Can I use my own software to design a newspaper and what programs can I use?

You can use any desktop publishing software that will produce a print ready PDF in CMYK colors. Below is a list of common programs and if they are or are not acceptable to produce a print ready PDF:

• Adobe InDesign – This is perfectly acceptable as it is a desktop publishing software designed for this type of project.
• Adobe Illustrator – This is not acceptable. Illustrator is a vector editing program, not a desktop publishing software. Please do not use Illustrator for your newspaper designs.
• Adobe Photoshop – This is not acceptable. Photoshop is a photo editing program, not a desktop publishing program. It creates huge picture files that often do not have the correct font or CMYK information imbedded in the PDF. Please do not use Photoshop for your newspaper design.
• CorelDraw – This is not acceptable. CorelDraw is a vector editing software similar to Adobe Illustrator. It is not a desktop publishing software and does not produce acceptable print ready PDFs for commercial printing.
• Microsoft Publisher – This is perfectly acceptable. Although not our favorite, it can be used for your newspaper designs. Converting to CMYK in Publisher is tricky…especially trying to get 100% black fonts. You may use Publisher for your newspaper designs.
• Microsoft Word – Word is not acceptable for PDF submission as it is not a desktop publishing software. It is a word processor and does not have the functionality to correctly convert a PDF to the correct CMYK settings or embed the necessary font information in the PDF. We will not accept PDFs created by Word.
• Microsoft PowerPoint – Powerpoint is not a desktop publishing software and lacks the capability to convert RGB to CMYK or embed the fonts needed for commercial printing. Please do not use PowerPoint.
• Mac/Apple Pages – Pages is a basic design program for home use. It does not have the capacity to convert RGB to CMYK for commercial printing. Please do not use Mac Pages.
• Serif PagePlus – This is perfectly acceptable. This is the only Serif program that is a true desktop publishing software.
• QuarkXPress – This is perfectly acceptable.