft, which has information on using and troubleshooting Design Checker.

Pack and Go Wizard

A tool that collects all the necessary elements of your design, from true fonts to images. Pack and Go Wizard organizes your files so your project won't be delayed because your printer in missing a key element of your design.

I recommend: All Graphic Design describes how the Pack and Go Wizard feature works, including inserting true type fonts and black and white publication set up.

Portable Document Format, or PDF

Refers to a method for saving files in a compact document that holds all its design features. Produced for almost any type of design application, PDF documents are for viewing a design preview on any computer system.

I recommend: Nova PDF features a detailed explanation on converting publisher files to .PDF format, and why this is the best way to review and proofread designs.

Page templates

These are existing designs that come with Microsoft Publisher software that you can open and edit to meet your needs. You can also use them as a stepping off point with more extensive changes.

I recommend: Brainy Betty describes how to incorporate templates into your projects and features a list of free publisher templates.