book layout software

[barP]

howdy gang!

looking for opinions on book layout and design software. adobe indesign comes up a lot, but it's also $700.

thanks in advance!

wp.

[Steelsun]

If you are talking about a photo book, etc, then many of the printer/services that print the books for you have their own software to use. Examples include Blurb.com and Bay Photo.
I think MPIX also.

[brad]

I use Lumapix .. love it.

[barP]

nope. in-house design on this one.

wp.

[wjmphoto]

If you have photoshop, you have everthing that you need to design and layout a book. All you are paying for when you buy software from someone to layout albums is their templates and a few actions that help make putting the book together a little easier.

If you have photoshop and want something to make the layout process a little easier without spending any $$$ at all, take a look at this site and download the actions and templates:

http://www.fundyphoto.com/free/Downloads.html

They are super simple to use, FREE, and give you the ability to create your own templates as well.

If you are having issues thinking how to make different templates, download a trial of something like You Select it for some ideas. Templates are super easy to build as are albums and you don't need to spend one thin dime more if you already have photoshop.

[wjmphoto]

RE the Fundy album actions.

If you are having a problem downloading this, the server appears to be a bit dodgy, let me know and I will e-mail the files to those who want it. It is a large zip file of about 24mb so I will send it as a group e-mail and at one time. PM me with your e-mail address and once I have a list of people who want them, I will forward the files to you.

[AndrewCCM]

I 2nd Lumapix

[LoungeLizard]

Fundy recently moved back to the US from Japan so I'm not sure if that has an impact on his server. I have not used his actions though they are simple.

I use Page Gallery as well as You Select It though I'm starting to do a lot more freehand layouts with Photoshop.