QuarkXPress for Windows

Product snapshot

A decade ago QuarkXPress was the dominant desktop-publishing package used across the publishing industry. Today Adobe InDesign has chipped away at that lead, but QuarkXPress still finds loyal users thanks to its robust layout tools and polished typography options. If you’re comparing tools, consider QuarkXPress alongside Adobe InDesign CC (a trial version is available) before deciding.

Why many professionals keep using it

QuarkXPress remains popular because it combines high-end page design capabilities with an interface that most designers find approachable. It supports complex typographic control, precise color handling, and image integration — all of which help produce professional print and digital publications. While some users hoped for a major overhaul in version 9, the release focused on targeted additions that strengthen multi-platform output and workflow flexibility rather than a complete redesign.

What changed in version 9

Version 9 builds on the import and export improvements introduced in version 8 and adds tools aimed at the growing eBook, tablet, and mobile markets. Highlights include tools for producing interactive tablet apps, expanded eBook export options, and improved content flow and styling automation. Many of the refinements are incremental but practical for publishing workflows that must target both print and digital channels.

Noteworthy enhancements and tools

• Table flow improvements — Break tables so they can continue across pages with repeating headers and footers, even when anchored inside a story.
• Global style application — Apply style sheets across a document without disturbing local formatting overrides.
• XLSX support — Directly import Excel (.xlsx) spreadsheets for tables and data-driven layouts.
• Element cloning utility — Efficiently duplicate design components across a layout while keeping them linked for faster updates.
• Link management — Unlink and relink text frames to reorganize text flow without losing content.
• Shape creation assistant — Quickly generate custom vector shapes for use in layouts.
• List controls — Manage bullets, numbering, and outline styles with precision for lists and structured text.
• Story-focused editing — Edit text in a focused, word-processor-like editor that isolates copy from the layout.
• Automated image grids — Import images and automatically build uniform grids for galleries or contact sheets.
• Callout behavior — Make callouts, grouped boxes, and anchored objects move intelligently with surrounding text.
• Conditional formatting — Apply styles automatically based on powerful conditional rules to speed up repetitive styling.
• ePUB export — Convert layouts into standardized eBook formats compatible with iPad, Sony Reader, NOOK, and similar devices.
• Blio support — Create interactive designs tailored for the Blio eReader and distribute via the Blio marketplace.
• App Studio for tablets — Build interactive iPad and mobile publications and manage distribution of those apps directly from the application.

A final note

If you work in desktop publishing and haven’t tried QuarkXPress, it’s worth evaluating — particularly if you need tight control over typography and layout. At the same time, evaluate Adobe InDesign as a strong alternative, since both tools excel in different areas depending on your workflow and target platforms.