PageStream
PageStream is a desktop publishing and page layout program for arranging text, images and drawings into pages as they will appear in the finished work.
What PageStream is
PageStream is a desktop publishing and page layout program for arranging text, images and drawings into pages as they will appear in the finished work. Its design range spans business cards and postage stamps through encyclopedias and billboards. Shape and path tools support geometric forms, irregular polygons and sketches, and the program imports pictures, drawings and EPS illustrations made with applications such as Photoshop, Illustrator, GIMP and ImageFX. It cannot create bitmap pictures or EPS illustrations internally, though it can export or print to those formats. Version 5 adds text and object transparency, picture alpha-channel transparency, printer marks, path editing and bitmap-picture output. The Professional edition adds TextFX, borders, effects, templates and forms, and can place a specified PDF page as a graphic. PageStream supports PDF export, master pages and color management. It is available for Windows, Macintosh OS X, Linux and Amiga. The standard edition is $99.95 once, while Professional is $149.95 once; a 14-day trial is available.
Good
- Combines text, images and drawings in page layouts.
- Includes shape and path drawing tools.
- Supports PDF export, master pages and color management.
- Professional can place a specified PDF page as a graphic.
Watch out
- Cannot create bitmap pictures internally.
- Cannot create EPS illustrations internally.
- No free plan is listed; a 14-day trial is available.
Who it suits
PageStream suits people who need to lay out print-oriented pages, from cards and newsletters to larger publications. Its Professional edition is for users who need the additional effects, templates, forms or PDF-page placement.
Verdict
PageStream covers page layout and drawing, with a Professional edition that adds tools and PDF-page placement. Consider its stated bitmap and EPS creation limits before choosing it.
Plans and prices
From PageStream's own pricing page, checked 2 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| PageStream5.1 | $99.95, paid once | full standard edition · platform choice |
| PageStream5.1 Pro | $149.95, paid once | full Professional edition · platform choice |
The facts
Each one read from PageStream's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Audience
- The maker says professionals use PageStream for typography, drawing, color output and scripts, while beginners use it for newsletters, cards and banners.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Bitmap limitation
- PageStream cannot create bitmapped pictures or EPS illustrations internally, but it can export or print to bitmap or EPS files for later import.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Core workflow
- Users can mix text, images and drawings and interactively design pages as they will appear in the final product.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Design scope
- It supports designs ranging from business cards and postage stamps to encyclopedias and billboards.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- Official demos are listed for Linux, Macintosh OS X, MorphOS, Windows 32-bit and Windows 64-bit.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Drawing tools
- PageStream includes shape and path tools for geometric shapes, irregular polygons and sketches.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Graphic import
- It can import pictures, drawings and EPS illustrations created with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, GIMP and Nova Design ImageFX.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Language support
- The download page lists translation, language-module, hyphenation-exception and spelling-dictionary support across many languages.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Product type
- PageStream is a creative desktop publishing and page layout program.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Pro features
- PageStream Professional includes TextFX, Borders 1 and 2, Gary's Effects, Paper Direct templates and Home & Office forms.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Pro PDF support
- Professional users can place a specified PDF page onto a PageStream page like an EPS graphic.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Support
- Free support includes an internet mailing list, private email support, FAQs and free updates.checked 2 Oct 2026
- System requirements
- The documentation states that PageStream 5.0 for Windows requires Windows 95 or later or NT 4.0 or later through Vista and Windows 7, with 60MB of disk space.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Version 5 features
- PageStream 5 adds text and object transparency, picture alpha-channel transparency, definable printer marks, path editing tools and bitmap-picture output.checked 2 Oct 2026
The company
- Headquarters
- Belle Fourche, South Dakota, USAchecked 28 Sep 2026
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