QuarkXPress 6.5 available now as a free upgrade

The major upgrade addresses some of the issues raised by users, including importing PhotoShop native PSD files and improved printing. The new upgrade enhances the 'PhotoShop killer' attributes of Quark, enhancing the ability to manipulate images with QuarkVista XTensions software.

Mark Jelic, (pictured - "We don't do ties.") XClusive Software, expects the new upgrade to increase the flow of Quark users graduating up to the OS X version of the leading industry layout program. Following the appointment of his company as an alternative Quark distributor in Australia and New Zealand, the price of upgrading from Quark 4.0 to 6.0 has tumbled to less than $1,000.

"The recommended retail price is $979, but you can get it for less from some retail channels," he said.

The new price point will come as a surprise to Australian and New Zealand Quark users who have grown accustomed to sky-high prices, way out of parity with the USA. According to Jelic, since he entered the market three months ago, the price of the upgrade has fallen by over 30 per cent.

"It's taken some time to get the processes and support in place. But in recent weeks I've been surprised at the volume of upgrades. All this talk about InDesign taking over from Quark is not true," he said.

Offering new features as well as increased stability and reliability, QuarkXPress 6.5 was developed in direct response to user requests. Functionality has been added for image manipulation, variable data printing and native Photoshop file importing as well as other enhancements.

For a limited time, registered QuarkXPress 6.5 users can download a font package with more than 40 OpenType fonts from Linotype.

Download the Quark 6.5 upgrade from www.xclusive.com