free desktop publishing software?

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So I'm new to Macs and, to tell you the truth, rather new to the whole computer thing, because I'm old ; ) My faith community is trying to start a printed newsletter, and we are looking for free (as we are poor) desktop publishing software for Mac, as we only have Macs among us. I've seen Scribus but it says it has a steep learning curve which would be hard for us. The newsletter is just going to be pretty simple, with articles and photos, I don't suppose a newsletter can be that complex anyway. What is the best free (or maybe under $50) software that will not be too hard to learn? We want to make sure to download legally, so we are not looking to pirate anything. Any advice would be gratefully received. Thank you!
 

vansmith

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If it's a simple newsletter and you've got $15 to spare, Pages (as Raz0r recommended) is probably a good bet. It's better at this type of thing than any other word processor and it's fairly cheap.
 
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using Pages to create a newsletter

Hi! I've just been advised elsewhere on this forum, to use Pages to create a print newsletter. I looked at a couple YouTube tutorials and I have a question. (besides, of course, do you think this is good software for a newsletter?) Do I have to type the articles in the actual template, or can I import a file containing the article, the same way I can import a photo? Sorry I'm kinda new to computers, need to ask very simple questions. Thanks!
 
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You just copy paste the articles, not import them
 

pigoo3

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Threads merged (same topic). Thread also moved to better sub-forum (OS X - Apps).

- Nick
 
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chas_m

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Highly recommend Pages for newsletters. I haven't seen anything that is both cheaper and better, so Pages is my favourite.
 

chscag

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One slight correction to the above information.... Pages is $19.99 in the Mac App store not $14.99. But still a good purchase at that price if you're looking for a publishing program.
 
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Yea Pages +1 here too.

As someone else said above if you Highlight all the Text from the other document, by clicking and then dragging the mouse over text, then ⌘C (Command + C) will copy the Highlighted Text then go over to Pages and in the Document ⌘V (Command + V) which will paste it into the window. Then if you drag 1 of your images over, you can then resize the image in Pages by clicking on the corners or sides and moving it to reach the desired size. Then you can drag the image around, and the text will move and edit itself to allow you to drop the image wherever you need.

Thats how simple Pages is :)
 
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Hi! I've just been advised elsewhere on this forum, to use Pages to create a print newsletter. I looked at a couple YouTube tutorials and I have a question. (besides, of course, do you think this is good software for a newsletter?) Do I have to type the articles in the actual template, or can I import a file containing the article, the same way I can import a photo? Sorry I'm kinda new to computers, need to ask very simple questions. Thanks!

Hello - wife does simple newsletters and has migrated from PCs (used Publisher) to an iMac in May - I suggested that she give Pages a try first before an additional purchase - she's using a book My Pages (2013) by Gary Rosenzweig (short w/ numerous illustrations - the screen captures are too small to read easily) - the links given also rate Pages highly and at a reasonable price - good luck in you selection - Dave :)
 

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