Quark keeps its quirks in Version 8

Quark begins the long climb back into the print and publishing world with its latest release, QuarkXPress 8.

Described by CEO, Raymond Schiavone, as "the most stable release in our history", the new software has been designed with a revamped interface that operates on a basis of fewer clicks allowing greater ease for design.

Its new features include a picture content tool, allowing users to grab, rotate and scale images in real-time; a redefined Beizer Pen tool that makes it possible to draw illustrations directly in QuarkXPress 8; workspace enhancements including new buttons for instant access to master pages and exporting to PDF, EPS and HTML; an enhanced measurements palette and the ability to drag text from the desktop, Adobe Bridge, iPhoto or any other application that supports drag and drop.

These features were all inspired by Quark users, Schiovone said. "These changes came about from talking directly to our customers and clients. We have to get innovative in how we address the design process."

This in itself is a significant change for a company that was – in Schiovone's words – "arrogant" and "secretive".

While it is competitively priced at $1399 for the full package or $499 as an upgrade, there are a number of important features lacking from this release. Automatic bleed guides and a preview function are notably absent, as is the editing of masterpage elements on document pages. The interface, which claims to be revamped, is also familiar enough to be synonymous with the Quark of old.

Schiovone remains optimistic that Quark has not had its day. He points to the warm welcome that XPress 8 received from visitors at drupa. "We had 50 people an hour coming for demonstrations," he said.

Pictured: Raymond Schiovone, CEO (left) with Aussie expat, Graham Freeman (right).

"The response was well beyond what we expected," added Graham Freeman, senior vice president of sales, Latin America and Asia.

In Australia, Quark now faces the challenge of getting the new software taught and used by future graphic designers - secondary and tertiary students.

"We're going back to these institutions with an aggressive plan to get them trained up," Freeman said.

Following the software's launch in Melbourne, RMIT University confirmed that it would add the program back to its curriculum, Freeman said. "XPress 8 will create more interest in Quark again."