MLayout ’s main user interface is very similar to QuarkXPress , though less complex because of its focus on just core print publication . That mean you do n’t have to wade through Web - publication tools and menu items or more esoteric part such as cut font - trailing mesa or indexing . Its common pallet sport a good equaliser of clarity , restraint , and usability .

MLayout even one - ups Quark in several country . For example , you’re able to define particular formatting for each tower in a text boxful , something QuarkXPress can not do , plus show overset text ( text that does not fit in the layout ) . And you’re able to consociate a caption box with a film , so the two move together in the layout . There ’s also a basic mathematical - equating editor not available in either QuarkXPress or InDesign (; August 2005 ) , and a set of editing shaft that lease you well create box with curl and angled sides . MLayout deal fall caps better than QuarkXPress — and InDesign — by letting you qualify the letter ’s typeface , not just its sizing . Finally , you could have MLayout automatically insert items such as the date and clip in documents .

The rest of MLayout offer features that any mid - level newspaper publisher would need , including the ability to create box for text and persona ; link school text among box seat ; and create and lend oneself styles ( as well as override manner with local formatting ) . you’re able to also contribute tables , basic shapes , and seam , and rotate or flow text edition around them . You get almost all the key Thomas Nelson Page design functions such as passe-partout pages , style sheets , aim management , and graphic tools .

Interface and performance issues

It does n’t take long to clear that MLayout has some very uneasy interface and operative problems . For example , the wrench - down menu in the Measurements palette shows only those fonts you ’ve added to a Favorites leaning via another duologue box . Plus , you may only use fount available via Apple ’s Font Book applications programme , so users of political program like Extensis ’s Font Reserve (; February 2003 ) and Suitcase (; February 2005 ) are out of fortune . text edition - file import is limit to text - only and Rich Text Format files — there ’s no support for the Microsoft Word format .

It ’s easy to miss the function for creating reusable color swatch , and the programme does n’t permit the manipulation of spot - colouration ink such as Pantone and Trumatch , though MLayout can convert such colour to CMYK and RGB if you import them from an EPS color - swatch program library . Another issue : MLayout sometimes let you select unavailable options for object , even though nothing find when you choose them . Softmagic says it design to fix this .

The interface for creating templates and something called a GIM ( Grouped Image Management ) is very puzzling . GIM allow you place similar images in one master icon box , such as for a catalog but , I still feel gravel , even after expend time with the program ’s 288 - pageboy PDF software documentation , which you must download separately . There is no online help because the society says its supporter files are n’t compatible with the Apple Safari internet browser used by the Mac OS ecstasy supporter organization . ( It hopes to restore that problem soon . )

XML implementation

MLayout ’s templet and GIMs employ the XML speech communication , making them perfect for automated work flow . Yet the complexity of XML is one reason that setting up these guide , and the rudimentary XML link , is difficult . That ’s not MLayout ’s fault — the outgrowth is exact and arduous , and XML is tough to use in QuarkXPress and InDesign , too . In fact , I find MLayout to be more straightforward in its approaching to XML than either of those apps . There are also peculiar box tools ( Special , Title , and mental image ) that let you set up and tag boxes that wo n’t hold the physical structure schoolbook flowing through your document . These tag box let an XML - aware program know where to place , for model , titles from a content database into the layout . These functions show Softimage ’s ground as a paper - product customization society , but they do n’t fit the think MLayout audience .

Fortunately , you’re able to disregard the GIM and especial box procedure . Content developers and production faculty experience with XML - based publication should have no problem using these tools , but they ’ll need to expect why they would base their production on such an obscure product .

MLayout use its own file data formatting and can import only the 12 - year - honest-to-god QuarkXPress 3.2 or 3.3 format . prospect are very gamy you ’ll need to create all documents from incision .

Macworld’s buying advice

MLayout 2.1 is a good commencement , but its developer need to remember through what a nonprofessional , non - technical user needs , as well as oeuvre the kinks out of the program ’s interface . As intriguing as MLayout 2.1 is , it ’s not quite quick for mass adoption . I hope Softimage can attain a better consequence with a succeeding version .