InPage

InPage is desktop publishing software for Urdu and related Perso-Arabic languages, with a companion mobile app for editing Nastaliq and Naskh files. It is best suited to publishers preparing script-specific newspapers, magazines, or books. Its specialized typography and publishing exports make a strong case for Windows users, but the desktop application is not for Mac.

Overview

InPage brings page composition, Nastaliq-aware typography, and publishing output into a focused toolkit for Perso-Arabic material. Its maker says it has supported publishing requirements since its introduction in 1994. That long-standing specialization is the point: for Urdu and related-script publishing, the features address needs a general layout app may not prioritize. For work that does not depend on those scripts, or for a Mac desktop workflow, its narrower scope is harder to justify.

Key features

• Script-specific typesetting: The desktop product supports Urdu, Arabic, Persian, Sindhi, Kashmiri, Pushto, and Hazaragi. Automatic kerning in Nastaliq reduces extra spacing between words, a meaningful aid to shaping readable, compact text in that script.
• Page composition: Linked and unlinked text boxes, master pages, and automatic lines between text-box columns help organize publication pages. InPage 4.1 adds character style sheets, multi-level bullets and numbering, spell check with autocorrection, and word completion. These tools suit recurring, text-heavy layouts, though they are most valuable to users already working in InPage’s language-focused workflow.
• Publishing output: InPage 4.1 imports AI and EPS files and exports pages as EPS, GIF, PNG, TIFF, or BMP at selectable resolution from 96 to 1200 DPI. It can also generate ePUB files, giving publishers both image output and an electronic-book format.
• Related tools: The InDesign plugin offers a Quran Glossary panel containing Indo-Pak Quranic text, with selection by Surah or Ayah. The free mobile app creates and edits Nastaliq and Naskh files for use with the InPage Urdu desktop application and works with the InPage keyboard.
• Conversion: InPage Tools runs in the cloud without downloads and says it supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices. It converts INP files to PDF through version 4.0, and to EPUB or TXT through version 3.6. Owners using newer files should check those version ceilings before relying on conversion.

Pricing

InPage combines free entry points with paid conversion and support. The zero-cost options let readers try core functions, but the limits matter if conversion or ongoing assistance is central to the workflow.

• InPage Lite: free. This free version provides essential InPage features, making it a starting point for readers who need the basics rather than a paid support program.
• InPage Tools Free Trial: free, with 50,000 words and PDF conversion available to all users. It gives a meaningful conversion allowance, but the word cap makes it less suited to sustained high-volume work.
• InPage Mobile App: free. It creates and edits Nastaliq and Naskh files, a useful no-cost option for mobile editing alongside the desktop application.
• InPage Tools conversion: ₹0.01, paid once, billed INR 0.01/word. This is pay-per-word conversion for INP to PDF through version 4.0 and to EPUB or TXT through version 3.6; the version limits apply regardless of the low per-word rate.
• InPage Premium Users Club Annual Support Program: $50 a year, billed US$ 50 per year for every user. It includes annual support and free upgrades and major releases. The per-user annual charge suits users who want continuing assistance and updates; free support after purchase lasts only the first three months, with annual support optional afterward.

Platforms

The supported desktop platform is Windows, and the maker’s payment guide says the desktop product is not for Mac operating systems. That rules it out for Mac-first desktop publishing, despite the cloud conversion utility’s stated support for macOS and other systems. The free mobile app offers a separate editing route, while the desktop application remains the core publishing choice.

Who it's for

InPage is the clearest fit for publishers producing Urdu and related Perso-Arabic material who need Nastaliq typography, structured page layout, and print or ePUB output on Windows. The mobile app is useful for creating or editing Nastaliq and Naskh files away from the desktop. Readers seeking cross-platform desktop publishing, or whose work does not need InPage’s script-specific tools, should compare broader alternatives.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Support for seven Perso-Arabic scripts and automatic Nastaliq kerning target the typographic needs of Urdu and related-language publishing.
• Pro: Text-box linking, master pages, column rules, and 4.1’s editing aids support structured, text-heavy publications.
• Pro: A wide selection of image exports, adjustable 96–1200 DPI output, and ePUB generation cover both page assets and electronic books.
• Con: The desktop product is Windows-only, so Mac users cannot make it their desktop publishing application.
• Con: Conversion support stops at INP version 4.0 for PDF and 3.6 for EPUB and TXT, which may constrain users with newer files.
• Con: The free conversion trial is capped at 50,000 words, and ongoing annual support costs $50 per user per year.

Alternatives

For a wider range of publishing workflows, browse the Desktop Publishing Software category.

• VivaDesigner is worth considering when a reader wants a freemium publishing option with a 30-day full-feature trial that continues as a limited Free Edition, and platform support spanning web, Windows, macOS, Linux, API, and self-hosted use.
• Blurb BookWright is a better match for desktop book design with templates, layout suggestions, and offline editing; its desktop app is available for Windows and macOS.
• Flipsnack suits readers making digital flipbooks across Android, iOS, and web. Its free plan allows 5 flipbooks of 15 pages each and 100 MB PDF uploads, with 250 one-time AI credits.
• PublishMedia offers a broad platform range including Linux, macOS, web, and Windows. Its Free Starter plan opens and views unlimited Publisher and Office files, but stored files last seven days and editing and export are unavailable.
• Affinity is a free option for individuals who want vector design, pixel photo editing, page layout, export tools, and Canva integration on macOS or Windows.
• Laidout is a free Linux-only alternative under GPL 3.0, suited to readers who want that platform and license.
• Scribus is a free desktop publishing option with downloads for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
• iStudio Publisher is another publishing app to consider.

Verdict

Choose InPage if you publish Urdu or related Perso-Arabic material on Windows and need Nastaliq-aware typography alongside page layout and multiple publishing exports. Its strongest case is the combination of script-specific tools and publication-focused composition. Look elsewhere if Mac desktop support is essential or your INP files exceed the conversion utility’s version limits.