Taking a look at the history of Aldus/Adobe PageMaker means revisiting one of the initial desktop publishing software programs. This major player paved the way for the revolutionary impact of Adobe InDesign on the industry. Let’s delve into its version timeline, tracing its development from Aldus Corporation to its ultimate versions released by Adobe.
| Version | Features and Improvements |
|---|---|
| PageMaker 1.0 (1985) | Launched by Aldus Corporation for the Macintosh, introducing the concept of desktop publishing. |
| PageMaker 2.0 (1987) | Introduced for IBM PCs, expanding the desktop publishing revolution to the Windows platform. |
| PageMaker 3.0 (1988) | Enhanced text and graphics handling, including support for PostScript printers, which solidified its use in professional settings. |
| PageMaker 4.0 (1990) | Improved layout and design features, making it easier for users to produce sophisticated documents. |
| PageMaker 5.0 (1993) | Added features like story editor, booklet printing, and improved typography controls, catering to higher-end publishing needs. PDF support first added in the European version. |
| PageMaker 6.0 (1995) | Introduced new templates, tools for color separation, and support for plug-ins, enhancing its versatility in desktop publishing. PDF Export. |
| PageMaker 6.5 (1996) | Improved support for PDF and HTML formats, enabling users to prepare documents for the web and digital distribution. |
| PageMaker 7.0 (2001) | Last major release, added integrated Adobe PDF export features, and improved support for importing/exporting files from other Adobe apps. |
The evolution of Aldus PageMaker mirrors the early era of desktop publishing, when the primary goal was to empower individuals to create and share documents on their computers. Its purchase by Adobe and eventual replacement with InDesign symbolized the conclusion of one era and the start of a new phase in digital design and publishing. PageMaker established the foundation for the advanced features and functionality that InDesign would later bring to the publishing industry.
Associated Links
PDF – The Evolution of the Portable Document Format : A Historical Perspective
