[sinebubble]

I'm going to be "designing" a box cover for a board game I'm creating for my child. As a result, I'm looking for a page layout tool that is not in the price range or complexity of InDesign or Quark. Is there something out there more reasonably priced by an independant taking a new look at layout? You know, software along the lines of Pixelmator? And yes, I know about iWork's Pages, but I'd like to support a small third party developer and get something that is less template based.

[moonmonkey]

All adobe aps have a 30 day free trial period.
Thats might be an idea.

[voodoo]

Originally Posted by moonmonkey 

All adobe aps have a 30 day free trial period.
Thats might be an idea.

Without some sort of save-cripple (watermark etc)?

Even so, it doesn't make them any less complex.

I'd suggest Lineform from Freeverse, it's a simple Illustrator-like app - great for simple vector layout.

Freeverse: Mac: Games & Apps: Lineform

[sinebubble]

Thanks for the tips. I'll take a look at Lineform, but an initial look at their website seems to indicate it's more of a drawing tool, rather than page layout. I'll look closer at it.

[voodoo]

Originally Posted by sinebubble 

Thanks for the tips. I'll take a look at Lineform, but an initial look at their website seems to indicate it's more of a drawing tool, rather than page layout. I'll look closer at it.

For making one page layouts you'd use something like Illustrator or Lineform - for making multiple pages you'd use Quark or similar.

Since you're making a box cover, all you need is a vector app like Lineform or Illustrator - there's nothing gained by using a layout app that is capable of multiple pages... In fact those are usually more limited in their application than the illustration apps.

[moonmonkey]

Originally Posted by voodoo 

Without some sort of save-cripple (watermark etc)?

Even so, it doesn't make them any less complex.

I'd suggest Lineform from Freeverse, it's a simple Illustrator-like app - great for simple vector layout.

Freeverse: Mac: Games & Apps: Lineform

No, 100% usable (for non commercial use) for 30 days, a very good deal indeed.

[voodoo]

Originally Posted by moonmonkey 

No, 100% usable (for non commercial use) for 30 days, a very good deal indeed.

... good for a demo yes. And no.

It's a multi GB install and needlessly complex if one is just going to make a single page now isn't it?

One small and simple layout app is usually better. I'd rather recommend GIMP or something instead of going for Adobe products. Unless one needs Adobe, one should stay away from Adobe.

There are plenty of cheaper and simpler (but not worse) alternatives out there to make a page design.