Calamus SL
Calamus SL is a frame-based publishing layout system for Windows and macOS, with text, image, and vector editing in the document layout.
What Calamus SL is
Calamus SL is a frame-based publishing layout system for Windows and macOS, with text, image, and vector editing in the document layout. Users can work with those elements in mask frames, and its modular architecture allows optional modules to add functions. Typography features include micro and macro typographical functions and EDDIE, an integrated text editor. A macro recorder can capture nearly every available function and assign the recording to a keystroke. The Calipso module imports PostScript data as editable content, while Calipso 3 PRO imports PDFs with editable text, images, and vector graphics. Calamus SoftRipping uses the same routines for screen and printer or typesetter output, and supports mixed raster types on one page, including FM raster. Listed capabilities include PDF export, master pages, preflight tools, and color management; collaboration level is none. The maker advertises a 30-day free trial for the Lite Edition. The price list displays “Company closed,” and downloads of listed full versions require a matching paid matchcode.
Good
- Edits text, image, and vector data within layouts.
- Optional modules extend its functions.
- Macro recorder can assign recorded work to a keystroke.
- Imports PostScript and PDF as editable content with modules.
- PDF export, master pages, preflight, and color management listed.
Watch out
- Collaboration level is none.
- Full-version downloads require a matching paid matchcode.
- Price list displays “Company closed”.
- Listed prices date from March 11, 2018.
Who it suits
Calamus SL suits publishing users who need layout-based editing of text, images, and vector data, along with typographic and print-output tools. Its listed collaboration level is none.
Verdict
Calamus SL offers a broad set of layout, editing, and output capabilities, with optional modules for additional import functions. The company-closure notice and dated price list are important considerations before pursuing a purchase.
Plans and prices
From Calamus SL's own pricing page, checked 30 Sep 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Calamus LE 2015 (lite edition) | €50, paid once | Lite edition · 30 days free trial · Registration price; homepage describes a 30 days free trial before registration |
| Calamus SL 2015 (Release 4) | €199, paid once | Full version · additional licenses from third user: 99.00 EUR · Full version (new purchase); price list says valid as of March 11, 2018 |
| Calamus SLC 2015 Complete Edition (Release 4) | €999, paid once | Complete Edition · additional licenses from third user: 99.00 EUR · Complete Edition at a special price; price list says valid as of March 11, 2018 |
The facts
Each one read from Calamus SL's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Automation
- An integrated macro recorder can record nearly every available function and assign recorded work to a keystroke.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Downloads
- Downloads for Calamus SL 2015 R4, SL 2006 R8, and SL 2003 R3 require the matching paid matchcode; the site lists the lite edition and manuals among free downloads.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Editing
- The maker says users can edit text, image, and vector data within a document layout and mask frames.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Modular design
- Calamus SL has a modular architecture with optional modules that add functions according to the user's needs.checked 30 Sep 2026
- PDF import module
- The Calipso 3 PRO module imports PDF documents with editable images, vector graphics, and text.checked 30 Sep 2026
- PostScript import
- The maker says the Calipso module imports PostScript data from other applications as editable content.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Print output
- Calamus SoftRipping uses the same routines for screen and printer or typesetter output, and supports mixed raster types on one page, including FM raster.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Product type
- Calamus SL is a frame based layout system for publishing with integrated text, image, and vector editing tools.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Security
- The price list says customer data is basically transferred via a secure SSL connection.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Support
- The maker provides manuals, a support area, a forum, and a bug report link.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Typography
- The maker describes micro and macro typographical functions and an integrated text editor called EDDIE.checked 30 Sep 2026
The company
- Company status
- The maker's price list displays the notice “Company closed”.checked 30 Sep 2026
Money
- Trial
- The maker advertises a 30 days free trial for the Calamus LE Lite Edition.checked 30 Sep 2026
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